Training a dachshund: the reasons it’s so different

There is no doubt that the Dachshund is possibly one of the most adorable breeds out there. However, there is nothing cute about training a dachshund, as little hot dog-shaped creatures can be quite disobedient. In fact, some people believe that dachshunds need special training to curb their stubborn attitudes.

What separates dachshunds from other breeds?

You don’t have a carefree moment when you start training a dachshund. Right from the start, you should keep in mind that your Dachshund is still a dog, forgetting about how affectionate and funny he is, and deserves to be treated properly, just like any other animal.

Patience will be a vital quality in training a dachshund the right way, because these little dachshunds are known to be truly independent. They have their own minds and will decide what they want, then wait for you to get it.

Once you understand that this is a small, strong-willed dog that you are training and that you shouldn’t treat him like a little human friend, you need to make sure that you always have the upper hand in your training sessions. Giving him special privileges because he’s so cute will bite you on the butt, and he won’t think of you as someone to always pay attention to.

Because dachshunds have such strong and determined personalities, they tend to get into trouble. So you won’t be doing yourself any favors if you don’t always protect the lead in your training sessions. Also, due to the way Dachshunds are formed, they can get hurt if they decide to run away and climb or jump on things – two behaviors that Dachshunds can simply be trained to stop.

The essential points in training a dachshund

Dachshunds were initially bred to be hunting dogs that sniffed and dug up vermin. They are bouncing with energy, so your dachshund should get plenty of exercise from a young age. A dachshund with suppressed energy can cause serious damage to your home.

You want to be strict with your dog and create a schedule that gives him plenty of exercise, which will make training much easier in the long run.

Training a dachshund: sessions

Basics: Basic training commands such as “sit”, “stay”, and most importantly “down” should be handled first. The Dachshund’s physical style makes it difficult for him to jump or climb very high, so teach him from the beginning not to jump on furniture, and make it clear that doing so is absolutely forbidden. If necessary, you can walk your dog up and down stairs.

Training a Dachshund with a Clicker – Dachshunds respond well to clickers, so these devices should be added in training sessions. The Dachshund does not have wonderful hearing, but it can react to quick, sharp clicks. Clicker training is ideal for an animal that has such a short attention span.

Short Sessions – Training a dachshund should be done in 5 minute increments. If you spend more than 5 minutes in a session, your dachshund’s attention will quickly drift to other things and you’ll have a hard time getting him back on track. So do as much as you can in the 5 minute periods, and your dog won’t have time to think about various unimportant things.

Rewards: it is not easy to punish a dachshund, because the breed has a very strong will. If you overdo the punishment, your Dachshund can become stubborn and even cruel. Alternatively, positive reinforcement is a wonderful way to train your dog, giving him various rewards when he has been good. Dachshunds swim in physical attention, just as they are eager for treats that reward their good behavior.

Clearly, training a Dachshund can be troublesome, even aggravating. To get the results you want, you will need a reserve of energy and patience, not to mention time. The key is not to let your Dachshund puppy take the lead in your relationship. Once you do, you gain a lot of ground that will be difficult to regain as you both get older.