Does your dachshund ignore you when you call or bark nonstop? These little sausage dogs are smart but can be stubborn. With the right training, they can become well-behaved and happy pets.
Keep reading to learn simple tips that really work!
Key Takeaways
- Dachshunds are independent and stubborn, so patience and positive reinforcement are key during training. Use tasty treats like chicken or cheese to reward good behavior.
- Short, fun sessions work best for dachshund training. Keep each session under 10 minutes to hold their attention and avoid frustration.
- Training should start early, ideally in the first year. Socialize puppies with people, pets, and new environments to prevent anxiety later in life.
- Consistency is crucial—use the same commands and routines daily for tasks like sitting or crate training. Avoid mixed signals to reduce confusion.
- Address common behavior issues like barking or digging by redirecting energy through calm environments, puzzle toys, or designated digging zones outdoors.
Understand the Dachshund’s Personality
Dachshunds have big attitudes packed in small bodies. Their smarts and strong wills can make training tricky but rewarding.
Independent thinkers
Dachshunds can think for themselves and often act on instinct. Their hunting background makes them bold, even with larger animals. This means they may question commands or try to do things their way.
Miniature dachshunds share this stubborn streak too.
Their “big dog” attitude adds to their independence. Training takes patience but isn’t impossible. Use creative methods like positive reinforcement during puppy training sessions to keep them engaged.
Stubborn tendencies
Their independent nature often leads to stubbornness. This trait dates back to their history as hunters, where quick decisions were key. Training can be tricky because they prefer doing things their way.
A dachshund might ignore commands if it doesn’t see any personal benefit.
Patience is your best friend with a miniature dachshund or standard one alike. Use firm but gentle dog training methods like positive reinforcement paired with tiny treats. Consistency matters most; without it, selective hearing kicks in quickly! Stick to daily routines and avoid giving mixed signals during obedience training sessions.
Training Essentials for Dachshunds
Training a dachshund takes patience and kindness. Keep their training fun, like a game, to hold their short attention span.
Use positive reinforcement techniques
Reward good behavior with treats or praise. Dachshunds love tasty snacks like low-calorie dog treats, so use them wisely. Say “good job” or give a pat when your wiener dog listens to commands.
Positive reinforcement builds trust and encourages repeated good behavior.
Avoid yelling or harsh corrections; it can cause anxiety in dachshunds. If your pup misbehaves, calmly say “no” or make a quick sound like “aht!” Using gentle methods keeps their temperament balanced and happy.
Reward with high-value treats
Positive reinforcement works best with irresistible treats. Offer low-calorie, high-value options like chicken, cheese, or meats. If those fail, try Pupford Training Treats or Redbarn Protein Puffs.
Tiny pieces make the reward quick without overfeeding.
Dachshunds respond well to tasty rewards during obedience training. A weiner dog will stay focused if they know something special is coming. Keep a mix of treats handy and use them only during training sessions for better results.
Train in a quiet and distraction-free space
High-value treats grab your dachshund’s attention, but a calm spot keeps it. Start training indoors, away from loud sounds and busy areas. A quiet room helps your dog focus on obedience training without distractions.
Avoid spaces with other pets or people moving around. Puppies learn best in peaceful surroundings.
Once the basics are solid, add slight distractions to test their focus. For example, train with soft noises or a toy nearby. Gradually work toward noisier places like parks or backyards.
This step-by-step approach builds confidence and recall training skills for your wiener dog’s long-term success.
Tips for Effective Training
Training a dachshund takes patience and practice, but it can also be fun. Stick with clear rules, stay upbeat, and make learning a game they’ll want to play!
Keep sessions short and engaging
Limit training sessions to 5 minutes per command. Short bursts keep wiener dogs focused and excited. Go beyond plain treats; use high-value rewards like bits of chicken or cheese. These grab attention quickly.
Switch up activities to hold interest. Teach recall training one moment, then move on to simple crate training tips the next. Keep energy high, but don’t overdo it—10 minutes a day is plenty for dachshund puppy training!
Be consistent with commands and routines
Short sessions are great, but without consistency, they lose value. Stick to the same commands for tasks like sitting, staying, or walking on a leash. If you say “sit” one day and “down” another for the same action, your dachshund will get confused.
Miniature dachshunds and standard dachshunds thrive on clear directions.
Routines also set boundaries. Feed at the same times daily, walk at consistent hours, and keep crate training predictable. Repetition helps them feel secure while learning faster. Mixing cues or skipping steps can frustrate both of you! Stay steady; it’s key to obedience training success with these independent dogs.
Start training early and socialize your dachshund
Dogs like Alice, a sweet three-month-old miniature Dachshund, soak up new experiences fast. Training during the first year is critical. Puppies learn routines and good behavior more easily in this phase.
Expose your dachshund to everyday sounds, people, and other pets early on. Take walks in busy parks or introduce them to friendly neighborhood dogs.
Puppy socialization prevents dog anxiety later in life. Let groomers gently handle their paws or ears so they stay calm during grooming visits. Start crate training as soon as possible; it helps with housebreaking and makes traveling easier for both of you.
Short recall training sessions also teach them to come back quickly if distracted outdoors!
Addressing Common Behavior Challenges
Tackling barking, digging, or stubbornness with your dachshund takes patience and smart strategies—read on for tips that work!
Managing excessive barking
Excessive barking in dachshunds can stem from boredom, anxiety, or alertness. Use positive reinforcement to teach quiet behavior. For example, reward your dog with a treat when they stop barking after being told “quiet.” Consistency is key.
Stick to the same command and tone every time.
Create a calm environment by reducing triggers like loud noises or strangers at the door. Crate training helps some dogs feel safer, lowering anxiety-related barking. If they bark excessively during crate time, wait for silence before letting them out or giving attention.
Reducing digging habits
Give your dachshund a place to dig. Create a designated digging zone in the yard. Fill it with sand or soft dirt, then hide toys or treats inside. This redirects their energy and saves your lawn from chaos.
Keep them busy! Mental and physical stimulation is key. Play games like fetch or tug-of-war daily. Use puzzle toys to challenge their minds when indoors. A tired dog has less time to dig up trouble!
Handling selective hearing
Selective hearing can drive any dog owner up the wall. Dachshunds, being independent by nature, might pretend not to hear you when they’re focused elsewhere. Use high-value treats that excite your dachshund puppy’s taste buds, like small pieces of chicken or cheese.
Reward them immediately after they respond to commands during training sessions.
Stick to recall training in quiet areas free from distractions. Say their name with a cheerful tone and follow it with simple commands like “come.” Be patient but firm—consistency builds trust and obedience in dachshund temperament over time.
Avoid yelling; it increases dog anxiety instead of improving focus. Keep things fun for better results!
Conclusion
Training a dachshund takes patience, love, and consistency. These little weiner dogs may be stubborn, but with positive reinforcement and clear rules, they’ll surprise you. Focus on short sessions, tasty rewards, and early socialization to guide your pup.
Keep at it—progress might be slow, but the results will be worth it. A well-behaved dachshund makes life sweeter for everyone!
FAQs
1. How do I start dachshund puppy training?
Begin with basic obedience training and positive reinforcement. Use treats and praise to reward good behavior during recall training or crate training sessions.
2. What’s the best way to handle dachshund barking?
Dachshunds tend to bark often, especially when bored or anxious. Redirect their attention with toys or commands, and reward quiet moments using positive reinforcement.
3. How can I socialize my miniature dachshund or standard dachshund?
Start puppy socialization early by introducing your dog to different people, sounds, and environments in a calm setting. This reduces fear and helps develop a balanced temperament.
4. Why does my dachshund dig so much?
Dachshunds were bred for hunting small animals underground, so digging is natural for them. Provide toys that satisfy this instinct or designate a specific area where they can dig freely.
5. Can crate training help with dog anxiety in weiner dogs?
Yes, crate training creates a safe space for your dachshund puppy when they feel stressed or overwhelmed. Make the crate comfortable and never use it as punishment.
6. When should I consult a dog trainer for my dachshund’s behavior issues?
If growling, excessive barking, or other behaviors persist despite consistent efforts like obedience training at home, reaching out to an experienced dog trainer may help resolve these problems effectively.