Left Facing Arrow
Dog Training

How To Train Your Dachshund

First, a little about us

Welcome to Kibbies, where we're pawsitively passionate about pampering your furry friends! We believe that every pup deserves top-notch nutrition without breaking the bank. Our high-quality dog food strikes the perfect balance between convenience and affordability, so you can treat your four-legged family member to the best without the sticker shock. So why wait? Join our pack and shop Kibbies today – because your dog's health is worth wagging for!

Training your dachshund can be a rewarding experience for both you and your furry companion. Dachshunds are intelligent and curious dogs, but they can also be stubborn at times. By understanding their behavior and using consistent training methods, you can teach your dachshund basic commands, house train them, and help them develop good social skills. In this article, we will explore the key steps to training your dachshund effectively.

Understanding Your Dachshund's Behavior

Before you start training your dachshund, it's essential to understand their unique behavior traits. Dachshunds are known for their independent nature, which can sometimes make training a bit challenging. However, with patience and consistency, you can overcome these hurdles.

Dachshunds have a long history dating back to the 15th century when they were originally bred in Germany to hunt badgers. This hunting instinct is still deeply ingrained in their behavior, making them determined and tenacious. Understanding this background can help you better comprehend their behavior patterns and adapt your training methods accordingly.

The Importance of Consistency in Training

Consistency is crucial when training your dachshund. Dogs thrive on routine, so establishing a consistent training schedule will help them understand what is expected of them. Use the same commands and rewards consistently, and avoid confusing your dachshund with mixed messages.

Consistency not only applies to the training itself but also to your interactions with your dachshund. Establishing consistent rules and boundaries will help your dachshund feel secure and know their place within the family hierarchy. This sense of structure will make training more effective and prevent behavioral issues from arising.

Recognizing and Responding to Your Dachshund's Signals

Dachshunds communicate through various body language signals. By paying attention to these signals, you can better understand your dachshund's needs and emotions. For example, when your dachshund starts pawing at the door, it's a clear sign that they need to go outside for a bathroom break. By recognizing and responding to these signals, you can avoid accidents inside the house.

Aside from pawing at the door, dachshunds may also use other signals to communicate their desires or discomfort. They might tilt their head to the side when they are curious or confused, wag their tail vigorously when they are excited, or tuck their tail between their legs when they are scared or anxious. Understanding these signals will enable you to provide the appropriate response and create a stronger bond with your dachshund.

It's important to note that every dachshund is unique, and their behavior may vary. Some dachshunds may be more stubborn than others, while some may be more sociable or prone to separation anxiety. Taking the time to observe and understand your dachshund's individual quirks will help you tailor your training approach to their specific needs.

Basic Commands for Your Dachshund

Teaching your dachshund basic commands is an essential part of their training journey. These commands will help establish a strong bond between you and your furry friend and ensure their safety in various situations.

Teaching Your Dachshund to Sit

One of the first commands you should teach your dachshund is "sit." Start by holding a treat close to their nose and move it upwards. As their head moves up, their bottom will naturally go down into a sitting position. Once they are sitting, reward them with the treat and verbal praise. Repeat this process, gradually phasing out the treat and relying solely on verbal praise.

Training Your Dachshund to Stay

"Stay" is another important command that can help keep your dachshund safe in potentially dangerous situations. Start by having your dachshund sit in front of you. Hold your hand up, palm facing your dog, and say "stay" in a firm but calm voice. Take a step back, and if your dachshund remains in the sitting position, reward them with a treat and praise. Gradually increase the distance and duration of the "stay" command over time.

Guiding Your Dachshund to Lie Down

"Lie down" is another useful command for your dachshund's training. Start by having your dachshund sit in front of you. Hold a treat close to their nose and then lower it towards the ground. As your dachshund follows the treat, their body will naturally lower into a lying position. Once they are lying down, reward them with the treat and praise. Repeat this process, gradually phasing out the treat.

House Training Your Dachshund

House training is a crucial aspect of any dog's training, including dachshunds. With consistency and positive reinforcement, you can establish a bathroom routine and minimize accidents inside the house.

Establishing a Bathroom Routine

To establish a bathroom routine, take your dachshund outside to the same spot at regular intervals throughout the day. Use a specific command, such as "go potty," and wait patiently until they finish their business. Immediately reward them with a treat and praise. With time, your dachshund will associate the command and the designated spot with going to the bathroom.

Dealing with Accidents Inside the House

If accidents occur inside the house, avoid punishment, as it can confuse your dachshund. Instead, clean up the mess using an enzymatic cleaner that eliminates the odor completely. This will help prevent your dachshund from being attracted back to the same spot. Focus on reinforcing positive behavior by rewarding your dachshund when they go outside.

Socializing Your Dachshund

Socializing your dachshund from an early age is crucial to ensure they develop good behavior around other dogs and strangers.

Introducing Your Dachshund to Other Dogs

To introduce your dachshund to other dogs, start with controlled and supervised meetings. Begin by allowing your dachshund to sniff and observe the other dog from a distance. Gradually decrease the distance over time, ensuring that both dogs remain calm and comfortable. Reward positive interactions with treats and praise. Repeat these introductions with different dogs to help your dachshund become more sociable.

Helping Your Dachshund Get Comfortable with Strangers

Dachshunds can be wary of strangers, so it's essential to help them become comfortable in unfamiliar situations. Slowly expose your dachshund to different people in controlled environments, ensuring that the encounters are positive. Reward your dachshund for calm behavior and gradually increase the duration and intensity of these interactions. Always prioritize your dachshund's well-being and comfort level.

Dealing with Dachshund-Specific Issues

Dachshunds, like any other breed, may have specific issues that require attention and training.

Managing Your Dachshund's Barking

Dachshunds are known for their vocal nature, and excessive barking can become a problem. To manage barking, identify the triggers and work on desensitizing your dachshund to those stimuli. For example, if your dachshund barks at other dogs passing by your house, gradually expose them to the sight and sound of dogs from a distance while rewarding calm behavior. Consult with a professional dog trainer if necessary.

Preventing Digging Behaviors

Dachshunds have a natural instinct to dig, so it's essential to redirect this behavior appropriately. Provide your dachshund with designated digging areas, such as a sandbox or soft soil area in your yard. Encourage them to dig in these areas by burying toys or treats. When you catch your dachshund digging in an inappropriate spot, calmly redirect them to their designated area.

Remember, training your dachshund requires time, patience, and consistency. If you have any concerns or questions about your dachshund's behavior, always consult your veterinarian or a professional dog trainer for advice. With proper training, you can help your dachshund become a well-behaved and happy member of your family.

TRY KIBBIES

Kibbies is the dry dog food made with whole, fresh ingredients

Shop Kibbies
Arrow Pointing Right
Check out more dog training articles below!