5 Dachshund Puppy Training Tips To Manage Their Stubborn Streak
Dachshund Puppy Training: How to Outwit Your Stubborn Little Sausage
Dachshund puppies are tiny comedians with massive personalities. From day one, they know what they want—and often, it’s not what you want. After over two decades of raising dogs, I can tell you: those sideways glances, the “I’ll do it my way” attitude, and the sudden zoomies are completely normal.
The good news? With patience, consistency, and a pocket full of tasty rewards, you can turn that stubborn streak into a cooperative, happy pup.
Key Takeaways
- Dachshunds are independent thinkers; training requires negotiation, not force.
- Short, playful sessions win over long, repetitive drills.
- Use scent and instinct to channel their natural hunting drive.
- Consistency, clear rules, and reinforcement prevent behavioral issues.
- Early foundation skills—potty, crate, alone time, and “settle”—save months of frustration.
Know What You’re Working With: The Dachshund Mindset
Dachshunds were bred to hunt badgers. That means courage, a sharp nose, and a brain that often says, “I’ve got this, human.” Their resistance isn’t misbehavior—it’s confidence.
Training a Dachshund isn’t like teaching a Golden Retriever; it’s like negotiating with a clever, low-riding lawyer who cross-examines every command. Respect their intelligence, and you’ll see cooperation blossom.
Tip #1: Make Training Feel Like a Game
Dachshunds thrive on fun and will clock out if sessions feel dull. I’ve learned that turning training into a playful mini-game keeps focus high.
- Tiny tasty rewards: Chicken, cheese, or small training treats work wonders. Rotate flavors for variety.
- Short sessions: 3–5 minutes, 3–5 times daily. End while your pup still wants more.
- Celebrate wins: Use happy voice, claps, and enthusiasm—it’s more effective than stern discipline.
Pro Tip: Introduce a cue like “Ready?” to signal game time. Your excitement sets the tone. A bored trainer equals a bored pup.
Tip #2: Out-Stubborn the Stubborn with Consistency
You can’t force a Dachshund into obedience, but calm, consistent repetition wins every time.
- One cue, one meaning: Don’t let “Down” mean couch access sometimes and lying on the floor other times.
- Don’t repeat cues: Give one cue, use a lure if needed, then reset.
- Daily practice: Integrate short obedience exercises into meals, doors, and walks.
If they ignore you: Lower difficulty—quieter room, better treats, faster reward timing. Often, “stubborn” simply means “confused” or “underpaid.”
Tip #3: Harness Their Nose and Instincts
A Dachshund’s prey drive is a gift, not a flaw. Channel it into structured enrichment.
- Scatter feeding: Toss kibble in grass and let them hunt. Great for mental stimulation.
- Sniff walks: Allow 5–10 minutes to explore scents before walking in focus mode.
- Find-it games: Hide toys or treats. Increase difficulty gradually.
Work-to-earn strategy: Ask for a cue like sit or touch before giving access to food, toys, or the couch. This turns daily life into training without extra time.
Tip #4: Reward What You Like, Ignore What You Don’
Dachshunds crave attention, and will repeat any behavior that earns it.
- Catch good behavior: Reward calm lying down, eye contact, and checking in.
- Marker word: “Yes!” works as an instant signal for correct actions. Timing is key.
- Strategic ignoring: Look away during whining or barking, reward quiet moments instead.
When to interrupt: Redirect risky behaviors like door-dashing or couch acrobatics with leash, baby gate, or crate.
Tip #5: Nail the Essentials Early: Potty, Crate, and Alone Time
Foundations prevent frustration later.
Potty Training
- Frequent trips: after waking, eating, playing, and every 30–60 minutes.
- Use one designated spot for quicker learning.
- Reward outside immediately—no delayed indoor celebration.
- Supervise closely or use a playpen to prevent accidents.
Crate = Cozy Den
- Feed meals in crate with door open at first.
- Short positive sessions with toys or a Kong.
- Never use crate as punishment.
Prevent Separation Drama
- Practice mini departures: step out 30 seconds, return casually, gradually increase duration.
Tip #6: Teach “Settle” and “Place” to Tame the Zoomies
A default relaxation spot helps them self-regulate.
- Start by tossing a treat onto a mat; reward for stepping on it.
- Gradually increase duration—1 second, 3, then 5.
- Add cue word “Place” as you phase out lures.
Why it works: Dachshunds labeled “wild” often simply haven’t learned an off-switch. Teaching a chill spot keeps noses and paws off forbidden areas.
Tip #7: Be Fair About Difficulty and Distractions
Success depends on gradual challenge:
- Quiet room
- Mild distractions (TV, people)
- Yard
- Sidewalk
- Busy environments (parks, pet stores)
If they fail 3 times in a row, drop back a step. Consistent success breeds confidence.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Overlong sessions → mental fatigue.
- Weak rewards → low motivation outside.
- Inconsistent rules → confusion and pushback.
- Skipping enrichment → boredom = chaos.
FAQ
How do I stop my Dachshund puppy from barking at everything?
Address needs first: potty, exercise, enrichment. Reward silence, use a cue like “Thank you,” then redirect attention.
Are Dachshunds hard to potty train?
They can be sneaky. Tight supervision, frequent outdoor trips, and instant rewards win. Enzymatic cleaners help with accidents.
Best leash setup?
Y-shaped harness plus 4–6 ft leash. Keep treats handy and let them sniff before focus work.
Training sessions per day?
3–5 micro-sessions of 3–5 minutes. Sprinkle into daily life.
Clicker or marker word?
Both work. Marker word “Yes!” is simple and portable.
Refusal to come when called?
Make recall high-value, never use it to end fun. Start indoors, reward jackpot-style, then use a long line outside.
Conclusio
Dachshunds bring charisma, independence, and a hint of sass to your home. With playful training, consistent routines, and clever use of their instincts, even the most stubborn little sausage can become cooperative and confident. Short sessions, high-value rewards, and celebrating wins keep your training fun and effective.
