How to Train a Dachshund: The Complete Beginner's Guide

Few dog breeds have as much personality packed into such a small body as the Dachshund. They're intelligent, affectionate, hilarious, fearless—and famously stubborn.

If you've recently welcomed a Dachshund into your family, you've probably already discovered that training one isn't quite the same as training a Labrador or Golden Retriever. What works for eager-to-please breeds often falls flat with a Dachshund. That doesn't mean Dachshunds are untrainable. Far from it.

Originally bred in Germany to hunt badgers, rabbits, and other burrowing animals, Dachshunds were developed to think independently. They had to make decisions underground without waiting for instructions from a hunter. That independent mindset is still part of the breed today. A Dachshund won't obey simply because you ask—they want a reason. The good news is that once you understand how your Dachshund learns, training becomes far easier and much more enjoyable.

This guide covers everything first-time owners need to know, from teaching basic obedience and house training to solving common behavioral challenges using positive, reward-based methods.

Whether you have a Standard Dachshund, Miniature Dachshund, puppy, or rescue dog, the principles remain the same.

Why Dachshunds Are Different to Train

Many owners assume they're doing something wrong when their Dachshund ignores commands that other dogs seem to learn quickly.

In reality, you're working with a breed that was never designed to wait for instructions.

Unlike herding or sporting breeds that naturally look to humans for direction, Dachshunds were bred to solve problems independently while hunting underground.

That history explains many modern behaviors, including:

• Selective listening
• Strong prey drive
• Curiosity
• Persistence
• Confidence
• Occasional stubbornness

These traits can make training feel frustrating if you expect immediate obedience.

Instead of asking, "How do I make my Dachshund obey me?"

A better question is:

"How do I make learning worthwhile for my Dachshund?"

That small mindset shift changes everything.

Are Dachshunds Easy to Train?

The honest answer is:

Yes and no.

Dachshunds are highly intelligent dogs capable of learning dozens of commands, tricks, and routines.

However, intelligence isn't the same as eagerness to obey.

Many first-time owners confuse independence with stubbornness.

In reality, most Dachshunds understand exactly what you're asking—they're simply deciding whether it's worth their effort.

This is why punishment-based methods rarely work well with the breed.

Positive reinforcement almost always produces better long-term results.

If you're consistent, patient, and rewarding, your Dachshund can become a wonderfully trained companion.

Read more: How to Train a Dachshund Puppy: Step-by-Step Guide?

What Motivates a Dachshund?

Successful training starts with understanding motivation.

Unlike some breeds that work simply for praise, Dachshunds usually respond best to rewards they truly value.

Common motivators include:

Food Rewards For most Dachshunds, food is the number one motivator. Small, soft treats that can be eaten quickly help maintain focus without interrupting training sessions. The reward should feel special. If your dog receives the same kibble all day, it won't carry much training value.	Toys: Some Dachshunds enjoy Tug toys Plush toys Small balls Squeaky toys These can become powerful rewards, particularly for energetic puppies.
Praise and Affection Although food often works fastest, many Dachshunds also love enthusiastic praise. A cheerful: "Yes! Good dog!" paired with petting can reinforce good behavior over time. Eventually, praise alone becomes rewarding.	Play Sometimes the greatest reward isn't food at all. A short game of fetch, tug, or chase after successful training can be incredibly motivating. This is particularly effective for young, energetic Dachshunds.

The Golden Rules of Dachshund Training

Before teaching specific commands, establish a few principles that will guide every training session.

Keep Sessions Short

Dachshunds have relatively short attention spans, especially as puppies.

Aim for:

• 5–10 minute sessions
• Two to four times each day

Ending while your dog is still engaged is far more effective than pushing until they lose interest.

Be Consistent

Dogs learn through repetition. If jumping on guests is allowed one day but punished the next, your Dachshund receives mixed messages.

Everyone in the household should use the same:

• Commands
• Rules
• Rewards
• Expectations

Consistency builds confidence.

Reward Immediately

Timing matters. Reward the behavior within one or two seconds. Waiting too long makes it difficult for your dog to connect the reward with the correct action.

Avoid Punishment

Harsh corrections may suppress behavior temporarily, but they rarely teach what you actually want. They can also reduce trust and increase anxiety. Instead of punishing mistakes, focus on rewarding correct choices. Positive reinforcement creates dogs that enjoy learning.

End Every Session on Success

Finish with a command your Dachshund already knows. Ending on a win keeps training fun and builds confidence for the next session.

Preparing for Training Success

Before teaching commands, make sure you have the right equipment.

You don't need an expensive setup—just a few essentials that make training easier and more consistent.

A Comfortable Harness

Because Dachshunds have long backs and delicate necks, a well-fitted harness is generally a safer option than attaching a leash directly to a collar during training walks.

Look for a harness that:

• Fits snugly without rubbing.
• Doesn't restrict shoulder movement.
• Distributes pressure across the chest.
• Is easy to adjust as your puppy grows.

A comfortable harness encourages better leash manners while protecting the neck.

A Standard Leash

For everyday training, a regular 4–6 foot leash provides the best balance between freedom and control. Avoid retractable leashes during obedience sessions, as they make it harder for your Dachshund to understand leash pressure and boundaries.

High-Value Training Treats

Treats are one of your most effective training tools.

Choose rewards that are:

• Small enough to eat quickly.
• Soft and easy to chew.
• Highly appealing to your dog.
• Reserved mainly for training.

Using high-value rewards helps keep your Dachshund engaged, especially when learning new skills or practicing around distractions.

A Quiet Training Environment

When introducing a new command, start in a calm space with as few distractions as possible. A quiet living room or fenced backyard is usually ideal. As your Dachshund becomes more reliable, gradually practice in more challenging environments, such as neighborhood walks or local parks.

This step-by-step approach builds confidence without overwhelming your dog.

Teaching Your Dachshund the Essential Commands

Every well-behaved Dachshund starts with a handful of basic commands.

These cues aren't just about obedience—they help keep your dog safe, strengthen your relationship, and make everyday life much easier.

Don't worry about teaching everything at once.

Focus on one command at a time, practice consistently, and celebrate small successes.

Sit

Why it matters

"Sit" is usually the first command puppies learn because it's simple and forms the foundation for many other behaviors.

You'll use it before:

• Greeting visitors
• Crossing streets
• Putting down food
• Opening doors
• Clipping on a leash

How to teach it

1. Hold a treat close to your Dachshund's nose.
2. Slowly move the treat upward and slightly backward.
3. As your puppy follows the treat, their rear naturally lowers to the ground.
4. The moment they sit, say "Yes!" or use a clicker.
5. Immediately reward with the treat.

Repeat five to ten times before ending the session.

Once your Dachshund begins offering the behavior consistently, introduce the verbal cue:

"Sit."

Say the word only once, then guide with the treat if needed.

Common mistakes

Avoid:

• Repeating "Sit, sit, sit..."
• Pushing your dog's rear down.
• Training when your puppy is overly excited.

Patience produces much faster learning than force.

Down

Lying down requires more self-control than sitting, making it an excellent calming behavior.

How to teach it

1. Begin with your Dachshund sitting.
2. Hold a treat at their nose.
3. Slowly lower the treat to the floor.
4. Drag it slightly forward.
5. As your puppy stretches forward, they'll naturally lie down.
6. Mark the behavior immediately.
7. Reward generously.

Some Dachshunds learn this quickly, while others need several short sessions.

Stay

Many owners rush into teaching "Stay."

Instead, wait until your Dachshund reliably understands "Sit."

Step-by-step

Ask your dog to sit.

Hold your hand out like a stop sign.

Say:

"Stay."

Take one small step backward.

If your Dachshund remains seated for just one second:

Reward immediately.

Gradually increase:

• Time
• Distance
• Distractions

Never jump from one second to thirty seconds overnight.

Successful training happens through tiny progressions.

Come (Recall)

If there's one command every Dachshund should master, it's recall.

A reliable "Come" can literally save your dog's life.

Because Dachshunds have strong hunting instincts, recall requires more practice than many owners expect.

Start indoors

Call your puppy in a cheerful voice.

Instead of shouting:

"COME!"

try

"Bella, come!"

The moment your dog reaches you:

Celebrate.

Reward generously.

Make coming to you feel like winning the lottery every single time.

Never punish recall

One of the biggest training mistakes is calling your Dachshund only for unpleasant experiences like:

• Nail trimming
• Bath time
• Ending playtime

Your dog quickly learns that "Come" predicts something negative.

Instead, call your Dachshund frequently just to reward them and let them continue playing.

Leave It

Dachshunds investigate everything.

Unfortunately, that curiosity sometimes includes dangerous objects.

Teaching "Leave it" helps prevent accidents.

Simple exercise

Place a treat in your closed hand.

Allow your dog to sniff.

Ignore the pawing and licking.

The moment your Dachshund looks away, say:

"Yes!"

Reward with a different treat from your other hand.

Eventually add the cue:

"Leave it."

Practice regularly with toys and household objects before trying it outdoors.

Drop It

"Leave it" means don't pick something up.

"Drop it" means let go after it's already in the mouth.

This distinction is important.

Trade the object for a higher-value treat rather than trying to pull it away.

Your Dachshund should learn:

Dropping things makes better rewards appear.

Leash Training Your Dachshund

Many Dachshunds become enthusiastic pullers.

Their hunting background encourages them to follow scents with determination.

The goal isn't to stop curiosity.

It's to teach your dog that walking politely gets them where they want to go faster.

Start Indoors First

Before tackling busy sidewalks, let your puppy wear:

• Harness
• Leash

inside the house.

Allow them to walk naturally.

Reward calm behavior.

This removes the excitement of wearing new equipment.

Reward Position, Not Distance

Many owners accidentally reward pulling by continuing to walk.

Instead:

When your Dachshund walks beside you:

Reward.

If they pull:

Stop moving.

Wait quietly.

The instant the leash becomes loose:

Resume walking.

Your dog quickly learns:

Loose leash = walking continues.

Pulling = everything stops.

Change Direction Frequently

Rather than dragging your Dachshund forward, surprise them.

Randomly turn:

• Left
• Right
• Around

Reward your puppy whenever they choose to follow.

This teaches them to pay attention to you instead of marching ahead independently.

Socialization: The Most Overlooked Part of Training

Training isn't only about commands.

It's also about helping your Dachshund feel confident in the world.

Proper socialization during puppyhood reduces fear later in life.

Introduce your puppy to:

Different People

Allow calm interactions with:

• Men
• Women
• Children
• Seniors
• People wearing hats
• People using wheelchairs
• Delivery drivers

Positive experiences build confidence.

Different Environments

Visit:

• Quiet parks
• Pet-friendly stores
• Outdoor cafés
• Neighborhood sidewalks

Keep each outing short and positive.

Different Sounds

Gradually expose your puppy to:

• Vacuum cleaners
• Thunder recordings
• Traffic
• Fireworks recordings (low volume)
• Doorbells

Pair unfamiliar sounds with treats.

This creates positive associations.

Other Dogs

Safe puppy classes can be invaluable.

Choose supervised environments where puppies learn:

• Bite inhibition
• Communication
• Confidence

Avoid crowded dog parks until vaccinations are complete and your veterinarian gives approval.

Training by Age: What to Expect

Every stage of your Dachshund's development comes with different learning abilities.

Understanding realistic expectations helps prevent frustration.

Age	Training Focus
8–12 weeks	Name recognition, potty training, crate training, socialization
3–4 months	Sit, Down, Come, leash introduction
4–6 months	Stay, Leave It, impulse control, polite greetings
6–12 months	Reliability with distractions, longer walks, advanced obedience
1 year+	Refinement, tricks, off-leash recall (where safe), continued mental enrichment

Remember that adolescence often brings temporary regression. A six-month-old Dachshund may suddenly "forget" commands they previously knew well. This is a normal developmental phase—not stubbornness or failure.

Crate Training Your Dachshund

When introduced correctly, a crate becomes much more than a place to confine your dog. It provides a safe, quiet space where your Dachshund can relax, sleep, and feel secure.

Crate training is also one of the most effective tools for:

• House training
• Preventing destructive chewing
• Establishing routines
• Helping puppies settle at night
• Making travel less stressful

The key is to help your Dachshund see the crate as their bedroom, never as a punishment.

Choosing the Right Crate

A crate should be large enough for your Dachshund to:

• Stand comfortably
• Turn around
• Lie down fully stretched

Avoid buying an oversized crate for a young puppy.

If there's too much extra space, puppies may sleep in one corner and use another as a bathroom, slowing house training.

Many wire crates include divider panels that allow you to increase the available space as your puppy grows.

Making the Crate Comfortable

Create a welcoming environment by adding:

• A soft crate mat
• A washable blanket
• Safe chew toys
• A food puzzle or stuffed enrichment toy

Keep the crate in a room where the family spends time during the day so your Dachshund doesn't feel isolated.

Introducing the Crate Positively

Never force your puppy inside.

Instead:

1. Leave the crate door open.
2. Toss treats inside.
3. Allow your Dachshund to explore voluntarily.
4. Feed meals inside the crate.
5. Gradually increase the time the door remains closed.

The goal is for your puppy to enter happily on their own.

Nighttime Crate Training

The first few nights can be challenging.

Young puppies naturally want to stay close to their family.

Consider placing the crate near your bed so your puppy can hear and smell you.

If they wake during the night, they may simply need a potty break rather than attention.

Avoid letting them out only because they're whining for company, as this can unintentionally reinforce the behavior.

House Training Your Dachshund

If you've heard that Dachshunds are difficult to potty train, you're not alone.

They're often slower than many breeds—but not because they can't learn.

Instead, they're:

• Independent thinkers
• Easily distracted
• Sensitive to weather
• Creatures of habit

A predictable routine makes a tremendous difference.

Establish a Consistent Schedule

Take your puppy outside:

• First thing in the morning
• After every meal
• After naps
• After play sessions
• Before bedtime

Young puppies often need to relieve themselves every one to two hours while awake.

Consistency is more important than perfection.

Always Use the Same Potty Area

Dogs rely heavily on scent.

Returning to the same outdoor location helps your Dachshund understand exactly what you expect.

Once your puppy finishes, reward immediately with enthusiastic praise and a treat.

Supervise Indoors

Until your Dachshund is reliably house trained, avoid giving them unrestricted access to the entire home.

Instead, use:

• Baby gates
• Playpens
• A leash attached to your belt
• Crate time when supervision isn't possible

Preventing accidents is much easier than correcting them later.

Never Punish Accidents

Finding a puddle on the floor is frustrating.

However, punishment after the fact only confuses your dog.

Instead:

• Clean accidents thoroughly with an enzymatic cleaner.
• Review your schedule.
• Increase supervision.

Remember:

House training is about building habits—not assigning blame.

Solving Common Dachshund Behavior Problems

Every breed has its quirks, and Dachshunds are no exception.

Many "problem behaviors" are actually normal breed instincts that simply need appropriate guidance.

Excessive Barking

Dachshunds were bred to alert hunters.

That instinct remains strong today.

Common barking triggers include:

• Visitors
• Delivery drivers
• Wildlife
• Strange noises
• Passing dogs

Rather than trying to eliminate barking completely, teach a "Quiet" cue by rewarding your dog for moments of silence after they've alerted you.

Digging

Digging is deeply rooted in the breed's history.

Instead of constantly discouraging it, consider providing an appropriate outlet, such as:

• A designated digging area
• Sandboxes
• Interactive digging toys

Meeting natural instincts often works better than trying to suppress them.

Chewing

Puppies explore the world with their mouths.

Provide plenty of safe chew options, rotating them regularly to maintain interest.

If your Dachshund chews furniture or shoes, calmly redirect them to an appropriate toy rather than scolding.

Jumping on Guests

Although Dachshunds are small, jumping can still become an unwanted habit.

Ask visitors to ignore your dog until all four paws are on the floor.

Reward calm greetings consistently.

Mixed messages—allowing jumping sometimes but not others—only slow progress.

Separation Anxiety

Some Dachshunds form very strong bonds with their owners and may struggle when left alone.

Help build independence by:

• Practicing short departures.
• Leaving interactive puzzle toys.
• Avoiding dramatic goodbyes.
• Returning calmly without excessive excitement.

If your dog shows severe distress, consult your veterinarian or a certified behavior professional.

Mental Enrichment Matters as Much as Physical Exercise

Many owners believe a long walk is enough to tire out a Dachshund.

In reality, mental stimulation is just as important.

A bored Dachshund often creates its own entertainment—which may include barking, digging, chewing, or stealing household items.

Daily enrichment helps channel the breed's intelligence into positive activities.

Food Puzzle Toys

Instead of serving every meal in a bowl, occasionally use:

• Puzzle feeders
• Slow feeders
• Treat-dispensing toys
• Snuffle mats

These encourage problem-solving while slowing down eating.

Nose Work Games

Dachshunds were bred to hunt using their noses.

Simple scent games satisfy this instinct naturally.

Try hiding treats around the house and encouraging your dog to "Find it."

Start with easy hiding spots, then gradually increase the difficulty.

Trick Training

Once your Dachshund masters basic obedience, teaching tricks keeps their mind engaged.

Popular tricks include:

• Spin
• Shake
• High five
• Roll over
• Bow
• Weave through your legs

Short, fun trick sessions strengthen your bond while providing valuable mental exercise.

Interactive Play

Daily games such as:

• Tug
• Fetch in a hallway
• Hide-and-seek
• Recall games between family members

provide both physical activity and learning opportunities.

Remember that quality interaction often matters more than the length of the activity.

10 Common Dachshund Training Mistakes to Avoid

Even experienced dog owners can run into challenges when training a Dachshund. Fortunately, most setbacks are caused by a few common mistakes that are easy to correct once you recognize them.

Expecting Results Too Quickly

Dachshunds are intelligent, but they're not robots. Some puppies learn a new cue in a single afternoon. Others may need dozens of short practice sessions before the behavior becomes reliable. Progress isn't always linear. Be patient and focus on consistency rather than speed.

Training for Too Long

Long sessions often lead to frustration—for both you and your dog.

A five-minute session where your Dachshund stays engaged is far more productive than a thirty-minute session where they become distracted or tired.

Several short sessions throughout the day almost always outperform one long session.

Repeating Commands

Many owners accidentally teach their dog to ignore them by repeating commands.

Instead of saying:

"Sit... Sit... Sit... Sit..."

Give the cue once.

If your Dachshund doesn't respond, help them succeed by using a lure or moving to a less distracting environment.

Repeating commands only teaches your dog that the first few requests don't matter.

Using Low-Value Rewards

Would you work hard for plain crackers if someone next to you was offering steak?

Probably not.

Your Dachshund thinks the same way.

Use rewards your dog genuinely loves, especially when introducing new behaviors or training in distracting environments.

Save ordinary kibble for easy tasks and reserve high-value treats for more challenging situations.

Inconsistency Between Family Members

Training quickly becomes confusing if everyone uses different rules.

For example:

• One person allows the dog on the couch.
• Another doesn't.
• One says "Down."
• Another says "Off."

Agree on household rules before training begins.

Consistency helps your Dachshund understand exactly what's expected.

Punishing Mistakes

Punishment may stop a behavior temporarily, but it rarely teaches the correct behavior.

Instead of focusing on what your Dachshund did wrong, ask yourself:

"What would I like them to do instead?"

Reward the behavior you want to see more often.

Positive reinforcement builds confidence, trust, and a stronger relationship.

Skipping Socialization

Some owners spend weeks teaching commands while overlooking socialization.

A dog that knows "Sit" but becomes fearful around strangers or other dogs still has important life skills to learn.

Continue introducing your Dachshund to:

• New places
• Friendly people
• Different sounds
• Various surfaces
• Calm, vaccinated dogs

Positive experiences during puppyhood can prevent many behavioral problems later in life.

Ignoring Mental Stimulation

Physical exercise alone isn't enough for this intelligent breed.

Without regular opportunities to solve problems, many Dachshunds create their own entertainment through barking, digging, or chewing.

Incorporate activities like:

• Food puzzles
• Scent games
• Trick training
• Interactive toys

A mentally tired Dachshund is often a much calmer companion.

Training Only at Home

Many owners are surprised when their Dachshund performs perfectly in the living room but ignores every command at the park.

Dogs don't automatically understand that commands apply everywhere.

Practice gradually in different environments:

• Backyard
• Quiet sidewalk
• Local park
• Pet-friendly stores
• Outdoor cafés

Each new location helps your Dachshund generalize what they've learned.

Giving Up Too Soon

Perhaps the biggest mistake is assuming your Dachshund "just can't be trained."

Remember why this breed was developed.

Dachshunds were bred to think independently while hunting underground. That independence can look like stubbornness, but it also reflects intelligence and confidence.

Stay patient, remain consistent, and celebrate small improvements. Over time, those small wins add up to lasting success.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are Dachshunds difficult to train?

They can be more challenging than breeds bred specifically for obedience, but they are certainly trainable.

Their independent nature means they respond best to positive reinforcement, patience, and consistent routines.

At what age should I start training my Dachshund?

Training should begin as soon as your puppy comes home, usually around eight weeks of age.

Early lessons should focus on:

• Name recognition
• Socialization
• House training
• Gentle handling
• Basic routines

Formal obedience can gradually become more advanced as your puppy matures.

How long does it take to train a Dachshund?

Basic commands are often learned within a few weeks of consistent practice.

Developing reliable behavior in different environments may take several months.

Training is an ongoing process rather than a one-time event.

Why does my Dachshund ignore commands?

Common reasons include:

• Distractions
• Inconsistent training
• Low-value rewards
• Fatigue
• Lack of practice

In many cases, your Dachshund understands the cue but isn't yet motivated enough to respond.

Should I use a clicker?

A clicker can be an excellent training tool.

It provides a precise marker that tells your dog exactly which behavior earned the reward.

Many Dachshunds learn quickly with clicker training, though it's not essential if your timing with verbal praise is consistent.

Can older Dachshunds still be trained?

Absolutely.

Dogs of any age can learn new behaviors.

Older Dachshunds may take a little longer to break established habits, but they are fully capable of learning with patient, reward-based training.

How often should I train my Dachshund?

Aim for:

• Two to four short sessions each day.
• Five to ten minutes per session.

Frequent, enjoyable practice is much more effective than occasional marathon sessions.

What's the best reward for a Dachshund?

Every dog is different, but many Dachshunds are highly food-motivated.

Other effective rewards include:

• Favorite toys
• Playtime
• Verbal praise
• Physical affection

Experiment to discover what motivates your individual dog most.

Key Takeaways

• Dachshunds are intelligent, independent dogs that thrive with positive reinforcement.
• Keep training sessions short, consistent, and enjoyable.
• Focus on one skill at a time before adding distractions.
• Socialization is just as important as obedience training.
• Crate training and house training should begin early.
• Mental enrichment helps prevent many common behavior problems.
• Avoid punishment and instead reward the behaviors you want to encourage.
• Consistency from every family member is one of the biggest predictors of long-term success.

Final Thoughts

Training a Dachshund requires patience, creativity, and realistic expectations—but the rewards are well worth the effort.

These dogs may never approach obedience in quite the same way as breeds like Border Collies or Golden Retrievers, yet that's part of what makes them so charming. Their intelligence, curiosity, and independent spirit are qualities to appreciate rather than fight against.

Instead of aiming for perfection, focus on building trust and clear communication. Celebrate small victories, keep sessions fun, and remember that every positive interaction strengthens your relationship.

With consistency, encouragement, and plenty of rewards, your Dachshund can grow into a confident, well-mannered companion who enjoys learning throughout life.

Training isn't simply about teaching commands—it's about creating a partnership that lasts for years.