Known for their intelligence and determination, dachshunds require a thoughtful approach to training that balances firmness with positive reinforcement. This guide provides comprehensive strategies to effectively train your dachshund, ensuring a harmonious relationship between you and your canine companion.
Understanding Dachshund Behavior
Before diving into training tips, it’s important to understand what makes Dachshunds tick. These little dogs are full of personality, and sometimes that means being a bit too independent.
Originally bred in Germany to hunt badgers, dachshunds were designed to be brave, persistent, and able to work alone underground. That hunting background shows up in their modern-day behavior: they’re curious, determined, and not afraid to speak their minds (especially through barking!).
Here are a few key traits that shape dachshund behavior:
- Strong-willed and independent
Dachshunds like to do things their own way. This doesn’t mean they’re untrainable—it just means they need a little extra patience and positive reinforcement. - Highly intelligent
They’re quick learners, especially when food is involved. But their smarts also mean they can be a bit sneaky or stubborn if they’re not mentally stimulated. - Alert and vocal
Dachshunds make excellent watchdogs. They’ll bark to alert you to anything unusual—real or imagined. - Affectionate and loyal
Despite their tough exterior, they’re incredibly loving with their people. Many dachshunds form strong bonds with one or two favorite humans.
Understanding these traits helps you work with your dachshund’s nature instead of against it. When you realize your doxie isn’t being “difficult” on purpose—but simply being a dachshund—it becomes easier to train with compassion and consistency.
The Importance of Early Socialization
If you’re wondering how to train a stubborn dachshund, the journey really begins in puppyhood—with early socialization. This step is often overlooked, but it plays a major role in shaping your dachshund’s future behavior and temperament.
Early socialization means gently introducing your dachshund puppy to different people, environments, sounds, and other animals during the first few months of life (ideally between 3 and 14 weeks). This helps them grow into confident, well-adjusted adults.
Here’s why it matters:
- Prevents fear-based aggression or anxiety
A dachshund that hasn’t been exposed to new things early on can become reactive or overly shy later in life. Socialized pups are more relaxed in unfamiliar situations. - Builds trust and adaptability
The more positive experiences your pup has early, the more adaptable they’ll be to changes—like visiting the vet, meeting guests, or walking in busy areas. - Makes future training easier
Socialization lays the groundwork for dachshund puppy training. A well-socialized dog is more focused, less fearful, and more likely to respond to commands.
If your dachshund is past the puppy stage, don’t worry—it’s never too late to work on socialization. Start slowly and use positive reinforcement (like treats and praise) to help your dog associate new things with good experiences.
Whether you’re raising a dachshund puppy or trying to guide an older, more stubborn adult, building confidence through early and continued socialization is one of the most important things you can do.
Positive Reinforcement Techniques
When it comes to training a stubborn dachshund, punishment-based methods just don’t cut it—and can even backfire. Dachshunds respond far better to positive reinforcement, which means rewarding the behavior you want to see with treats, praise, toys, or play.
This approach is not only more effective, but it also builds trust and strengthens your bond.
Here’s how to make it work:
Use High-Value Treats
Dachshunds are famously food-motivated. Use small, soft treats that your dog really loves, especially when teaching new commands. Reserve the really good ones for harder to reinforce behaviours, like coming when called or staying calm around distractions.
- Keep Sessions Short and Fun – Dachshunds have short attention spans. Aim for training sessions that last 5–10 minutes, a few times a day. Keep it upbeat and end on a positive note—your dog should be excited for the next session.
- Use Clear, Consistent Cues – Pick one word or phrase for each command (like “sit” or “leave it”) and stick to it. Everyone in your household should use the same cue, so your dog doesn’t get confused.
- Mark Good Behavior Immediately – Use a cheerful “yes!” or a clicker to mark the exact moment your dog does the right thing, then immediately give the reward. This helps your dachshund make the connection between the behavior and the reward.
- Be Patient—and Celebrate Small Wins – Dachshunds can be slow to give up habits they’ve built over time, especially if they’re used to doing things their own way. But with consistency and patience, even the most strong-willed sausage dog can learn new tricks.
Positive reinforcement isn’t just about teaching commands—it’s also about reinforcing calm behavior, good manners, and your dachshund’s confidence.
Consistency and Routine
If there’s one secret to training a stubborn dachshund, it’s this: consistency and routine. These clever little dogs thrive when they know what to expect. When the rules are clear and their day-to-day is predictable, they’re much more likely to cooperate—and even enjoy training.
- Why Routine Helps
Just like humans, dachshunds feel more secure when their world makes sense. A regular schedule for meals, walks, playtime, and training helps reduce anxiety and builds trust. When your dog knows when things will happen, they’re less likely to act out or resist instructions.
- Stick to Consistent Commands
Choose one word for each command, and use it every time. If you say “down” one day and “off” the next, your dachshund won’t know what you want. Keep cues clear and consistent for everyone in the household.
- Keep the Rules the Same
If your dachshund isn’t allowed on the furniture, that needs to be true 100% of the time, not just when guests are over. Mixed signals confuse dogs and can undo progress. Decide on household rules early and stick to them.
- Add Training to Your Daily Routine
Short, daily training sessions are better than long, occasional ones. Incorporate training into everyday life—ask for a “sit” before feeding, practice “stay” before opening the door, or reward calm behavior when guests arrive. Repetition in context helps cement the lessons.
Creating structure doesn’t mean being rigid—it just means offering your dachshund the stability they need to succeed. A strong routine, paired with consistent guidance, is one of the most powerful tools in your training toolkit.
Addressing Common Behavioral Issues
Digging
Dachshunds were originally bred to dig into badger dens, so digging is truly in their blood. Whether it’s the garden, your favorite blanket, or even a corner of the couch, digging satisfies a deep natural instinct.
How to help:
- Offer a digging outlet: Create a “legal” digging spot in the yard or use a sandbox where they can dig to their heart’s content.
- Bury toys or treats to make the digging area fun and rewarding.
- Redirect indoor digging to a toy or dog bed.
- Tire them out: Extra playtime and mental stimulation often reduce the urge to dig out of boredom or excess energy.
Leash Pulling
While they’re small, dachshunds can be surprisingly strong and determined on walks, especially if they catch an interesting scent. Pulling on the leash isn’t just frustrating; it can also strain their sensitive neck and back.
How to help:
- Practice leash walking at home or in the yard before heading into more distracting environments.
- Use a harness, not a collar, to protect their spine and improve control.
- Try the “stop and go” method: the moment they pull, stop walking. Only move forward again once the leash is slack.
- Reward good leash behavior: when they walk nicely beside you, offer praise or a treat.
Excessive Barking
Dachshunds are vocal by nature. They were bred to alert hunters, so barking is in their DNA. But when it becomes non-stop, it’s time to step in.
How to help:
- Identify triggers (doorbell, strangers, boredom).
- Teach a “quiet” command with treats.
- Avoid yelling—it sounds like you’re barking too!
- Provide mental stimulation and regular exercise to reduce boredom-based barking.
Resource Guarding
Does your dachshund growl when someone approaches their food, toys, or bed? That’s resource guarding, and it can escalate without intervention.
How to help:
- Don’t punish the behavior—instead, build trust.
- Practice trading up: offer a better treat in exchange for what they’re guarding.
- Teach commands like “leave it” and “drop it” in non-stressful moments.
- Consult a professional if aggression worsens.
Housebreaking Problems
House training can be extra tricky with dachshunds, especially in bad weather (they really don’t like wet grass!).
How to help:
- Stick to a schedule—take your pup out first thing in the morning, after meals, and before bed.
- Use crate training and positive reinforcement.
- Reward the outdoor potty with immediate praise and treats.
- Be patient—some dachshunds take a bit longer to “get it.”
Separation Anxiety
Dachshunds get deeply attached to their people, and being left alone can trigger anxiety, resulting in whining, destruction, or accidents.
How to help:
- Practice leaving for short periods, then gradually increase the time.
- Leave a worn shirt or an interactive toy with them.
- Avoid dramatic exits and entrances.
- If severe, speak to a vet or certified trainer about next steps.
When to Seek Help from a Professional Trainer?
Sometimes, despite your best efforts, your dachshund’s behavior doesn’t improve—or even gets worse. If you’re feeling frustrated, overwhelmed, or unsure how to move forward, there’s no shame in reaching out for help.
In fact, working with a professional dog trainer can make a huge difference, especially when it comes to training a stubborn dachshund or addressing more serious behavioral issues.
Signs You May Need a Trainer
- Aggression toward people or other pets
- Persistent separation anxiety that leads to destructive behavior
- Resource guarding that doesn’t improve with basic training
- No progress despite consistent, positive reinforcement
- Leash reactivity or fear-based behaviors (lunging, cowering, barking excessively)
What to Look For in a Trainer
- Uses positive reinforcement (avoid anyone who uses fear or punishment)
- Certified by reputable organizations (like CCPDT, IAABC, or APDT)
- Has experience with dachshunds or similarly independent breeds
- Offers individualized guidance rather than one-size-fits-all training
Remember, asking for help isn’t a failure—it’s a smart step toward a better relationship with your pup. With the right support, even the most determined little sausage dog can learn to listen, behave, and thrive.
Conclusion
Training a dachshund—especially one with a stubborn streak—isn’t always easy, but it’s absolutely worth the effort. These little dogs may be strong-willed, but they’re also incredibly smart, loyal, and eager to connect when you approach them with patience and understanding.
By using positive reinforcement, staying consistent, and creating a routine that works for both of you, you’ll build not only good behavior but also a strong bond that lasts a lifetime. And when things get tough, remember—you’re not alone. Whether it’s reaching out to a professional trainer or simply adjusting your approach, every small step forward counts.
With love, structure, and a few tasty treats along the way, even the sassiest sausage dog can become a well-behaved (and still totally adorable) member of the family.
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