How to Train Your Dachshund for Obedience

Is your Dachshund testing your patience with their stubborn streak? These little sausage dogs are clever but can be tough to train. With the right methods, you can turn challenges into progress.

Keep reading—your obedient Dachshund journey starts here!

Key Takeaways

• Dachshunds are clever but stubborn. Short, fun training sessions (10–15 minutes) work best for keeping their focus.
• Use positive reinforcement like treats, praise, or toys to motivate them during obedience training. Avoid punishment as it may increase stubbornness.
• Teach basic commands like “sit,” “stay,” and “come” using consistent words and actions daily to build trust over time.
• Manage common issues like barking or digging by redirecting behavior with rewards or creating controlled zones for certain activities.
• Socialize your Dachshund early with other dogs and different environments to encourage calmness and good manners in new situations.

Understanding Your Dachshund’s Personality

Dachshunds are small dogs with big opinions, full of spunk and attitude. Their bold nature can make training tricky but also rewarding!

Independent nature

Dachshunds were bred to hunt badgers, making them bold and self-reliant. This independent streak means they often want to do things their way. Training requires patience since their focus can wander.

Their strong hunting instincts lead them to explore without waiting for commands. They may even ignore you if something catches their eye. Keep sessions short but engaging to hold their attention.

Stubborn tendencies

Training a dachshund often feels like bargaining with a toddler. These little dogs are clever but have minds of their own. Their stubborn streak, inherited from their history as hunting dogs, means they may resist commands or test your patience.

You’ll notice this especially while teaching basic commands like “sit” or “stay.” They might pause and stare at you as if to say, “Make me.”.

Stick to short sessions; long ones bore them quickly. Use positive reinforcement training—treats work wonders for wiener dogs! Avoid harsh words or punishment since it makes them dig in deeper (literally).

Patience and persistence turn even the most headstrong miniature dachshund into an obedient companion dog over time!

Big dog attitude in a small body

Dachshunds might be small, but they act like giants. They carry themselves with confidence and boldness. This “big dog attitude” can make them fearless even around much larger dogs.

Their independent streak adds to this personality, as they often believe they are the boss.

This strong-willed nature comes from their hunting background. Originally bred to chase badgers, dachshunds needed bravery and grit. Even miniature dachshunds share this trait today.

While adorable, their big-dog mindset means owners must balance patience with firm boundaries during training sessions.

Key Elements of Dachshund Obedience Training

Training a dachshund takes grit, kindness, and steady effort. This small but spirited breed learns best when you keep things simple and fun!

Patience and consistency

Dachshunds can be stubborn, but patience is key. Small steps work best for obedience training. Repeating commands like “sit” or “stay” daily builds their trust and focus. Stick to short sessions, 10–15 minutes at most, to keep them engaged.

Consistency makes progress stick. Use the same words and gestures each time you train your weiner dog. For example, say “down” instead of mixing it with “lie down.” Over time, they will associate those sounds with actions.

Positive reinforcement techniques

Dogs love rewards, and your Dachshund is no different. Use high-value treats like soft, low-calorie snacks to motivate them. Praise with excitement when they follow commands—your tone matters as much as the treat! Pair kind words like “Good job!” with rewards for stronger results.

Try clicker training for precision. A clicker marks the exact moment your dog follows a command, followed by a reward. Keep sessions short but fun. For example, teaching “sit” can start in 5-minute intervals using this method.

Over time, replace treats with toys or verbal praise to keep it fresh and engaging!

Setting realistic expectations

Positive reinforcement works wonders, but dachshunds can still be stubborn. Training your dachshund puppy might take weeks or even months. Don’t expect instant obedience, especially in Week 1.

Patience is key with their independent nature.

A miniature dachshund may seem small, yet they think like big dogs. They won’t master “stay” overnight or stop barking on command right away. Celebrate small wins daily, like sitting for treats or following a simple “come.” Consistency over time builds trust and results.

Basic Commands to Teach Your Dachshund

Teaching basic commands to your dachshund is like building a bridge—start strong, stay steady, and reward each step.

Sit

Start with short training sessions. Use treats your dachshund puppy loves, like small pieces of chicken or dog biscuits. Hold the treat close to their nose and slowly lift it over their head.

Their bottom will naturally drop to the ground as they look up.

Say “Sit” firmly when this happens and give the treat right away. Praise them warmly, using a happy tone of voice or belly rubs. Repeat daily for about 5-10 minutes per session.

Consistency is key with miniature dachshunds, longhaired varieties, and even smooth-coated ones—they all learn best through positive reinforcement training!

Stay

Teaching “Stay” helps a dachshund learn patience and control. Begin in a quiet room with no distractions. Use treats as rewards for holding the position. Say “Stay” firmly, step back slowly, then return and reward if they stay put.

Repeat this process daily to build success.

The push/drop/stick method works well for tracking progress. If your dachshund fails three times in a row, take smaller steps back (push). If they succeed consistently, increase difficulty (stick).

Longhaired or miniature dachshunds may need more practice due to independent streaks! Patience pays off here—this skill protects them from danger outside.

Come

Teaching your dachshund to “come” is crucial for safety and control. Start in a quiet space with no distractions. Use their name, followed by the command “come,” in a happy tone.

Reward immediately with treats or praise when they respond correctly.

Make training fun using games like the “Follow Me” game during week 6 of advanced recall training. This builds trust and keeps their focus on you, even off-leash. Be patient—dachshunds can have selective hearing but thrive with positive reinforcement training!

Leave it

Start with small items like toys or treats. Place one on the ground and hold your Dachshund’s leash. Say “Leave it” firmly and gently block them if they try to grab it. Reward them immediately with a treat when they follow the command.

Positive reinforcement works wonders here. Use small, tasty snacks every time your Dachshund obeys. Practice daily in different rooms and gradually increase difficulty by using higher-value objects or practicing outdoors.

Patience is key—it may take weeks, but this lays the foundation for better behavior later!

Addressing Common Behavioral Challenges

Dachshunds can be little troublemakers, often testing your patience. With the right approach, you can turn their quirky habits into manageable behaviors.

Barking control

Barking can quickly get out of hand with weiner dogs. They were bred to hunt badgers, which made their voices sharp and loud. A standard dachshund uses barking as a tool to alert or even express boredom.

Miniature dachshunds are no different in this regard! Teaching them takes patience and positive reinforcement training.

Ignore barking that doesn’t need attention. Reward quiet moments instead using treats or toys for motivation. If your dog barks at sounds outside, try crate training in a calm space away from windows.

For growling or excessive noise, redirect their focus with commands like “sit” or “leave it.” Controlling digging behavior pairs well with bark reduction techniques too.

Managing digging behavior

Teach your dachshund to dig in a specific spot. Set up a special digging zone in your yard or sandbox. Use treats to lure them there, then praise them for using it. Start this training by 5-9 months for best results.

Block access to areas you don’t want dug up. Use barriers, like fencing or stones, around gardens or flower beds. Keep an eye on their behavior and redirect quickly if they start digging elsewhere.

Timing is key—act fast before the habit sticks!

Handling selective hearing

Selective hearing in dachshunds is tied to their stubborn nature. Use consistency when correcting them. If your miniature dachshund ignores a command, stay calm and repeat it firmly.

Reward them immediately with treats or praise once they respond. This helps associate listening with positive outcomes.

Make training sessions engaging to hold their attention. Mix commands like “sit” and “stay” with games using toys or clickers. Keep lessons short, about 5-10 minutes, as longhaired and smooth dachshunds can lose focus quickly.

Mental stimulation reduces boredom, which often fuels disobedience.

Socialization for Obedience Success

Introduce your Dachshund to new faces, places, and smells early—this helps shape good manners and a calm attitude.

Introducing your Dachshund to other dogs

Start small with calm dogs. A miniature dachshund may feel nervous around larger breeds, so controlled introductions are key. Choose a neutral space like a park or open yard to avoid territorial behavior.

Keep the leash loose but ready for quick correction. Praise your dog during good interactions.

Puppy socialization classes by week four can work wonders for boosting confidence early on. Exposing your dachshund puppy to friends’ dogs helps too—short visits are best at first.

Gradually extend playtime as they get comfortable. Dachshunds have big attitudes packed in little bodies, so stay patient but firm if they act bossy!

Exposing your dog to various environments

Take your Dachshund puppy on short drives during Week 3. This helps them adapt to car rides and reduces future stress. Introduce new sounds, like honking or music, at a safe volume while driving.

By Week 8, bring your dog around joggers and cyclists in parks or quiet areas. Keep them on a leash for safety but allow them to observe these movements calmly. Use treats from positive reinforcement training to reward good behavior in these settings.

Useful Training Tools and Techniques

Simple tools like a clicker or tasty treats can make training your Dachshund fun and effective, so stick around to learn the tricks of the trade!

Clicker training

Clicker training uses a small device to mark good behavior with a quick sound. Pair the click with a treat, and your dachshund will connect the sound to rewards. This method works well for dachshunds because it’s clear and consistent, even for their stubborn streak.

Start by clicking every time your miniature or standard dachshund follows a command like “sit.” Over time, phase out treats but keep using the clicker. The Zigzag app can help you set up daily exercises, making training smoother for longhaired or smooth-coated pups.

Treat-based rewards

Treats work wonders for dachshund training. These small, clever dogs love rewards like tasty bites of chicken or cheese. High-value treats grab their attention fast and keep them focused during lessons.

Keep the pieces tiny to avoid overfeeding, especially with miniature dachshunds.

Use treats at the right time. For instance, reward your dachshund puppy immediately after they follow a command like “sit” or “stay.” Pair the treat with vocal praise so they connect good behavior with positive reinforcement training.

This approach motivates even stubborn longhaired or standard dachshunds to participate eagerly in obedience routines.

Using toys for motivation

Toys can spark excitement in dachshund training. Two identical furry tuggers work wonders for games like fetch or tug-of-war. Dachshunds love the thrill of chasing and grabbing, which keeps them engaged.

Chew toys are another great option to hold their attention during lessons.

Use toys as rewards for tasks like sitting or staying. Rotate different options, so they don’t lose interest quickly. Keep training fun and dynamic with these tools to tackle commands effortlessly! Ready to teach advanced tricks?

Advanced Obedience Training

Teaching advanced commands takes time, but it’s worth the effort. Your Dachshund will thrive with clear guidance and plenty of positivity.

Off-leash commands

Training a Dachshund for off-leash commands takes effort, but it’s worth it. Start with recall training in a quiet space. Use treats or toys as motivation. Call your dog by name, then say “come” firmly.

Reward them immediately when they obey.

Practice daily to build trust and consistency. Gradually increase distractions once basic recall improves. Week 7 is often ideal for teaching agility alongside advanced obedience like leash-free control.

Stay patient—Dachshunds have stubborn temperaments but thrive on positive reinforcement training!

Recall mastery

Teach your Dachshund recall through fun games. Start with the “Follow Me” game during week 6 of training. Use treats or toys as rewards to keep them focused. Call their name and move backward, encouraging them to come to you.

Praise and reward immediately when they reach you.

Practice off-leash in a secure area once they improve. Short, regular sessions work best for Dachshunds’ short attention spans. Patience is key—Dachshunds can be stubborn! Stay positive to build trust and make obedience rewarding for your dog.

Tips for Long-Term Training Success

Keep sessions short but frequent, like mini workouts for the brain. Praise your Dachshund often, so they feel like a rockstar in training.

Regular practice sessions

Practice keeps your dachshund sharp. Short training sessions, lasting 10–15 minutes, work best. Dogs lose focus quickly, so avoid overloading them. Use these moments to reinforce commands like “sit” and “stay.” Consistent effort builds habits.

Set a daily schedule for training your miniature dachshund or longhaired one. Even older dogs benefit from regular routine adjustments. Each session strengthens their obedience skills and boosts confidence in tasks.

Now let’s discuss how to keep their good behavior growing!

Reinforcing good behavior

Praise your dachshund each time they follow a command. Use treats, kind words, or a gentle pat to show them they did well. Positive reinforcement training builds trust and makes learning fun for them.

For example, give a small treat when your miniature dachshund sits on cue.

Stay consistent with rewards. If barking less earns praise today, it should tomorrow too. This keeps their behavior steady over time. Use clicker training to mark good actions quickly—it helps connect the dots faster in their mind!

Conclusion

Training your Dachshund takes time and effort, but it’s worth it. Be patient, stay consistent, and use plenty of treats and praise. Your tiny friend has a big personality—they’ll love making you proud! Keep lessons fun and short to hold their attention.

With practice, they’ll grow into a well-behaved companion for life.

FAQs

1. How do I start training my dachshund puppy for obedience?

Begin with positive reinforcement training. Use treats, praise, and patience to teach basic commands like “sit” and “stay.” Keep sessions short since dachshunds can get bored quickly.

2. Are miniature dachshunds harder to train than standard ones?

Both types can be stubborn due to their temperament. Miniature and standard dachshunds respond well to consistent training methods and clear boundaries.

3. What should I know about the dachshund temperament before training?

Dachshunds are independent but loyal dogs bred for hunting. They may test limits, so firm yet gentle guidance works best during dog training.

4. Can longhaired or smooth-coated dachshunds learn differently?

No matter the coat type—longhaired or smooth—all dachshunds benefit from similar obedience techniques like reward-based learning and repetition.

5. Should I hire a dog trainer for my disobedient dachshund?

If you’re struggling, professional dog trainers can help with advanced skills or issues like barking or leash pulling. Look for trainers familiar with small breeds like dachshunds!