This guide will walk you through practical tips and proven methods to train your dachshund effectively, ensuring both you and your four-legged friend live a happy life together.
Why Are Dachshunds Stubborn?
Before we jump into training, it’s important to understand why dachshunds have earned a reputation for being stubborn. These small but mighty dogs were bred to hunt badgers and other burrowing animals. Their work required independent decision-making, determination, and fearlessness. While these traits make them excellent hunters, they also mean dachshunds can be headstrong, curious, and not always eager to follow every command.
Understanding their history and personality helps you tailor your training methods to work with their natural instincts rather than against them.
Establishing a Foundation for Dachshund Training
The foundation of any successful dog training involves trust, consistency, and positive reinforcement. Here are some general principles to keep in mind before tackling specific commands or behaviors:
1. Build a Strong Bond
Your dachshund needs to trust and feel connected to you. Spend quality time together, bonding through play, cuddles, and routine. A dachshund that feels secure and loved will naturally be more willing to listen to you.
2. Be Patient and Consistent
Dachshunds thrive on routine and structure. Make sure you’re consistent with training times and commands. If you give mixed signals or become impatient, your dachshund will lose focus and may resist the process.
3. Use Positive Reinforcement
Reward-based training works wonders for dachshunds. Use treats, praise, and affection to reinforce good behavior. Avoid punishment; it can make them more defensive or anxious, which sets training back.
4. Keep Training Sessions Short
While dachshunds are intelligent, they also have short attention spans. Limit training sessions to 5–10 minutes at a time to keep them engaged and focused.
Key Training Commands for Dachshunds
Here are the essential commands you’ll want to teach your dachshund, along with tips for mastering each one:
1. Sit
Teaching your dachshund to sit is a great way to begin training, as it’s one of the easiest commands.
How to teach "sit":
- Hold a treat close to your dog’s nose.
- Slowly move your hand upward, allowing your dog’s head to follow the treat while their bottom naturally lowers to the ground.
- Once they’re sitting, say “sit” and give them the treat along with praise.
- Repeat several times daily until they master the command.
2. Come
The "come" command is crucial for keeping your dachshund safe, especially outdoors.
How to teach "come":
- Start by attaching your dachshund to a long leash in a distraction-free area.
- Get down to their level and say “come” in an enthusiastic tone while gently pulling the leash toward you.
- Reward them with treats and praise when they reach you.
- Gradually phase out the leash as they improve at responding to the command reliably.
3. Stay
Teaching the “stay” command builds discipline and enhances your dachshund’s focus.
How to teach "stay":
- Ask your dachshund to “sit” first.
- Open your palm toward them, say “stay,” and take a step back.
- If they stay in place, immediately reward them with a treat and praise.
- Gradually increase the distance and duration as they improve.
4. No (or Leave It)
This command is essential for managing misbehavior, such as chewing on shoes or picking up unsafe items.
How to teach “no”:
- Show your dachshund a treat and say “no” when they try to snatch it.
- Wait until they stop and look at you before rewarding them with a different treat.
- Practice with various objects to reinforce the meaning of “no” or “leave it.”
Managing Stubborn Behavior
No matter how well you train your dachshund, there will be days when their stubborn streak takes over. Here’s how to handle those moments:
1. Keep Calm and Stay Firm
If your dachshund refuses to respond, don’t lose your temper. Calmly redirect their attention back to the task at hand and use treats or toys to regain their focus.
2. Avoid Giving in to Tantrums
Dachshunds can be surprisingly dramatic! They might whine or give you those irresistible puppy eyes. Resist the urge to cave in, as this reinforces bad behavior.
3. Adjust to Their Mood
If your dachshund seems particularly distracted or restless, try shorter training sessions or tackle commands they already know.
4. Incorporate Playtime
Use their love for fun to your advantage. Incorporate play into training sessions to keep them excited and engaged.
Other Tips for Dachshund Training Success
Socialization
Expose your dachshund to various environments, people, and other dogs from an early age. Proper socialization reduces anxiety and helps them adapt to new situations confidently.
Crate Training
Crate training is an excellent way to provide your dachshund with a safe space and manage potty training. Make the crate comfortable and introduce it gradually so they associate it with positive experiences.
Mental Stimulation
Since dachshunds are highly intelligent, they need plenty of mental stimulation to prevent boredom. Puzzle toys, scent games, and interactive feeders are fantastic ways to challenge their minds.
Exercise
While dachshunds are small, they’re surprisingly energetic. Daily walks and play sessions help expend their energy and promote good behavior.
Enjoy Life with a Well-Trained Dachshund
Training a dachshund requires effort, but the rewards are immeasurable. With a little patience, consistency, and plenty of treats, you’ll have a well-behaved companion who will bring you endless joy.
Remember, every dachshund is unique, so tailor your approach to their individual personality. If you’re feeling stuck, don’t hesitate to consult a professional dog trainer for guidance.
Got a training tip or funny dachshund story? Share it with us in the comments below—we’d love to hear from you!