totally unobedient dachsund

Question
My dogs name is jake he is a three month old dachsund puppy and refuses to poop or pee outside we take him out all the time and he holds it till he gets back in the house, and he chews everything and he play bites we have tried everything he refuses to learn what can we do short of getting rid of him? we are about to tear our hair out.

Answer
Phyllis, dachshunds are notorious for being difficult to house break. At his age, he needs to be given an opportunity to potty outside at least every 3 hours. Putting him on a feeding/water/potty schedule should help as well. Feed him twice a day, rather than leaving food down for him all the time. After 30 minutes, pick the bowl up and dump whatever he hasn't eaten back in your dog food storage container. Allow him access to water for up to 45 minutes after he finishes eating, then pick it up. You can allow him 30 minutes access to water halfway through the day if you want, too.

Take him outside 20 minutes or so after he's finished eating and drinking. Most puppies will have a bowel movement within 20 minutes of eating.

When you take him out to potty, make sure he's on a leash. Walk him around for a few minutes, and take him to the same spot in the yard every time. After he finishes going potty, praise him and if it's safe to do so, let him off the leash so he can play for a few minutes. Make pottying outside a wonderful thing!

When you bring him back in, the leash should go back on, and you should keep him attached to you (the leash should be 6-8 feet long) so that if he starts to potty in the house, you can immediately get him outside.

Chewing and play biting are both normal puppy behaviors. He's probably beginning to teethe, so make sure he has plenty of things to gnaw on. Nylabones and frozen Kongs filled with peanut butter, cream cheese, canned dog food, etc. are good for this. So are frozen raw bones.

For the play biting, make sure that when you play with him, it's always with a toy, and if he starts going for your hands, say "NO BITE" in a firm tone of voice and offer him the toy instead. When he goes for the toy, praise him! If you have to tell him "NO BITE" three times in a play session, after the third time, get up and walk away, taking the toy with you. Ignore him until he's lost interest in you.