Dachshund Training

A dachshund is a dog with a huge personality packed into a small body. Training one is an adventure that often requires more patience than training many larger breeds. Not because dachshunds are unintelligent – quite the opposite. They understand everything perfectly well, but as former hunting dogs, they always ask themselves: “What’s in it for me?”

The good news is: dachshunds can absolutely be trained. With a positive approach, a bit of consistency, and an understanding of how this particular breed thinks, training can become genuinely enjoyable for both of you.

This guide brings together everything worth knowing – before you start, and once you already have.

Yes — but on their own terms. Dachshunds are a breed that spent centuries working independently during hunts. They had to make decisions without instructions from the hunter. That independence, determination, and strong personal opinion about everything are deeply built into their character.

Independence Is Not Stubbornness

For generations, dachshunds worked alone in underground burrows. They had to think and react on their own. That instinct is still part of their DNA today. When a dachshund seems to “ignore” a command, it’s often because they’re busy analyzing a scent they find far more interesting.

Positive Reinforcement Works Best

This is the only truly effective training method for dachshunds. Punishment usually triggers fear — or even more stubbornness. Rewards such as treats, play, or sniffing opportunities activate the dog’s dopamine system, making them want to repeat the behavior.

Tip: If your dachshund doesn’t follow a command, don’t repeat it louder. Instead, make the “offer” more attractive.

The best answer: as early as possible and with the simplest steps.

A dachshund puppy can start learning basic skills and socialization as soon as they arrive home – usually between 8 and 12 weeks of age. During this stage, a dog’s brain is incredibly receptive, and what they learn now often stays with them for life.

The First Things Worth Teaching

• Name recognition – this is the foundation. A dog should respond to their name before learning anything else.
• House training – teaching them to go outside and establishing a regular daily routine.
• Socialization – helping them get comfortable with people, other dogs, sounds, and new situations.
• Sit – often the first command even very young puppies can learn successfully.

An adult dachshund can still learn new things too – although it usually requires a bit more consistency and patience.

That depends on what you’re teaching and when you start.

Most dachshunds learn basic commands — such as sit, stay, heel, and come — within a few weeks of regular practice, especially with short daily sessions lasting around 10–15 minutes.

House training can take anywhere from a few weeks to several months, particularly if the puppy is very young or has already developed bad habits.

Socialization is not a one-time event — it’s an ongoing process that continues throughout the dog’s first two years of life.

The key is to think of training not as a project with a finish line, but as a lifestyle with your dog. A dog that “passed training” two years ago but hasn’t practiced since will lose fluency in commands — just like people forget a language they no longer use.

• “Sit” — the foundation of self-control.
• “Stay” — teaches patience (difficult, but absolutely possible!).
• “Come / Here” — a life-saving command.
• “Leave it” — protects your dog from eating something dangerous during walks.
• “Quiet” — helps manage the breed’s natural guarding and alert instincts.

Dachshunds respond far better to rewards than to punishment. From a biological perspective, rewards activate the dopamine system – making the dog want to repeat behaviors associated with pleasure. Punishment, on the other hand, creates stress and can lead to fear or aggression. It does not teach the dog what to do – only what to fear.

In practice, a dachshund punished for unwanted behavior usually just becomes more careful about doing it when the owner is nearby. The behavior itself often doesn’t stop – the dog simply waits for a moment when nobody is watching.

Rewards can take many forms:

• Treats (preferably small ones – pea-sized treats or tiny pieces of meat)
• Verbal praise and petting
• Playing with a favorite toy
• For some dachshunds – permission to dig or sniff around

It’s worth discovering what motivates your dachshund the most. Every dog is different.

Short and positive – that’s the golden rule of dachshund training.

A session should last no more than 10–15 minutes. Dachshunds have a relatively short attention span and quickly get bored if exercises become repetitive. It’s better to do three short sessions a day than one long one.

A few rules that help:

• Train before meals, when your dachshund is more food-motivated
• End every session with success – even if it’s just a simple “sit”
• Introduce only one new exercise at a time – don’t mix multiple commands at once
• Practice in different environments so commands work outside the living room too

• Guard-type harnesses: They don’t restrict shoulder movement and avoid putting pressure on the neck.
• Long line (5–10m): Essential for teaching recall in open areas while still maintaining safety and control.
• Snuffle mat: A great reward tool and a way to help your dachshund calm down through sniffing and foraging.
• Clicker: Great for precise training and clear communication (optional, but very effective for detail-oriented dachshunds).