I still remember the day I brought home my first Dachshund. Tiny legs, enormous ears, and an attitude that belonged to a dog three times his size. Within 48 hours, he had claimed the couch, ignored every “sit” I attempted, and barked at a leaf blowing past the window like it had personally offended him. I thought, surely this cannot be that hard. Spoiler: it was. But it was also completely worth it.
If you’re reading this, you probably know exactly what I mean. Dog training for dachshunds is one of the most rewarding and occasionally maddening journeys a pet owner can take. These little hounds are clever, independent, stubborn, and deeply loveable all at once. The good news? With the right approach, structure, and patience, your Dachshund can absolutely learn to be a well-mannered, confident companion.
Let’s get into it.
Why Dachshunds Need Breed-Specific Training
Not all dogs are trained the same way and Dachshunds are a perfect example of why breed-specific guidance matters. The Dachshund’s story begins in Germany hundreds of years ago, where they were bred for hunting specifically burrowing into dens to pursue badgers. This heritage is reflected in their elongated bodies, keen sense of smell, and that unyielding tenacity.
That hunting DNA is still very much alive today. Dog training for dachshunds has to work with those instincts, not against them. Dachshunds were originally bred to hunt badgers and other burrowing animals. That hunting drive is still present today, which makes them bold, alert, and often highly vocal.
The Dachshund moved up in AKC popularity from No. 6 to No. 5 in 2025, pushing the Poodle out of the top five most popular dog breeds in the United States. Their surge in popularity makes breed-specific training resources more important than ever, because more families are welcoming these spirited little dogs without fully understanding what they’re signing up for.
Understanding the Dachshund Temperament Before You Train
Before you can crack the code on dog training for dachshunds, you need to understand who you’re dealing with. Dachshunds are known for their bold and curious nature. They are often described as intelligent, independent, and sometimes stubborn. They form strong bonds with their families and can be quite affectionate and loyal. However, Dachshunds can also exhibit a strong prey drive and may be prone to chasing small animals or even moving objects.
That independent streak isn’t defiance it’s centuries of selective breeding telling your dog to think for himself when underground, out of sight of any hunter. Understanding this reframes everything. Your Dachshund isn’t ignoring you to be difficult. He’s just operating on instinct.
Training a Dachshund takes patience, consistency, and a clear sense of direction. They are clever but can be selective in their responses. If something does not feel relevant or rewarding to them, they may simply choose not to engage. This does not mean they are untrainable it means they require purposeful training that values their motivation and strengths.
The Golden Rules of Dog Training for Dachshunds
Successful dog training for dachshunds comes down to a few non-negotiables. Break any of these, and you’ll be fighting uphill.
1. Always Use Positive Reinforcement
Reward-based methods with a strong emphasis on clarity and timing work best. Keep sessions short, engaging, and focused on achievable goals. Use games, scent work, and structured problem-solving to bring out their best. Avoid harsh correction or repetitive drilling.
The global dog training industry is taking note. There’s a strong and continued movement towards humane, ethical, and effective training techniques, with “Positive Reinforcement Prevalence” showing high scores in the 2025 dog training landscape, reflecting the widespread adoption of ethical training across the industry.
Dachshunds, in particular, respond beautifully to praise, treats, and play. Find what motivates your specific dog some go wild for chicken, others will do anything for a squeaky toy and use that as your training currency.
2. Keep Sessions Short and Engaging
Doxie pups have short attention spans, so limit your training sessions to five minutes. This applies especially in puppyhood but remains relevant throughout their lives. Five focused minutes beats thirty minutes of bored non-compliance every single time. Multiple short sessions spread through the day will outperform one long, exhausting session.
3. Stay Consistent Every Single Time
Consistency is the backbone of all dog training for dachshunds. If you allow jumping on the couch Monday but correct it Tuesday, you’ve confused your dog and earned his distrust. Every family member needs to enforce the same rules, use the same cues, and reward the same behaviors. Inconsistency is the number one reason Dachshund training stalls.
4. Start Training Early
Walter Jones, First Vice President of the Dachshund Club of America, recommends that new owners begin training basic lessons right away when puppies go home at 8 to 9 weeks. Establishing training goals at specific times in a Dachshund’s development leads to success.
Housebreaking Your Dachshund: What Actually Works
Housebreaking is, without question, the first major hurdle in dog training for dachshunds. And fair warning: it’s probably the hardest part. Dachshunds are notoriously resistant to potty training, partly because of their stubborn streak and partly because their small bladders need more frequent trips outside.
Research cited by the American Kennel Club indicated that 70% more dogs trained with crate training successfully learn to housebreak than those trained inconsistently. That statistic alone should convince you to invest in a good crate.
Housebreaking tips that actually work:
- Take your Dachshund outside first thing in the morning, after every meal, after naps, and before bed
- Use a consistent spot in the yard the familiar scent helps trigger the behavior
- Reward immediately after they go outside, not ten seconds later
- Never punish accidents indoors; simply clean up without fuss and take them out
- Crate them whenever you cannot actively supervise
Patience is everything here. Some Dachshunds take three to four months to be reliably housebroken. That’s normal. Don’t give up.
Crate Training: Your Best Tool for Dog Training for Dachshunds
Crate training is not cruelty it’s one of the most effective methods in dog training for dachshunds. When introduced correctly, a crate becomes your dog’s safe den, a place he retreats to voluntarily when he needs rest or quiet.
Start by making the crate irresistible: toss treats inside, feed meals near the door, and let your Dachshund explore at their own pace. Never force them in. Gradually increase the time they spend inside with the door closed, always rewarding calm behavior.
According to ASPCA studies, 20 to 25 percent of companion dogs develop separation-related stress at some point during their lives. Proactive desensitization gradually introducing absences, giving enrichment toys, and setting up routine activities makes your Dachshund feel safe even when left alone.
A properly crate-trained Dachshund handles alone time far better than one who has never been taught to self-soothe.
Teaching Basic Commands: Sit, Stay, Come, Leave It
Every Dachshund should know at least these four commands. Here’s a quick breakdown:
| Command | Training Method | Typical Mastery Time |
|---|---|---|
| Sit | Lure treat over nose toward tail | 3–5 sessions |
| Stay | Build duration in tiny increments | 2–3 weeks |
| Come | High-value reward every single time | Ongoing reinforcement |
| Leave It | Closed fist with treat, reward with other treat | 1–2 weeks |
The “Come” command deserves special attention in dog training for dachshunds. Dachshunds are free spirits that will often get carried away following their nose, meaning it is best to walk them on a lead. Recall is a safety command. Practice it indoors and in a fenced yard before ever trusting it off-leash. Always make “coming to you” the best thing that ever happens to your dog never call them to you for something negative like nail clipping.
Leash Training: Stopping the Sausage from Pulling
Leash pulling is one of the most common complaints from Dachshund owners, and it’s a critical piece of dog training for dachshunds that many people overlook early on.
Care must be taken to protect Dachshunds’ backs. Their long spines mean that jumping from height or climbing stairs frequently can put them at risk of injury. This makes a well-fitted harness rather than a collar non-negotiable for leash training. A collar puts pressure on the neck and throat; a harness distributes it across the chest and shoulders, protecting that long, vulnerable spine.
Leash training steps:
- Start in a low-distraction environment (your living room, then backyard)
- The moment your dog pulls, stop walking entirely
- Wait for them to release the pressure or return to your side
- The moment the leash goes slack, move forward and reward
- Repeat until they understand: pulling gets us nowhere, loose leash gets us everywhere
It takes time, but it absolutely works with consistency.
Barking and Digging: Managing Hunting Instincts
Dachshunds love to bark, but they can be trained to take their watchdog job less seriously. They often seem to think they have to announce everything to the world from someone arriving to a car door slamming at the other end of the street and have a surprisingly big bark for a little dog.
The key to managing barking in dog training for dachshunds is not to punish the bark itself it’s to teach an alternative behavior. “Quiet” is a command, not a wish. Teach it by letting them bark twice, saying “Quiet” calmly, then rewarding the second they stop. Never yell that just sounds like you’re joining in.
Digging is another instinct rooted in that badger-hunting history. It’s natural for a Doxie to search underground for hidden treasures, but if you take pride in a manicured lawn, designate a separate area to excavate. Give them a legal digging spot, praise them for using it, and redirect them whenever they start digging elsewhere.
Socialization: The Hidden Key to Dog Training for Dachshunds
Socialization is the most underrated element of dog training for dachshunds. Three weeks to 12 weeks marks the critical socialization period for puppies. Crucial for a dog’s development, puppies need to interact with littermates, people, different sounds, and experiences.
A well-socialized Dachshund is calmer, more adaptable, and significantly easier to train throughout their lifetime. Expose your puppy (safely) to:
- Other dogs of various sizes
- Children, men, women, people in hats or uniforms
- Loud noises like traffic, construction, and vacuum cleaners
- Different surfaces grass, gravel, tile, sand
- Car rides and visits to pet-friendly stores
Every positive experience builds confidence. Every confident Dachshund is a more trainable Dachshund.
IVDD Awareness: Training Safely for a Long, Healthy Life
No discussion of dog training for dachshunds is complete without mentioning IVDD. About 20 to 25% of Dachshunds will develop intervertebral disc disease (IVDD). The risk of injury may be worsened by obesity, jumping, rough handling, or intense exercise, which place greater strain on the vertebrae.
This means certain training activities need modification:
- No jumping on or off furniture — teach them to use a ramp instead
- No stairs if possible, especially in puppyhood
- Keep them lean — obesity dramatically worsens spinal stress
- Avoid high-impact agility jumps — Van Hook from the Dachshund Club of America says it’s OK for Dachshunds to compete in agility at 18 months, but keep the jumps low.
A great reference for breed-specific exercise and health guidance is the AKC, whose expert resources on Dachshund health are comprehensive and regularly updated.
Effective dog training for dachshunds isn’t just about obedience it’s about protecting a dog built for a long, adventurous life. With proper care, Dachshunds can enjoy a lifespan typically ranging from 12 to 16 years. The training habits you build now directly influence how many healthy, happy years you share together.
For more breed-specific guidance, explore our Dachshund Guides which cover everything from health care to breed comparisons.
Common Dog Training Mistakes Dachshund Owners Make
Even experienced dog owners stumble when starting dog training for dachshunds. Here are the most common pitfalls:
- Expecting quick results — Dachshunds aren’t golden retrievers. They take longer and require more creativity.
- Using punishment-based methods — these breed stubborn resistance and erode trust.
- Skipping socialization — leading to fear, aggression, and reactivity later.
- Being inconsistent with rules — if it’s OK sometimes, your Dachshund decides it’s OK always.
- Training sessions that are too long — boredom equals shutdown.
Recognizing these traps early in your dog training for dachshunds journey saves months of frustration.
FAQ: Dog Training for Dachshunds
1. Are Dachshunds hard to train compared to other breeds?
Dachshunds aren’t the hardest breed to train, but they’re not the easiest either. Their intelligence is high, but so is their independence. Dog training for dachshunds requires more patience and creativity than with eager-to-please breeds like Labradors. Short sessions, high-value rewards, and consistency are your best tools.
2. At what age should I start dog training for dachshunds?
Start the moment your puppy comes home typically 8 to 9 weeks old. Early socialization and basic cue training during the first few months builds a foundation that makes everything else easier. Formal obedience classes are appropriate from around 12–16 weeks.
3. How long does it take to housebreak a Dachshund?
Expect anywhere from 4 weeks to 4 months for reliable housebreaking. Some individuals take longer. Consistency and crate training dramatically speed up the process. Never punish accidents reward outdoor success instead.
4. Can Dachshunds be trained off-leash?
Some can, but most are safest on-leash or in securely fenced areas. Their prey drive is strong, and once a scent catches their attention, recall can fail even in well-trained dogs. Dog training for dachshunds should always prioritize safety over assumptions about off-leash reliability.
5. My Dachshund is already 3 years old is it too late to train them?
Absolutely not. The old saying that you can’t teach an old dog new tricks is a myth. Adult Dachshunds can learn new behaviors beautifully sometimes faster than puppies because they can focus longer. The same principles of positive reinforcement, short sessions, and consistency apply, so where will you start your dog’s new training journey today?
