Bringing home a Dachshund puppy is exciting, but it can also feel overwhelming.

One minute they're curled up asleep in your lap, and the next they're chewing your shoes, barking at imaginary threats, or having an accident on your living room floor.

If this sounds familiar, you're not alone.

Dachshund puppies are intelligent, curious, and full of personality. They learn quickly, but they also have an independent streak that means training requires patience and consistency.

The good news is that the first few months of your puppy's life are also the best time to build lifelong habits. By starting early and using positive reinforcement, you can raise a confident, well-mannered companion.

This guide walks you through exactly how to train a Dachshund puppy, from the day they come home through their first year.

When Should You Start Training a Dachshund Puppy?

The best time to begin training is the day your puppy comes home.

Many new owners believe formal training should wait until the puppy is older, but that's a common misconception.

While very young puppies may not master advanced obedience, they are constantly learning from every interaction with you.

From eight weeks of age, your Dachshund puppy can begin learning:

• Their name
• House training routines
• Crate training
• Gentle handling
• Basic manners
• Socialization
• Simple commands like "Sit"

Think of every day as a training opportunity rather than waiting for a specific age.

What Should You Teach First?

New puppy owners often wonder where to begin.

Trying to teach everything at once can overwhelm both you and your puppy.

Instead, focus on building a strong foundation.

Your priorities should be:

1. House training
2. Crate training
3. Name recognition
4. Socialization
5. Bite inhibition
6. Basic obedience

These skills make future training much easier.

Step 1: Teach Your Puppy Their Name

Before your Dachshund can learn commands, they need to learn that paying attention to you is rewarding.

Name recognition is one of the easiest lessons to teach.

How to do it

Choose a quiet room with few distractions.

Say your puppy's name once in a cheerful tone.

The moment they look at you:

• Say "Yes!"
• Give a small treat.
• Offer praise.

Repeat several times throughout the day.

Avoid using your puppy's name when correcting unwanted behavior. You want them to associate hearing their name with positive experiences.

Step 2: Begin House Training Immediately

Potty training is often the biggest challenge for Dachshund owners.

Fortunately, success comes down to consistency rather than luck.

Take your puppy outside:

• As soon as they wake up
• After every meal
• After drinking water
• After playtime
• Before bedtime
• Every 1–2 hours while awake

Choose the same potty area each time.

Once your puppy finishes, reward them immediately with praise and a high-value treat.

The faster you reward the behavior, the easier it is for your puppy to understand why they earned the reward.

Step 3: Introduce Crate Training

A crate should never feel like punishment.

Instead, it should become your puppy's favorite place to rest.

Make the crate inviting

Place inside:

• A soft bed
• Safe chew toys
• A blanket
• Occasional treats

Leave the door open at first and allow your puppy to explore on their own.

Feeding meals inside the crate is another excellent way to build positive associations.

Gradually increase the amount of time your puppy spends relaxing in the crate with the door closed.

Step 4: Start Socialization Early

The socialization window is one of the most important stages of puppy development.

Positive experiences now can help prevent fear and anxiety later in life.

Safely introduce your Dachshund puppy to:

• Adults
• Children
• Friendly vaccinated dogs
• Different floor surfaces
• Car rides
• Household appliances
• New sounds
• Hats, umbrellas, bicycles, and wheelchairs

Keep each experience calm, positive, and reward-based.

Your goal isn't simply exposure—it's helping your puppy feel comfortable and confident.

Step 5: Teach Bite Inhibition

Puppies naturally explore the world with their mouths.

Some nipping is completely normal, especially while they're teething.

Instead of punishing biting, teach your puppy what is acceptable.

If your puppy bites too hard

• Stop interacting immediately.
• Stand up or turn away for a few seconds.
• Resume play once they're calm.
• Redirect them to an appropriate chew toy.

Over time, your Dachshund learns that gentle play keeps the fun going, while rough play makes it stop.

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Step 6: Teach the First Basic Commands

Once your Dachshund puppy has started settling into their new home, it's time to introduce a few simple commands.

Keep expectations realistic.

At this age, the goal isn't perfect obedience—it's helping your puppy understand that listening to you leads to good things.

Training should always feel like a game.

Sit

"Sit" is usually the easiest command for puppies to learn.

Hold a treat just above your puppy's nose and slowly move it backward.

As they follow the treat, their bottom will naturally touch the floor.

The moment they sit:

• Say "Yes!"
• Give the treat immediately.
• Praise enthusiastically.

Practice for a few minutes several times a day.

Come

Recall is one of the most important commands your Dachshund will ever learn.

Begin indoors where there are few distractions.

Take a few steps away from your puppy and cheerfully say:

"Come!"

When they reach you:

• Reward generously.
• Use an excited, happy voice.
• Let them return to playing afterward.

Never punish your puppy after calling them to you, even if they were doing something they shouldn't have been.

You want "Come" to predict wonderful things every time.

Leave It

Curious Dachshund puppies love investigating everything with their noses—and mouths.

Teaching "Leave It" can prevent dangerous situations.

Place a treat inside your closed hand.

Allow your puppy to sniff and paw at your hand.

The moment they stop trying to get the treat and look away, mark the behavior with "Yes!" and reward them with a different treat from your other hand.

Gradually add the verbal cue:

"Leave it."

Step 7: Introduce Leash Training

Many owners expect their puppy to walk politely on a leash right away.

In reality, walking calmly is a skill that develops over time.

Start by allowing your Dachshund to wear a lightweight harness around the house for short periods.

Once they're comfortable, attach a lightweight leash and let them drag it under supervision.

This helps them get used to the feeling before formal walks begin.

Reward Loose Leash Walking

Instead of pulling your puppy forward, encourage them to stay close by rewarding the position you want.

Whenever the leash is loose:

• Praise your puppy.
• Offer a treat.
• Continue walking.

If they pull:

Simply stop.

Wait until the leash relaxes before moving again.

Your Dachshund will gradually learn that pulling makes the walk stop, while staying near you keeps the adventure going.

Step 8: Prevent Problem Behaviors Before They Start

Good training isn't only about teaching commands.

It's also about preventing unwanted habits from becoming permanent.

Jumping on People

Although Dachshunds are small, constant jumping can become annoying.

Ask visitors to greet your puppy only when all four paws remain on the floor.

Reward calm greetings with attention and praise.

Excessive Barking

Dachshunds are naturally alert and often bark to announce visitors or unusual sounds.

Rather than scolding barking, teach your puppy that being quiet also earns rewards.

Wait for a brief pause in barking before saying "Quiet" and offering praise.

Chewing Household Items

Teething puppies need appropriate outlets.

Provide a variety of safe chew toys and rotate them every few days to maintain interest.

If your puppy starts chewing furniture or shoes, calmly redirect them to an approved toy instead of chasing or yelling.

Sample Training Schedule by Age

Your puppy's training priorities will change as they grow.

Here's a simple roadmap for the first year.

Age	Primary Focus
8–10 weeks	Name recognition, potty training, crate training, socialization
10–12 weeks	Sit, Come, handling exercises, gentle leash introduction
3–4 months	Down, Stay, Leave It, walking on a loose leash
4–6 months	Recall with distractions, polite greetings, impulse control
6–12 months	Advanced obedience, trick training, reliability in new environments

Remember that adolescence often begins around six months of age.

It's common for puppies to temporarily ignore commands they previously knew well.

Stay patient and continue practicing consistently.

Common Puppy Training Mistakes

Avoiding a few common mistakes can save months of frustration.

Expecting Too Much Too Soon

Young puppies have short attention spans.

Focus on short, positive sessions rather than expecting perfect behavior immediately.

Inconsistent Rules

If one family member allows jumping on the couch while another doesn't, your puppy receives mixed messages.

Everyone in the household should follow the same training rules.

Using Punishment

Punishment often creates fear without teaching the correct behavior.

Instead, reward good choices and redirect unwanted behaviors toward appropriate alternatives.

Positive reinforcement builds confidence and trust.

Skipping Daily Practice

Training isn't something you do once a week.

Even five minutes of practice every day leads to steady progress.

Consistency matters far more than lengthy sessions.

Frequently Asked Questions

At what age are Dachshund puppies easiest to train?

Most puppies are highly receptive between 8 and 16 weeks of age, making this an ideal time to establish routines and begin socialization.

How many times a day should I train my Dachshund puppy?

Aim for three to five short sessions each day, lasting around 5–10 minutes each.

Keep lessons fun and end while your puppy is still interested.

Why does my Dachshund puppy keep biting me?

Puppy biting is a normal part of development.

They're exploring the world, playing, and teething.

Redirect biting toward appropriate chew toys and reward gentle interactions.

When should my Dachshund be fully house trained?

Many Dachshunds become reliably house trained between four and six months, although some may take a little longer.

Consistency, supervision, and routine are the biggest factors in success.

Should I hire a puppy trainer?

Many owners successfully train their Dachshunds at home.

However, puppy kindergarten classes can provide valuable socialization opportunities and professional guidance, especially for first-time dog owners.

Key Takeaways

• Begin training as soon as your Dachshund puppy comes home.
• Focus first on house training, crate training, socialization, and name recognition.
• Keep training sessions short, positive, and reward-based.
• Teach basic commands one at a time before adding distractions.
• Prevent unwanted behaviors through management and consistency rather than punishment.
• Daily practice builds confidence and strengthens your relationship.

Final Thoughts

Training a Dachshund puppy isn't about creating a perfectly obedient dog overnight—it's about laying the foundation for a lifetime of good habits.

Your puppy will make mistakes, have accidents, and occasionally test your patience. That's completely normal. What matters most is responding with consistency, encouragement, and realistic expectations. By investing time during these early months, you'll help your Dachshund grow into a confident, well-adjusted adult who understands what you expect and enjoys learning with you.

Remember, every short training session is another opportunity to strengthen the bond between you and your puppy.