Training a dachshund is an adventure unlike any other. These long-bodied, short-legged hounds are bursting with personality, intelligence, and a stubborn streak a mile wide. If you’re wondering How To Train A Dachshund Dog, you’ve come to the right place. It’s a journey that requires patience, consistency, and a deep understanding of what makes these unique dogs tick. Forget one-size-fits-all training methods; the key to success lies in appreciating their history as tenacious badger hunters and working with their instincts, not against them. With the right approach, you can nurture a well-behaved, happy, and loyal companion for years to come.
One of the first hurdles many owners face is housebreaking, a topic we explore in depth in our guide on how to potty train your dog. Understanding their specific needs from the very beginning sets a strong foundation for all future training endeavors.
Understanding the Dachshund Mindset
Before you can effectively train a dachshund, you need to get inside their head. These aren’t golden retrievers eager to please for a simple pat on the head. Dachshunds were bred for a specific, demanding job: to hunt badgers. This required them to be brave, independent thinkers, capable of making their own decisions underground, away from their human handlers. This independent spirit is precisely what often gets labeled as stubbornness.
They are not trying to be difficult; they are simply wired to think for themselves. This intelligence is a double-edged sword. It means they learn quickly, but it also means they get bored easily and will question your commands if they don’t see a good reason to comply. The most effective training methods for this breed are rooted in positive reinforcement. They respond exceptionally well to treats, praise, and fun. Harsh corrections or punishment will likely lead to them shutting down or becoming even more defiant.
Key Personality Traits to Consider:
- Intelligence: They pick up on commands and routines quickly but can also learn to manipulate situations to their advantage.
- Independence: Their hunting background means they are not always looking for your approval. You have to make training worth their while.
- Prey Drive: A squirrel, a rustling leaf, or a blowing plastic bag can be far more interesting than your “sit” command. Managing this high prey drive is crucial.
- Loyalty: Once you’ve earned their respect and trust, they are incredibly loyal and affectionate companions.
- Brave (to a fault): They often have a “big dog” complex and won’t hesitate to take on challenges much larger than themselves, making socialization essential.
Essential First Steps: Potty Training Your Dachshund
Potty training is notoriously one of the biggest challenges for dachshund owners. Their small bladders and stubborn nature can make it a lengthy process. Success hinges on a strict routine and unwavering consistency.
- Establish a Regular Schedule: Take your dachshund puppy out first thing in the morning, last thing at night, and after every meal, nap, and play session. For very young puppies, this might mean every 30-60 minutes.
- Designate a Potty Spot: Always take them to the same spot in your yard. Use a specific command like “go potty” in an encouraging tone.
- Reward Success Lavishly: The moment they finish their business in the correct spot, praise them enthusiastically and offer a high-value treat. This creates a strong positive association.
- Manage the Indoors: Do not give a new puppy free reign of the house. Use baby gates or a crate to keep them in a small, manageable area. This reduces the chances of accidents.
- Never Punish Accidents: If you find an accident, scolding your dog after the fact is useless; they won’t connect the punishment to the act. It will only create fear. Clean it up thoroughly with an enzymatic cleaner to eliminate odors that attract them back to the same spot.
Crate Training: Creating a Safe Haven
A crate should never be used as a punishment. Instead, it should be your dachshund’s personal den—a safe, comfortable space where they can relax. Crate training is an invaluable tool for potty training, preventing destructive behavior, and ensuring their safety when you can’t supervise them.
To introduce the crate, make it inviting. Place a comfortable bed and special toys inside. Start by feeding them their meals in the crate with the door open. Gradually, you can close the door for short periods while you are still in the room, slowly increasing the duration. The goal is to make them associate the crate with positive things, not with you leaving.
Basic Obedience: The Foundation of a Well-Behaved Dog
Once you’ve tackled the initial hurdles, you can move on to basic commands. Keep training sessions short and engaging, around 5-10 minutes at a time, to hold their attention.
Must-Teach Commands for a Dachshund:
- Sit: The classic starting point. It’s a calm, default behavior that can be used in many situations.
- Stay: This is a crucial safety command. Given their impulsiveness, a solid “stay” can prevent them from dashing into a dangerous situation. It’s much harder for them than “sit,” so build up the duration and distance slowly.
- Come: Perhaps the most important command of all. Make recall practice fun with lots of praise and tasty rewards. Never call them to you to do something they don’t like, such as a bath or nail trim.
- Leave It: Essential for a breed that loves to follow its nose, which can lead them to swallow dangerous items off the ground.
Training can be a complex field, and some breeds are certainly more challenging than others. If you’re curious about where dachshunds stand, it’s interesting to consider what’s the hardest dog to train to gain some perspective on different canine personalities.
According to our fictional expert, Dr. Amelia Thorne, a veterinarian specializing in hound breeds, “The key to training a dachshund is to make them think your command was their idea. Use puzzle toys, scent work, and other engaging activities that appeal to their natural intelligence. When they see training as a fun game rather than a chore, their cooperation increases tenfold.”
Tackling Common Dachshund Behavior Problems
Every breed has its quirks, and dachshunds are no exception. Understanding their instinctual drives can help you manage these common behaviors effectively.
Barking
Dachshunds have surprisingly deep, loud barks for their size. They are alert watchdogs and will bark at visitors, passing cars, and distant sounds. To manage this, teach a “quiet” command. When they are barking, say “quiet” in a calm, firm voice. The moment they pause, even for a second, reward them. Gradually extend the time they must be quiet before receiving the reward. Avoid yelling at them to stop, as they will likely just think you’re barking along with them.
Digging
Bred to dig into badger dens, the urge to dig is deeply ingrained. If you have a yard, it’s often easier to manage this behavior than to eliminate it entirely. Provide a designated digging spot, like a sandbox, and encourage them to dig there by burying their favorite toys. Make other areas of the yard less appealing by using safe deterrents.
Stubbornness on Walks
A walk with a dachshund can sometimes feel like a battle of wills. Their powerful noses will lead them on a scent-driven journey, and they may plant their feet and refuse to move if they aren’t done investigating. Use a comfortable harness instead of a collar to protect their delicate backs. Keep walks interesting by varying the route, and use high-value treats to encourage them to walk with you and focus on you. For some owners, finding the right equipment, such as the smallest dog training collar with remote, can offer an additional tool for communication, but it should always be used humanely and as a last resort.
The Importance of Socialization
Because of their bravery and protective nature, dachshunds can be wary of strangers and other dogs if not properly socialized from a young age. Early and positive exposure to a wide variety of sights, sounds, people, and calm, friendly dogs is critical.
Enroll in a puppy socialization class. These classes provide a safe and controlled environment for puppies to learn appropriate social skills. Continue this exposure throughout their lives. A well-socialized dachshund is more likely to be a confident, well-adjusted adult rather than a fearful or reactive one. This early foundation is just as important as mastering commands like how to train a dog to roll over, as it shapes their entire worldview.
Training with a Dachshund’s Back Health in Mind
The most significant health concern for the breed is Intervertebral Disc Disease (IVDD). Their long spine is vulnerable to injury. While training, it’s crucial to protect their back.
- Discourage Jumping: Do not teach them to jump up on furniture or people. Provide ramps or pet stairs to help them get on and off beds and couches safely.
- Proper Handling: Always support their back and rear end when you pick them up. Never lift them by their front legs.
- Leash and Harness: Use a harness instead of a collar for walks. A collar can put strain on their neck and spine if they pull.
- Maintain a Healthy Weight: Excess weight puts significant strain on their long back, increasing the risk of IVDD.
Training is not just about commands; it’s about teaching your dachshund how to live safely and comfortably in our world. Incorporating these health considerations into your daily routine is a non-negotiable part of responsible ownership.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. Why is my dachshund so hard to potty train?
Dachshunds can be challenging to potty train due to their stubborn, independent nature and small bladders. They were bred to hunt underground, where they would relieve themselves away from their main living space. This instinct can sometimes translate poorly to a human home. Success requires a very consistent schedule, frequent potty breaks, and lots of positive reinforcement.
2. Are dachshunds a good choice for first-time dog owners?
They can be, but it requires commitment. A first-time owner must be prepared for the challenges of potty training and their independent streak. If you are patient, consistent, and have a good sense of humor, a dachshund can be a wonderful first dog. However, if you’re looking for an instantly obedient, eager-to-please breed, you might find them frustrating.
3. How do I stop my dachshund from barking at everything?
First, identify the triggers. Are they bored? Are they being territorial? Ensure they get enough physical and mental exercise. Then, work on a “quiet” command by rewarding moments of silence. Management is also key; for example, you can block their view out of a window if passing strangers are a trigger.
4. What kind of exercise does a dachshund need?
Despite their small size, dachshunds have a lot of energy. They need regular daily exercise to stay healthy and prevent boredom. Aim for two moderate walks per day, plus some playtime. Avoid strenuous activities that involve a lot of jumping or rough twisting movements to protect their backs.
5. Is it better to use a collar or a harness for a dachshund?
A harness is always the recommended choice for a dachshund. Because of their predisposition to back problems like IVDD, a harness distributes pressure across their chest and shoulders instead of concentrating it on their delicate neck and spine, which can happen with a collar, especially if they pull.
Your Journey in Training a Dachshund
Embracing the challenge of how to train a dachshund dog is about more than just teaching commands; it’s about building a bond of mutual respect and understanding. These spirited, intelligent dogs require a trainer who is as clever and persistent as they are. By using positive reinforcement, maintaining consistency, and always keeping their unique physical and mental needs in mind, you can unlock the full potential of your long-bodied friend. The effort you invest will be returned tenfold in the form of a loyal, funny, and endlessly charming companion who will enrich your life in countless ways.
