Dachshunds are adorable, intelligent, and full of personality—but they can also be a bit stubborn! Training your dachshund requires patience, consistency, and positive reinforcement. Whether you’re housebreaking your puppy, teaching basic commands, or working on socialization, this guide will help you set your dachshund up for success. Long Haired Doxie Puppies For Sale
1. Housebreaking Your Dachshund
Housebreaking is often one of the biggest challenges with dachshunds. Their small bladders mean they need frequent potty breaks, and their independent nature can make training a bit tricky. Here’s how to make house training as smooth as possible:
Establish a Routine
✅ Take your puppy out frequently – First thing in the morning, after meals, after naps, and before bed.
✅ Use a consistent potty spot – Always take them to the same area outside so they associate it with bathroom breaks.
✅ Use verbal cues – Say “Go potty” or “Do your business” while they’re eliminating so they connect the command with the action.
Reward Good Behavior
🐶 Praise and treat immediately after they go potty outside. Dachshunds respond well to positive reinforcement!
❌ Avoid punishment for accidents – If you catch them in the act, interrupt gently and take them outside. Never rub their nose in it.
Crate Training for Housebreaking
A crate is a great tool for house training because dogs naturally avoid soiling their sleeping space.
🛏️ Choose the right size – The crate should be just big enough for them to stand up, turn around, and lie down.
⌚ Limit crate time – Puppies can usually hold their bladder for about one hour per month of age (e.g., a 3-month-old puppy = 3 hours).
🏠 Use the crate when you can’t supervise – It prevents accidents and helps with potty training consistency.
2. Teaching Basic Commands
Dachshunds may be stubborn, but they’re also smart and eager to please when trained correctly. Here are the first commands every dachshund should learn:
1️⃣ Sit
🔹 Hold a treat close to your puppy’s nose.
🔹 Slowly move it upward so their head follows, and their bottom naturally lowers.
🔹 Once they sit, say “Sit” and reward them with the treat.
2️⃣ Stay
🔹 Ask your dachshund to sit.
🔹 Hold up your hand like a stop sign and say “Stay.”
🔹 Take a small step back—if they stay, reward them. If they move, gently guide them back and try again.
3️⃣ Come
🔹 Use a happy voice and say “Come!” while kneeling with open arms.
🔹 Reward them with praise and treats when they reach you.
🔹 Practice in a quiet environment before trying in distracting areas.
4️⃣ Leave It
🔹 Place a treat in your hand and close your fist.
🔹 Let your dachshund sniff and paw at it, but don’t open your hand.
🔹 The moment they stop trying, say “Leave it” and reward them with a different treat.
🐕 Training Tip: Keep sessions short (5-10 minutes) and fun! Dachshunds can get bored easily, so always end on a positive note.
3. Socializing Your Dachshund
Dachshunds are naturally bold and curious, but poor socialization can lead to fearfulness or aggression. Exposing your pup to new experiences early is crucial. Long Haired Doxie Puppies For Sale
Start Socialization Early
👶 Introduce them to different people – men, women, children, and people in hats, glasses, or uniforms.
🐕 Let them meet friendly, vaccinated dogs – Arrange puppy playdates or attend puppy socialization classes.
🚗 Expose them to different environments – Parks, sidewalks, pet stores, and even car rides.
Prevent Fearfulness
🔊 Introduce sounds gradually – Play recordings of fireworks, thunderstorms, or doorbells at a low volume and reward calm behavior.
🤝 Handle them often – Touch their paws, ears, and mouth so they get used to grooming and vet visits.
Encourage Positive Encounters
🌟 Use treats and praise when they meet new people, dogs, or environments to create positive associations.
🚫 Never force interactions – If your dachshund seems scared, take it slow and allow them to approach at their own pace.
Final Thoughts
Training a dachshund takes patience, but with consistency and positive reinforcement, your pup will grow into a well-behaved companion. Focus on housebreaking, basic commands, and socialization from an early age, and you’ll have a happy, confident dachshund for years to come. Long Haired Doxie Puppies For Sale. Visit Abbeys Bookshop
📢 What training challenges have you faced with your dachshund? Drop your questions or tips in the comments below! 🐾