Training Your Stubborn (but Adorable) Dachshund Puppy.

If you’ve recently welcomed a dachshund puppy into your home, you’ve probably already discovered a fundamental truth about this breed: behind those soulful eyes and comical proportions lies the heart of a determined, independent thinker. Dachshunds were bred to hunt badgers—a task requiring courage, tenacity, and the ability to make decisions underground without human guidance. These traits make for a characterful companion, but they can also present unique training challenges. Long haired dachshund dogs

This guide will help you navigate the delightful contradiction that is dachshund training—working with their stubborn streak rather than against it to create a well-mannered companion without breaking their spirited nature. Long haired dachshund dogs

Understanding Your Dachshund’s Mind

Before diving into training techniques, let’s understand what makes dachshunds tick:

The Hunting Heritage

Dachshunds were bred as independent hunters who needed to:

• Make decisions without human input
• Follow prey persistence through tunnels
• Ignore pain or discomfort while working
• Use their voice to signal location underground

These traits translate to modern life as independence, determination, pain tolerance, and a tendency to bark—all of which influence training approaches.

Intelligence with Attitude

Dachshunds possess distinctive cognitive traits:

• High intelligence with selective listening
• Excellent problem-solving abilities when motivated
• Strong memory (especially for routines they enjoy)
• Preference for comfort over pleasing humans

What Motivates a Dachshund?

Understanding their motivations is crucial:

• Food is usually the primary motivator
• Comfort is highly valued
• Prey drive can override other interests
• Social bonds matter, but on their terms

The Foundation: Building Relationship Before Rules

With dachshunds, relationship building should precede strict training regimens:

Trust Development

• Spend time simply being present without demands
• Respect their space and independence
• Create positive associations with handling
• Establish yourself as a source of good things

Communication Groundwork

• Use consistent cues and markers
• Reward eye contact and attention
• Develop a “thinking” marker for problem-solving moments
• Build a “yes” marker for correct behaviors

Essential Training Approaches for Dachshunds

Positive Reinforcement: The Key to Dachshund Hearts

Positive reinforcement works well because it:

• Appeals to their self-interest
• Preserves their dignity and confidence
• Creates positive associations with training
• Builds genuine enthusiasm for learning

Dachshund-Specific Tip: Use a variety of high-value treats in unpredictable patterns. Dachshunds quickly become bored with predictable rewards.

The Power of Play

Incorporating play makes training more effective:

• Tug games can channel natural hunting instincts
• Searching games appeal to their scenting abilities
• Interactive toys maintain engagement
• Brief play breaks reward focused attention

Dachshund-Specific Tip: Use toys that allow their hunting instincts to shine, like stuffed squeaky toys they can “capture” or puzzle toys they can investigate.

Capturing and Shaping: Working With Natural Behaviors

Rather than forcing behaviors:

• “Capture” naturally occurring good behaviors with immediate rewards
• Shape desired behaviors through successive approximations
• Allow your dachshund to problem-solve their way to rewards
• Break complex behaviors into achievable steps

Dachshund-Specific Tip: When your dachshund offers a behavior you like, mark it with “yes” and reward generously. They’ll offer it more frequently once they realize it “works” to get rewards.

Essential Commands Adapted for Dachshunds

Come When Called

Recall is crucial but challenging for this independent breed:

1. Start in distraction-free environments
2. Use exceptionally high-value rewards
3. Never call them for negative consequences
4. Practice “hiding” games to make coming to you fun
5. Use long lines for safety during practice

Dachshund-Specific Challenge: Their hunting instincts can make them “deaf” to recalls when following interesting scents. Solution: Start recall training using their name and treats before they’re distracted, gradually building duration and adding minor distractions.

Sit and Down

Basic positions have dachshund-specific considerations:

1. Use luring techniques with treats
2. Keep sessions brief (under 5 minutes)
3. Be aware that “down” may be physically uncomfortable for some dachshunds
4. Accept modified positions that accommodate their body structure

Dachshund-Specific Challenge: Their long backs make certain positions less comfortable. Solution: Accept a “slouchy sit” rather than a perfect tuck, and don’t force deep downs if they seem uncomfortable.

Leave It/Drop It

Essential for a breed prone to grabbing:

1. Begin with low-value items
2. Trade up with better rewards
3. Practice with increasingly enticing items
4. Reward generously for voluntary relinquishing

Dachshund-Specific Challenge: Their tenacity makes them reluctant to surrender “treasures.” Solution: Always trade up for something better, never simply take things away without replacement.

Leash Walking

Structured walks benefit from:

1. Starting indoors without distractions
2. Using front-clip harnesses for better control
3. Rewarding position rather than correcting pulling
4. Incorporating sniffing breaks as rewards

Dachshund-Specific Challenge: Their tracking instincts make them want to follow every interesting scent. Solution: Implement structured walk periods alternating with designated “sniffing time” where they can explore.

Addressing Common Dachshund Training Challenges

House Training Hurdles

Dachshunds are notoriously challenging to house train:

• Establish rigid schedules for feeding and potty breaks
• Use crate training to prevent accidents
• Maintain consistency in designated potty areas
• Consider bell training for communication
• Clean accidents thoroughly to prevent remarking

Dachshund-Specific Tip: Some dachshunds dislike wet grass or cold/rainy conditions. Create a sheltered potty area or train them to use pee pads as a backup during inclement weather.

The Barking Symphony

Their vocal nature requires management:

• Identify specific triggers for barking
• Teach an alternative behavior to replace barking
• Reward quiet periods proactively
• Provide sufficient mental and physical exercise
• Consider teaching a “speak” and “quiet” command

Dachshund-Specific Tip: Many dachshunds are alert barkers by nature. Rather than trying to eliminate barking entirely, teach them to stop on command after a few alerts.

Selective Hearing

When your dachshund pretends not to hear commands:

• Never repeat commands without consequences
• Use pattern interruptions to regain attention
• Build stronger reinforcement histories
• Train with increasing distraction levels
• Keep training sessions novel and engaging

Dachshund-Specific Tip: Movement often captures their attention. If your dachshund seems to be ignoring you, take a step backward or make a unusual sound to regain their focus before trying again.

Counter-Surfing and Stealing

Their hunting instincts make them natural thieves:

• Manage the environment to prevent practice of unwanted behaviors
• Teach strong “leave it” cues
• Provide appropriate hunting outlets
• Create positive associations with staying on the ground
• Use baby gates to restrict access to tempting areas

Dachshund-Specific Tip: Dachshunds are remarkably agile and determined. Never underestimate their ability to climb, jump, or problem-solve their way to something they want.

Specialized Training Approaches for Dachshunds

Clicker Training Success

The precision of clicker training works well:

• Clearly marks desired behaviors
• Allows for shaping complex behaviors
• Appeals to their problem-solving nature
• Creates clear communication

Dachshund-Specific Tip: The analytical nature of clicker training often appeals to the dachshund’s independent thinking. They enjoy figuring out what makes the click happen.

Target Training

Using target sticks or hand targeting:

• Creates foundation behaviors for multiple tricks
• Helps with position training
• Useful for redirecting focus
• Builds engagement and attention

Dachshund-Specific Tip: Hand targeting (touching nose to palm) is particularly useful for dachshunds who may be reluctant to come when called but will approach out of curiosity.

Scent Games

Appealing to their natural abilities:

• Hide treats or toys for them to find
• Teach them to find specific scents
• Use food puzzles that require scenting
• Practice tracking games outside

Dachshund-Specific Tip: Nothing engages a dachshund quite like using their nose. Scent games can turn an “unmotivated” dog into an enthusiastic participant.

Training Through Developmental Stages

Puppy Period (8-16 weeks)

Focus on:

• Positive socialization experiences
• Basic handling tolerance
• Name recognition
• Potty training foundations
• Prevention of resource guarding

Dachshund-Specific Tip: Despite their bold appearance, many dachshund puppies go through fear periods where they need extra support and positive exposure.

Adolescence (4-12 months)

Prepare for:

• Testing boundaries and “selective deafness”
• Reinforcing previously learned behaviors
• Consistent rules and expectations
• Increased exercise needs
• Continued socialization

Dachshund-Specific Tip: Adolescent dachshunds often become more independent and stubborn. This is not the time to relax training—instead, increase value of rewards and consistency. Long haired dachshund dogs

Maturity (1+ years)

Maintain training through:

• Regular practice of core skills
• Advanced training challenges
• Ongoing socialization
• Adapting to changing physical abilities
• Preventing weight gain that can affect motivation

Dachshund-Specific Tip: Adult dachshunds often become more settled and trainable after adolescence—if you’ve been consistent throughout their earlier development.

Training Do’s and Don’ts for Dachshunds

DO:

• Keep sessions short (5-10 minutes maximum)
• End on success, even if it’s a small one
• Use high-value rewards for difficult behaviors
• Allow processing time for new concepts
• Celebrate their creativity and problem-solving
• Train before meals when they’re food-motivated
• Maintain a sense of humor

DON’T:

• Use physical corrections or intimidation
• Engage in training battles of will
• Repeat commands without consequences
• Allow rehearsal of unwanted behaviors
• Force them into uncomfortable positions
• Compare them to more biddable breeds
• Give up on their potential

Creating a Training Schedule That Works

Daily Training Rhythm

Structure helps dachshunds thrive:

• Morning: Brief skills practice
• Before meals: New skills training
• Throughout day: Capture spontaneous good behaviors
• Evening: Calm behavior reinforcement

Weekly Training Plan

Balance keeps training fresh:

• Monday: Basic obedience maintenance
• Tuesday: Scent games and enrichment
• Wednesday: New trick or skill introduction
• Thursday: Impulse control exercises
• Friday: Review and refine recent learning
• Weekend: Real-world practice in new environments

The Dachshund Training Mindset

Success with dachshunds requires:

• Patience for their learning pace
• Respect for their independent nature
• Creativity in motivation strategies
• Consistency in expectations
• Appreciation for their unique problem-solving
• Sense of humor when things don’t go as planned

Conclusion: Celebrating the Dachshund Difference

Training a dachshund isn’t about creating a robotically obedient dog—it’s about building a partnership that respects their unique qualities while establishing necessary boundaries. A well-trained dachshund still maintains their distinctive personality and independence but chooses to cooperate because they understand the benefits of doing so. Long haired dachshund dogs

Remember that many behaviors we find challenging in dachshunds—persistence, independence, problem-solving—were deliberately bred into them for hunting. By channeling these traits positively rather than fighting against them, you’ll develop a relationship built on mutual respect and understanding. Long haired dachshund dogs

Take pride in small victories, maintain your sense of humor during challenges, and appreciate the journey with your unique, spirited companion. A trained dachshund who offers behaviors by choice rather than compulsion is a special achievement indeed—and well worth the extra effort their stubborn (but adorable) nature requires. Long haired dachshund dogs