The Ultimate Guide to Training Your Dachshund: From Puppyhood to Pro
Dachshunds, affectionately nicknamed “wiener dogs” or “sausage dogs” due to their distinctive long bodies and short legs, are charming and intelligent companions. However, their unique build and history as badger hunters present specific challenges when it comes to training. Bred to be independent and tenacious, Dachshunds can be stubborn and require a consistent, patient, and positive approach. This comprehensive guide will equip you with the knowledge and techniques necessary to successfully train your Dachshund, from puppyhood to adulthood, addressing their specific needs and quirks.
## Understanding the Dachshund Personality
Before diving into training, it’s crucial to understand the Dachshund’s personality. Their independent nature stems from their hunting background, where they often worked alone underground. This independence can manifest as stubbornness and a reluctance to follow commands immediately. However, Dachshunds are also intelligent and eager to please their owners, especially when motivated by food, toys, or praise. Here’s a breakdown of key Dachshund personality traits:
* **Independent:** They were bred to work alone and make decisions, which can translate to stubbornness.
* **Intelligent:** Dachshunds are smart dogs and can learn commands quickly with the right approach.
* **Tenacious:** They are persistent and determined, which can be both a blessing and a curse during training.
* **Affectionate:** Dachshunds are loyal and loving companions who enjoy spending time with their families.
* **Playful:** They have a playful side and enjoy games and activities that stimulate their minds.
* **Sensitive:** While they can appear tough, Dachshunds are often sensitive and respond best to positive reinforcement.
## Essential Training Supplies
Having the right tools will significantly improve your training success. Here’s a list of essential supplies:
* **High-Value Treats:** Small, tasty treats are crucial for positive reinforcement. Experiment to find what your Dachshund loves most (e.g., cooked chicken, cheese, hot dogs cut into tiny pieces).
* **Clicker (Optional):** A clicker can be a valuable tool for marking desired behaviors precisely. It helps create a clear association between the behavior and the reward.
* **Leash and Collar/Harness:** A standard leash (4-6 feet) is ideal for training walks. Choose a comfortable collar or harness that fits well and doesn’t put pressure on their neck.
* **Dog Toys:** Use toys as rewards for good behavior or to redirect their attention during training sessions. Puzzle toys are particularly beneficial for stimulating their minds.
* **Potty Training Pads (for puppies):** If you’re starting with a puppy, potty training pads will be essential.
* **Crate (Optional):** A crate can provide a safe and secure den for your Dachshund and aid in house training.
## Foundational Training Principles
Before you begin specific commands, establish a solid foundation based on these principles:
* **Positive Reinforcement:** Focus on rewarding good behavior rather than punishing bad behavior. Dachshunds respond much better to positive reinforcement.
* **Consistency:** Be consistent with your commands and expectations. Everyone in the household should use the same cues and rules.
* **Patience:** Dachshunds can be stubborn, so patience is key. Don’t get discouraged if they don’t learn a command immediately. Keep practicing and celebrating small victories.
* **Short Training Sessions:** Dachshunds have short attention spans, so keep training sessions brief (5-10 minutes) and frequent (2-3 times per day).
* **End on a Positive Note:** Always end each training session with a command your Dachshund knows well, so they finish feeling successful.
* **Socialization:** Expose your Dachshund to various sights, sounds, people, and other dogs from a young age. This will help them become well-adjusted and confident adults.
## Step-by-Step Dachshund Training Guide
This section provides a detailed guide to training your Dachshund, covering essential commands and addressing common behavioral issues.
### 1. Potty Training
Potty training is one of the first and most important aspects of training. Dachshunds can be notoriously difficult to housebreak, so consistency and patience are crucial.
* **Establish a Routine:** Take your puppy outside frequently, especially after waking up, eating, drinking, and playing. Set a timer for every 2-3 hours, especially for very young puppies.
* **Choose a Potty Spot:** Take your puppy to the same spot each time to help them associate the area with going to the bathroom.
* **Use a Command:** Say a specific command like “Go potty” or “Do your business” while they are eliminating.
* **Reward Immediately:** As soon as your puppy finishes, praise them enthusiastically and give them a treat. Timing is crucial – the reward must be given within seconds of the desired behavior.
* **Clean Up Accidents Thoroughly:** If your puppy has an accident indoors, clean it up immediately with an enzymatic cleaner to eliminate the odor and prevent them from repeating the behavior in the same spot.
* **Crate Training (Optional):** A crate can be a valuable tool for house training. Dachshunds are den animals and naturally prefer a clean space. If they are in a crate that is appropriately sized for them, they will try to avoid soiling it.
* **Introduction:** Introduce the crate gradually and make it a positive experience. Place treats and toys inside to encourage your puppy to enter.
* **Feeding:** Feed your puppy meals in the crate to associate it with positive experiences.
* **Supervision:** Never leave your puppy in the crate for extended periods, especially when they are just starting out. Gradually increase the time they spend in the crate as they become more comfortable.
### 2. Crate Training
Even if not primarily used for potty training, crate training offers dachshunds a secure personal space, reducing anxiety and aiding in housetraining.
* **Introduction:** Make the crate inviting by placing soft bedding and favorite toys inside.
* **Positive Association:** Lure your dachshund inside with treats and praise, gradually increasing the time spent inside with the door closed.
* **Feeding in the Crate:** Feed meals in the crate to create a positive association.
* **Never Use as Punishment:** The crate should be a safe haven, not a place for punishment.
### 3. Basic Obedience Commands
Teaching basic obedience commands is essential for a well-behaved Dachshund. Start with these commands:
* **Sit:**
* Hold a treat in front of your Dachshund’s nose.
* Move the treat upwards and slightly back over their head. As they follow the treat with their eyes, their rear end should naturally lower into a sit.
* Say the word “Sit” as they are sitting.
* Reward them immediately with the treat and praise.
* Repeat the process several times.
* **Stay:**
* Have your Dachshund sit.
* Hold your hand up in a stop gesture and say “Stay” in a firm but calm voice.
* Initially, only ask them to stay for a few seconds. Gradually increase the duration as they become more comfortable.
* If they stay, reward them with a treat and praise.
* If they break the stay, calmly say “No” and start again.
* **Come:**
* Use a cheerful and enthusiastic voice.
* Say your Dachshund’s name followed by “Come.”
* Encourage them to come to you by patting your leg or using a toy.
* When they come to you, reward them immediately with a treat and praise.
* Practice this command in a variety of locations.
* **Down:**
* Hold a treat in front of your Dachshund’s nose.
* Lower the treat towards the floor, encouraging them to follow it with their nose.
* As they lower their body, say the word “Down.”
* When they are in a down position, reward them with the treat and praise.
* You may need to be patient as some Dachshunds find this command difficult due to their body shape.
* **Leave It:**
* Place a treat on the floor and cover it with your hand.
* When your Dachshund tries to get the treat, say “Leave it” in a firm voice.
* Once they stop trying to get the treat, remove your hand and give them a different treat from your hand.
* Gradually increase the difficulty by using more tempting items and eventually removing your hand altogether.
### 4. Leash Training
Dachshunds are prone to back problems, so it’s essential to train them to walk politely on a leash to avoid pulling and straining their backs.
* **Introduce the Leash and Collar/Harness:** Let your Dachshund wear the leash and collar/harness for short periods indoors to get them used to it.
* **Start Indoors:** Practice walking on a leash indoors in a controlled environment.
* **Use Positive Reinforcement:** Reward your Dachshund for walking calmly by your side.
* **Keep Walks Short and Frequent:** Start with short walks and gradually increase the duration as they become more comfortable.
* **Change Direction:** Change direction frequently to keep your Dachshund engaged and prevent them from pulling.
* **Avoid Pulling:** If your Dachshund pulls, stop walking and wait for them to come back to your side before continuing. Never yank the leash.
### 5. Addressing Common Dachshund Behavioral Issues
Dachshunds are prone to certain behavioral issues due to their breed characteristics. Here’s how to address some of the most common problems:
* **Barking:** Dachshunds are naturally vocal and may bark excessively. To address this:
* **Identify the Trigger:** Determine what is causing your Dachshund to bark.
* **Desensitization:** Gradually expose your Dachshund to the trigger in a controlled environment and reward them for remaining calm.
* **”Quiet” Command:** Teach your Dachshund the “Quiet” command. When they start barking, say “Quiet” and reward them when they stop.
* **Provide Mental Stimulation:** Ensure your Dachshund is getting enough mental stimulation to prevent boredom, which can lead to excessive barking.
* **Digging:** Dachshunds were bred to dig, so digging can be a natural behavior. To manage it:
* **Provide a Designated Digging Area:** Create a designated digging area in your yard and encourage your Dachshund to dig there.
* **Redirect the Behavior:** When you catch your Dachshund digging in an unwanted area, redirect their attention to the designated digging area.
* **Block Access:** Block access to areas where you don’t want your Dachshund to dig.
* **Separation Anxiety:** Dachshunds can be prone to separation anxiety. To address this:
* **Gradual Desensitization:** Gradually increase the time you leave your Dachshund alone.
* **Provide a Safe Space:** Create a safe and comfortable space for your Dachshund, such as a crate or a bed.
* **Leave a Familiar Item:** Leave a familiar item, such as a blanket or a toy, with your Dachshund when you leave.
* **Avoid Making a Fuss:** Avoid making a big deal out of leaving and returning.
* **Consider Professional Help:** If your Dachshund’s separation anxiety is severe, consider seeking professional help from a certified dog trainer or veterinary behaviorist.
* **Guarding:** Dachshunds can be protective of their food, toys, or space, which can lead to guarding behavior. To address this:
* **Desensitization and Counter-Conditioning:** Gradually desensitize your Dachshund to your presence near their food, toys, or space. Pair your presence with positive experiences, such as giving them a treat.
* **Teach “Leave It” Command:** Teach your Dachshund the “Leave it” command to prevent them from guarding items.
* **Manage Resources:** Manage your Dachshund’s resources by putting away toys and food when you are not supervising them.
* **Consult a Professional:** If your Dachshund’s guarding behavior is severe, consult a professional dog trainer or veterinary behaviorist.
### 6. Socialization
Early and consistent socialization is crucial for Dachshunds to prevent fearfulness and aggression. Socialize your Dachshund with:
* **People:** Expose your Dachshund to people of all ages, races, and genders.
* **Dogs:** Supervise interactions with other dogs and ensure they are positive experiences.
* **Environments:** Introduce your Dachshund to various environments, such as parks, stores, and car rides.
* **Sounds:** Acclimate your Dachshund to different sounds, such as traffic, sirens, and thunderstorms.
### 7. Advanced Training
Once your Dachshund has mastered basic obedience commands, you can move on to advanced training, such as:
* **Trick Training:** Teach your Dachshund fun tricks, such as rolling over, playing dead, and shaking hands.
* **Agility Training:** Agility training can be a great way to challenge your Dachshund mentally and physically.
* **Scent Work:** Dachshunds have a strong sense of smell, so scent work can be a fun and rewarding activity.
* **Therapy Dog Training:** If your Dachshund has a calm and friendly temperament, consider training them to become a therapy dog.
### 8. Addressing Back Problems
Dachshunds are prone to intervertebral disc disease (IVDD) due to their long backs and short legs. It is critical to prevent injury during training.
* **Avoid Jumping:** Discourage your Dachshund from jumping on and off furniture or other high surfaces.
* **Use Ramps and Stairs:** Provide ramps or stairs to help your Dachshund access furniture and other elevated areas.
* **Maintain a Healthy Weight:** Obesity can put extra strain on your Dachshund’s back.
* **Support Their Back:** When picking up your Dachshund, support their back and hindquarters.
* **Regular Exercise:** Regular exercise can help strengthen your Dachshund’s back muscles.
## Training Challenges Specific to Dachshunds
Several breed-specific challenges arise with Dachshunds. Forewarned is forearmed!
* **Stubbornness:** Combat this with consistent positive reinforcement and high-value treats.
* **Housebreaking Difficulties:** Be prepared for potential challenges and maintain a strict potty training schedule.
* **Back Issues:** Modify training to avoid jumping and high-impact activities.
* **Prey Drive:** Supervise Dachshunds around small animals due to their strong prey drive.
## Common Mistakes to Avoid
Avoid these common mistakes during training:
* **Punishment:** Punishment can damage your relationship with your Dachshund and make them fearful.
* **Inconsistency:** Inconsistency can confuse your Dachshund and make it difficult for them to learn.
* **Long Training Sessions:** Long training sessions can bore your Dachshund and make them lose focus.
* **Lack of Socialization:** Lack of socialization can lead to fearfulness and aggression.
* **Ignoring Back Problems:** Ignoring your Dachshund’s back problems can lead to serious health issues.
## Conclusion
Training a Dachshund requires patience, consistency, and a positive approach. By understanding their unique personality and addressing their specific needs, you can successfully train your Dachshund to be a well-behaved and loving companion. Remember to focus on positive reinforcement, short training sessions, and early socialization. With dedication and perseverance, you can overcome the challenges and enjoy a rewarding relationship with your Dachshund for many years to come. Good luck!