If you’ve got a dachshund, you probably already know they’re playful little characters—and, let’s be honest, sometimes a bit stubborn. Training your dachshund with simple, consistent methods helps you both enjoy a more relaxed, obedient relationship. Figuring out how your doxie thinks is really the first step to making training go smoother for everyone.
Obedience training isn’t just about manners—it actually brings you closer, too. With the right approach, you’ll see changes faster than you might expect. Let’s get into some tips that’ll make teaching your dachshund feel less like a chore and more like a team effort.
Key Takeaways
- Why obedience matters for dachshunds
- Tips to start training your doxie at home
- How to deal with common behavior problems
Understanding Dachshund Obedience
Teaching a Dachshund obedience matters for your sanity and their happiness. These dogs have a big personality, and their instincts make training a little different from what you might expect with other breeds.
Why Obedience Matters for Dachshunds
Dachshunds were bred for hunting, so they’re independent, determined, and always curious. Without some boundaries, those traits can turn into barking, digging, or just plain ignoring you.
Benefits of obedience training:
- Reduces problem behaviors
- Improves how you and your Dachshund communicate
- Keeps your dog safer and more confident
- Makes daily stuff like walks or vet visits less stressful
A well-trained Dachshund is less likely to bolt or get into trouble. Obedience also helps your dog stay calm when meeting new people or animals.
Dachshund Temperament and Training Challenges
Dachshunds are clever, but wow, can they be stubborn. Their noses lead them everywhere, and they get distracted fast. They like to do things their way, honestly.
Some challenges you’ll probably run into:
- Short attention spans
- Selective listening
- Disliking repetitive tasks
If you’re patient, use clear commands, and reward them with treats or praise, you’ll get better results. Early socialization helps, too, so they know how to act in new places or around new faces.
Setting Training Expectations
Obedience with a dachshund takes time and a decent amount of patience. Progress might feel slow, especially with adults or dogs who’ve already picked up some bad habits.
Start with small wins—like teaching sit, stay, or come—before moving on to anything more complicated. Practice daily and stick to your rules so your Doxie knows what’s up.
Keep training sessions short, about 5-10 minutes, since their attention span isn’t the longest. Use a calm voice. Skip the harsh discipline—dachshunds don’t respond well to that. Encouragement and patience go a long way.
Getting Started With Doxie Training
Before you start training, set up your dachshund’s space and routine. Paying attention to their environment and daily habits helps them learn faster and sidestep a lot of common problems.
Preparing the Right Training Environment
Pick a quiet spot with minimal distractions—maybe a small room or fenced yard. Put away anything that might tempt your dachshund, like extra toys or food bowls.
Here’s what you’ll want for your setup:
- Non-slip rug or mat
- Short leash and a simple collar or harness
- Small, soft treats for rewards
- Enough space to move safely
Training only works if your dog feels comfy. Make sure there’s water nearby and a spot to rest between sessions. Try to keep things quiet—turn off the TV or ask folks to keep it down.
Train when your dog is calm but not sleepy or bouncing off the walls. Skip sessions if your dachshund is too tired, hungry, or just wild with energy.
Building a Training Routine
Stick to a daily schedule you can actually keep up with. Dachshunds do best with short, regular sessions—5 to 10 minutes each.
Some quick tips for routines:
- Train 2–3 times a day
- Use the same spot if you can
- Start with basics like sit, stay, and come
- Reward good behavior right away
Jot down what’s working and what isn’t. Tracking which commands your dachshund gets and where they’re struggling helps you tweak your plan.
Always wrap up on a high note—ask for something easy and reward them. Over time, your dachshund will actually look forward to these little sessions because they know what’s coming.
Teaching Basic Commands to Dachshunds
Dachshunds can pick up simple commands if you use the right approach. Clear steps and a bit of patience go a long way toward better behavior.
Using Positive Reinforcement Techniques
Reward-based training is the sweet spot for Dachshunds. Give treats, praise, or a good scratch when your Doxie listens. That way, they know exactly what you liked and want to do it again.
Skip the yelling or harsh stuff. Negative reactions just make Dachshunds nervous or more stubborn. Focus on what they get right, not what they mess up.
Keep training sessions short—5 to 10 minutes is plenty. Use tasty treats and sound excited. Consistency is huge—use the same words and gestures every time.
Tips for positive reinforcement:
- Pick small, soft treats
- Praise right away
- End on a win
How to Teach Sit, Stay, and Come
Start with sit—it’s usually the easiest. Hold a treat near your Doxie’s nose and slowly move your hand up. Their head will follow, and their butt will hit the floor. The second they sit, say “sit” and hand over the treat.
For stay, get your Dachshund to sit. Hold out your hand, palm out, and say “stay.” Step back. If they don’t move, return and reward them. Start with tiny distances and build up over time.
To teach come, put your Doxie on a leash. Step back and call “come” in a happy voice. When they trot over, give them a treat and lots of love. Practice these basics every day, somewhere quiet.
Effective Leash Training
Dachshunds love to pull or get distracted on walks. Use a harness that fits snug but isn’t tight.
Let your Doxie wear the harness indoors first. Clip on the leash and walk around the house to get them used to it. When they walk beside you without pulling, reward them immediately.
If your Dachshund pulls, just stop. Wait for them to come back to your side, then keep walking. Do this every time, so they learn pulling gets them nowhere.
Leash training reminders:
- Stay calm and patient
- Keep sessions short
- Praise your Doxie often
Advanced Doxie Training Strategies
Teaching your Dachshund more advanced skills takes extra patience and a few tricks. Some doxies are especially strong-willed, so training can feel like a test of wills. The key is to keep things consistent and make every session rewarding—otherwise, what’s the point?
Addressing Stubborn Behavior
Dachshunds will push the boundaries, so you have to be firm and stick to your rules. If your doxie ignores you, skip the scolding. Use a calm voice, repeat the cue, and reward the right move with a treat, a toy, or just some excited praise.
Break tasks into bite-sized steps so your dog doesn’t get overwhelmed. Try practicing “sit” at the door before walks to get their attention. Positive reinforcement works better than punishment, honestly. If your dog loses focus, end the lesson and try again later.
Tips for stubbornness:
- Keep lessons short (5-10 minutes)
- Use high-value, healthy treats
- Practice somewhere quiet
- Don’t repeat commands more than once
Socialization and Behavioral Cues
Socialization, both early and ongoing, helps your Dachshund figure out how to act around people and other animals. Take your doxie on walks in different places. Let them hear new sounds, meet new folks, and see other dogs—but keep it controlled so they don’t get overwhelmed.
Teach cues like “leave it,” “settle,” and “enough.” Use clear words and a steady tone. Practice these cues regularly, especially when something new pops up. Socialization checklist:
| Situation | Cue to Practice |
|---|---|
| Meeting new dogs | “Gentle” |
| Loud noises | “Settle” |
| Doorbell rings | “Quiet” |
Try to stay relaxed and patient. These cues help prevent barking, lunging, or anxious leash pulling. Good social skills make outings way more enjoyable for both you and your dog.
Troubleshooting Common Training Issues
Some Dachshunds really test your patience when it comes to training. They can be stubborn, anxious, or just plain distracted. Getting through these challenges takes some patience and a bit of trial and error, honestly.
Dealing With Barking and Digging
Dachshunds bark and dig—a lot—thanks to their hunting background. If your dog won’t stop barking, try a “quiet” command and give a treat the moment they stop. Stick to a predictable routine so your pup feels secure. Yelling? That usually just makes things louder.
For digging, set up a designated digging spot like a sandbox. When your Doxie starts digging in the wrong place, gently move them to the right area. More walks and puzzle toys can help burn off that extra energy, and honestly, a tired Dachshund is a better-behaved one.
Key tips for both behaviors:
- Stay calm and consistent
- Reward good behavior right away
- Redirect your dog before barking or digging gets out of hand
Managing Separation Anxiety
Many Dachshunds get anxious when left alone—whining, barking, chewing, or even having accidents inside. Try to keep your goodbyes and hellos pretty boring and short. Making a big fuss just makes things harder for your dog.
Practice leaving for a few minutes, then come back and reward your dog if they stayed calm. Slowly stretch out the time you’re gone. It’s not magic, but it works for a lot of pups.
Other helpful strategies include:
- Leave toys or safe chews to keep your dog busy
- Create a cozy, safe space with a bed or crate
- Try background noise, like a radio, for comfort
If your dog’s anxiety feels overwhelming, reach out to your vet or a trainer. Sometimes you just need a little expert backup.
Maintaining a Well-Behaved Doxie
Keeping your Dachshund on their best behavior isn’t a one-and-done deal. It takes regular effort, a bit of patience, and honestly, a sense of humor doesn’t hurt either. A strong bond and steady practice go a long way.
Consistency and Patience in Training
Dachshunds pick things up faster when you use the same words and routines every day. Keep commands short and simple, and always reward good choices—treats, praise, or a quick game work well. When your dog messes up (and they will), correct them calmly. No need to lose your cool.
Daily routines help your dog know what’s coming and what you expect. If you keep changing the rules or let things slide, your Doxie will just get confused. It’s much easier to stick with one plan, even if it feels slow at first.
Tips for Consistent Training:
- Give commands the same way each session.
- Practice short training sessions (5-10 minutes) daily.
- Always finish on a positive note.
- Be patient—progress may be slow, but steady effort works.
Patience pays off. Over time, your dog will build good habits and training gets easier. It’s not instant, but you’ll notice changes if you stick with it.
Building a Lifelong Bond
Your dog wants your attention, so spend a few extra minutes each day walking, playing, or giving gentle affection. It really does matter.
Try interactive toys, explore new walking routes, or teach your Doxie a new trick now and then. These little things keep training fresh and help your dog feel connected to you.
Ways to Strengthen Your Bond:
- Play gentle games like fetch or tug-of-war.
- Offer treats for following commands.
- Talk to your Doxie during daily routines.
- Allow short cuddle sessions to relax together.
When your dog feels safe and loved, they’re way more likely to listen and behave. That bond makes life smoother for both of you.
Frequently Asked Questions
Training a Dachshund isn’t always easy. You need patience, clear rules, and a lot of positive feedback. Every Doxie is a little different, so it helps to stay consistent but also be willing to adjust your approach.
How can you effectively train a Dachshund puppy for obedience?
Start training your Dachshund puppy right when they come home. Use short, frequent sessions to keep their attention—these pups don’t have much patience for long lessons.
Give plenty of treats and praise when your puppy listens. Stick to simple commands and repeat them often. That’s usually the sweet spot.
What are the best training techniques for Miniature Dachshunds?
Positive reinforcement is your best friend—treats, praise, or toys. Skip the yelling or harsh corrections; it just doesn’t work with these little guys.
Pick a quiet training spot with few distractions. Practice new skills in different places so your dog learns to listen no matter where you are.
At what age is a Dachshund most receptive to training?
The best window to start is between 8 and 16 weeks old. Puppies soak up new things fast at that age.
Older Dachshunds can learn too, but you might need a bit more patience and persistence.
Why are Dachshunds considered challenging to train, and how can this be addressed?
Dachshunds are independent and stubborn—sometimes they just don’t care what you’re asking. If they’re bored or uninterested, they’ll ignore you.
Make training fun and use really good rewards. Break tasks into small steps and try to always end on a high note.
What are ways to encourage a Dachshund to become attached to multiple family members?
Let everyone in the family help with feeding, playing, and walking your Dachshund. If you share training duties, your dog learns to listen to everyone—not just one person.
Keep routines and attention balanced, no matter who’s in charge that day. That way, your dog bonds with the whole crew.
What are the recommended methods for disciplining a Dachshund without affecting its temperament?
Try gentle corrections—just a calm, firm “no” usually does the trick. If your Dachshund acts up, steer them toward a better behavior instead of punishing them.
Skip the yelling or any physical discipline; that just breeds fear or makes them wary of you. When your pup gets it right, let them know with some praise. They’ll pick up on what you want, bit by bit.
