Dachshunds have quite the reputation for being clever, bold, and a little stubborn, especially when it comes to training. If you’ve ever tried to train a Doxie, you’ve probably noticed how they sometimes just ignore commands or only listen when it suits them.
The trick to training a stubborn Dachshund? Use strategies that fit their personality and keep things positive.
It’s honestly pretty normal to get frustrated when your Dachshund seems to do their own thing. But with patience and the right approach, you can shape their behavior without getting harsh.
Let’s dig into what actually works with these unique little dogs.
Key Takeaways
- Understanding your Dachshund’s stubbornness leads to better training results.
- Using positive reinforcement helps your Doxie learn new behaviors.
- Consistency and patience are important for long-term success.
Understanding Dachshund Stubbornness
Dachshund stubbornness goes way back to their roots as hunters. Their specific heritage and personality quirks can lead to some unique challenges.
Genetic Origins of Stubborn Behavior
People in Germany bred Dachshunds to hunt badgers and small animals. These dogs had to work alone, make quick decisions, and stay focused even when humans weren’t around.
Key traits influenced by genetics include:
- Strong sense of smell
- High self-confidence
- Independence
Because of these instincts, Dachshunds might ignore you if something else catches their attention. Their determination to figure things out on their own can look a lot like defiance.
Selective breeding over time made these qualities even stronger. Unlike some breeds that just want to please, Dachshunds often weigh their options before they respond.
If your Dachshund seems slow to follow instructions or wants to do things their own way, it’s usually those inherited traits at play.
How Stubbornness Manifests in Doxies
You’ll see Dachshund stubbornness in everyday situations. Maybe your dog won’t come when called or gets stuck on a scent even if you try to distract them.
Common signs of stubbornness include:
- Ignoring recall commands
- Barking at small animals
- Digging even after being told no
- Refusing to walk or pulling in the opposite direction
Honestly, you’ll need some extra patience. Repeating commands can just make some Dachshunds more stubborn. Treats or praise usually help, but sometimes your dog just won’t budge.
If your Doxie seems tough to train, it’s not because they aren’t smart. Their stubbornness is really about strong will and independence, not a lack of understanding.
Misconceptions About Dachshund Temperament
Some folks think Dachshunds are just disobedient or always causing trouble. That’s not really fair. Their stubbornness is often misunderstood and gets confused with bad behavior.
It’s important to tell the difference between stubbornness and real aggression or disobedience. Dachshunds are usually loyal and loving, but their instincts sometimes overpower basic obedience.
Myths and Facts Table
| Myth | Fact |
|---|---|
| Dachshunds are mean | Most are friendly and enjoy people |
| They can’t be trained | Dachshunds respond with the right approach |
| Stubbornness is spite | It’s usually independence, not revenge |
If you get where they’re coming from, you can adjust your training approach and enjoy a better relationship with your dog.
Common Challenges in Training a Stubborn Doxie
Dachshunds are smart and alert, but their stubborn streak can make training a real challenge. If you know about their distractibility and resistance to commands, you can pick better solutions.
Distraction and Independence
Dachshunds were bred to hunt on their own, so they often follow their own interests. That independence means they get distracted easily during training.
A Doxie might lose focus if a bird flies by, another dog barks, or there’s a new smell in the yard.
Common distractions for Dachshunds include:
- Moving objects (toys, small animals)
- New sounds or scents
- Other pets or people nearby
You can help your Doxie focus by training in a quiet spot with few distractions. Keep sessions short—just 5 to 10 minutes. If your dog wanders off, call them back with treats or a gentle, firm voice. It really does take consistency and a lot of patience.
Resistance to Commands
Dachshunds sometimes know exactly what you want but still decide not to listen. You’ll see it when they ignore a command, walk away, or suddenly get interested in something else.
Typical signs of resistance:
- Refusing to sit or stay on cue
- Turning away when called
- Stopping in the middle of learning a new trick
Strong-willed dogs need rewards and praise, not harsh corrections. If you get too tough, your dog might just shut down or get anxious.
Keep your commands simple and use the same words every time. Try to end sessions on a good note, even if progress is slow. Some days, that’s just how it goes.
Effective Training Strategies That Work
Training a stubborn Doxie means building trust and making daily habits stick. Focus on a routine, and handle challenges with patience—even when it’s tough.
Building Trust With Your Dachshund
Trust matters a lot when you’re training a stubborn Dachshund. Show your dog you’re calm, fair, and not going to lose your cool.
Don’t yell or punish your Doxie. That usually just makes them anxious or even more stubborn.
Go with positive reinforcement. Give treats, gentle praise, or a favorite toy every time your Dachshund listens. Short, upbeat sessions work best. Try 5-10 minutes, a couple times a day, so your dog doesn’t get bored or distracted.
Let your dog take breaks if they seem tired. Be patient—building trust can take a while. But once your Doxie feels safe, they’re much more likely to listen and learn.
| Do’s | Don’ts |
|---|---|
| Use treats and praise | Shout or use harsh punishments |
| Keep sessions short | Force your dog to obey |
| Respect your dog’s pace | Ignore signs of stress |
Consistency and Patience in Daily Routine
Consistency really helps both you and your Doxie. Stick with the same commands every time. Make sure family members use the same words so your dog doesn’t get mixed signals.
Set routines for feeding, walks, and bathroom breaks. Your Doxie will know what to expect. Try to keep the schedule steady—even small changes can throw a stubborn dog off.
If your Doxie ignores a command, stay calm and repeat it once or twice. Don’t give up too soon or start trying new commands. Praise good behavior right away, but don’t reward stubbornness.
Here’s a simple checklist:
- Stick to one word per command: (Example: “Sit” instead of “Sit down now”)
- Reward right after the behavior
- Practice at the same time daily
Stay steady and patient. Over time, your Dachshund will get more confident and start to understand what you want. Training a stubborn Doxie really does get easier with practice.
Positive Reinforcement Dachshund Techniques
Dachshunds really do best when you reward good behavior. Positive reinforcement helps them learn faster and makes training a whole lot less stressful for both of you.
Reward-Based Training Methods
Positive reinforcement training means you give a reward right after your dog does what you want. That might be a treat, a favorite toy, or just some extra playtime. The important part is to offer the reward right away so your dachshund connects the dots.
Use a clear, consistent command. If your dachshund sits, say “Good sit!” and hand over the treat. Timing is everything—if you wait too long, your dog might not get why they’re being rewarded.
Keep training sessions short (5-10 minutes tops). Dachshunds lose focus quickly, so lots of breaks help keep them interested.
Common reward-based methods include:
- Clicker training: Click when your dog does the right thing, then give a treat.
- Shaping: Reward small steps toward the behavior you want.
- Luring: Use a treat to guide your dog into the right position.
Stick with it and be patient. Your dachshund will get there—it just takes a little time and a lot of treats.
How to Use Treats and Praise Effectively
Treats work best when they’re small, soft, and a bit special. Choose treats your dachshund doesn’t get at other times.
Tiny pieces of cooked chicken or store-bought training treats usually do the trick. Watch out for overdoing it—too many treats can pack on pounds, so you might want to cut back their meal portions if needed.
Praise should be clear and upbeat, not forced or over the top. Try using a happy voice and say “Good dog!” right as your dachshund does what you asked.
If you praise all the time, it starts to lose meaning. Mixing treats and praise together seems to encourage dachshunds to repeat the actions you want.
Tips for effective use:
- Switch between treats and praise to keep things interesting.
- Slowly reduce treats as your dachshund gets the hang of each behavior.
- Skip treats that take ages to chew—they’ll slow down your training sessions.
Avoiding Common Training Mistakes
Training a dachshund can feel tricky if you don’t use clear communication and patience. Small missteps can quickly cause confusion or stubbornness.
Inconsistency in Commands
Using different words or actions for the same command just confuses your dachshund. They thrive when you stick to the same cue and tone every time.
If you use “come” one day and “here” another, your dog might not connect the dots. Stick with short, simple, one-word cues.
Getting everyone in the house on board helps a lot. Maybe jot down a list or make a quick table and hang it up where it’s easy to see.
| Command | Cue Word | Hand Signal |
|---|---|---|
| Sit | Sit | Hand palm up |
| Stay | Stay | Palm facing dog |
| Come | Come | Arm open, gesture |
When you stay consistent, your dachshund learns what you expect. That makes training smoother and way less stressful for both of you.
Overusing Punishment
Relying on punishment too much can make your dachshund anxious or less likely to listen. Harsh corrections damage trust and can leave your dog feeling defensive.
If your dog doesn’t get it right, take a breath—don’t yell or use physical punishment. Focus on positive reinforcement like treats or praise when your dog does the right thing.
Mistakes are just part of learning. Gently redirect your dog to the right behavior and reward them when they get it.
Set clear rules, but lead with patience and encouragement. That’s what builds trust and makes your dachshund want to work with you.
Tailoring Training to Your Dachshund’s Unique Personality
Every dachshund has quirks and habits that make them unique. Figuring out what motivates your dog helps you build a training routine that actually works.
Recognizing Individual Motivators
Some dachshunds go wild for treats, while others light up over toys or praise. Watch your dog’s reactions during the day to spot what really gets their tail wagging.
Try tracking motivators with a simple chart:
| Reward Type | Interest Level | Signs of Engagement |
|---|---|---|
| Food Treats | High | Wags tail, stares, eager to work |
| Toys | Medium | Picks up toy, playful |
| Praise | Low | Looks at you, relaxed ears |
Test a few rewards to see what gets the best response. Rotate them if your dog seems bored—sometimes you’ve got to switch things up.
Motivators don’t always work the same way every day, so stay flexible. That keeps your training fresh and effective.
Adjusting Techniques for Better Results
Some dachshunds like step-by-step training. Others do better with short, playful bursts instead of long sessions.
If your dog starts yawning, lying down, or looking away, they’re probably losing focus. Break tasks into tiny steps and celebrate every win with their favorite reward.
For easily distracted dogs, pick quiet spots with fewer interruptions. If a technique’s falling flat, don’t just repeat it—try a clicker or change up the time of day.
Little tweaks can make a big difference and help your dachshund learn in a way that feels fun, not frustrating.
Long-Term Success and Maintenance
Keeping your dachshund’s training on track takes steady routines and a bit of a proactive mindset. Regular check-ins and new challenges help keep things moving forward.
Ongoing Socialization and Enrichment
Keep introducing your dachshund to new people, places, and animals. Dogs need practice to stay comfortable in different situations.
Take walks in new parks, visit pet-friendly shops, or invite friends with calm dogs for a change of pace. Mixing it up prevents boredom and keeps your dog curious.
Try enrichment activities like food puzzles or simple scent games. A little mental challenge goes a long way.
Rotate toys or change your walking route every so often. Teaching new tricks every few weeks also keeps your dachshund sharp.
Quick Ideas for Enrichment:
- Puzzle feeders
- Hiding treats
- Short training games
- Gentle tug-of-war
Monitoring Progress and Adjusting Strategies
Check your dog’s progress by watching for changes in behavior. Jot down notes or use a checklist—whatever works—to track things like how they respond to commands or handle new situations.
If old problems crop up, tweak your approach. Maybe shorten training sessions, reward more often, or go back to easier skills for a bit.
- Shorten training if your dog zones out
- Give more rewards when your dog listens
- Practice basics before harder stuff
Don’t be afraid to ask a trainer or vet for advice if you’re stuck. Adjusting as your dog grows keeps your results strong. Celebrate the small wins—progress isn’t always fast, and some habits take time to change.
When to Seek Professional Help
Sometimes, training at home just doesn’t cut it—especially with a stubborn dachshund. Getting outside help can make a huge difference with tough behavior issues.
Working With a Certified Dog Trainer
Certified trainers have experience with those tricky behavior problems. Look for someone who uses positive reinforcement—not old-school harsh methods.
They’ll break training into small steps so your dachshund doesn’t get overwhelmed. Trainers can also spot things you might miss and give feedback that actually helps.
If your dachshund isn’t responding, a professional might see the reason and offer a new plan. It’s worth asking for help before you get too frustrated.
How to find a trainer:
- Check their certification (CPDT-KA, IAABC, or similar)
- Ask if they’ve worked with dachshunds or similar breeds
- Look up reviews or ask for references
- Make sure they use reward-based methods
Identifying When Specialized Support Is Needed
Serious behaviors like biting, strong fear, or anxiety may need a veterinary behaviorist or animal behavior specialist. If your dachshund shows aggression, freezes in new places, or acts out for no clear reason, get a professional assessment.
Watch for these red flags:
- Repeated growling, snapping, or biting
- Destructive habits that don’t improve with basic training
- Sudden changes in mood or routine
- Nonstop barking, pacing, or hiding
A veterinary behaviorist can check for medical issues, too. They might suggest medication, therapy, or a tailored training plan. Acting early can prevent things from getting worse and help your dachshund feel safe again.
Frequently Asked Questions
Dachshunds need patience and the right approach for training. Be gentle, use positive rewards, and stay consistent—this breed really responds to that.
What are effective techniques for potty training a Dachshund?
Stick to a regular schedule and take your dachshund outside after meals, naps, and play. Reward them right after they go potty outside so they connect the dots.
If there’s an accident, clean up with an odor remover and skip the scolding. Keep a close eye on them and use baby gates to limit mistakes indoors.
How can you teach a Dachshund to walk calmly on a leash?
Start out somewhere quiet, with fewer distractions. Use treats to encourage your dachshund to stay close by your side.
If your dog pulls, stop and wait until they come back to you. Begin with short walks and slowly add more distractions as your dachshund gets better.
What methods help reduce excessive barking in Dachshunds?
Teach the “quiet” command and reward your dachshund when they stop barking. Try to figure out what’s setting them off and remove those triggers if you can.
Give your dachshund plenty of exercise and mental activities—boredom often leads to barking.
Why do Dachshunds exhibit disobedient behavior, and how can it be corrected?
Dachshunds might act out if they’re bored, not exercised enough, or if rules aren’t clear. Set simple, consistent rules, and make sure everyone sticks to them.
Keep training sessions short and positive to hold their attention. Avoid harsh punishment—it just makes stubbornness worse.
What are the best practices for preventing a Dachshund from snapping?
Give your Dachshund some personal space, especially when they’re eating or playing with toys. Try not to surprise them with sudden touches or loud noises.
Show kids how to be gentle and calm when they’re around your dog. Start socializing your Dachshund early, and keep at it as they grow.
If you notice snapping, it’s probably time to reach out to a professional trainer. Sometimes a little expert help makes all the difference.
How can you provide appropriate mental stimulation for a Dachshund?
Puzzle toys and treat-dispensing balls can keep your Dachshund’s mind busy. Try teaching new tricks when you’ve got a few spare minutes.
Hide treats around the house and let your dog sniff them out—most Dachshunds love that game. Keep training sessions short, but do them daily for a little mental workout.
Swap out toys now and then so your Dachshund doesn’t lose interest. Honestly, they’ll let you know when they want something new.
