How should I train my Dachshund puppy?

Dachshund puppy

Training a Dachshund puppy can be super rewarding, though it might come with a few unique challenges. Dachshunds are intelligent, but they can also be a bit independent (sometimes even a little stubborn!). Here's a guide to help you train your Dachshund puppy effectively:

1. Start Early and Be Consistent

  • Age Matters: Start training as soon as you bring your Dachshund puppy home, ideally around 8 weeks old. Consistency is key to success.

  • Routine: Establish a daily routine for meals, toilet breaks, playtime, and training. Dogs, especially Dachshunds, thrive on predictability.

2. SocialiSation

  • Expose Early: Dachshunds can be wary of strangers and other dogs, so it’s important to socialise them early. Introduce your puppy to different environments and situations, and carefully selected (calm) people and other animals.

  • Positive Experiences: It’s really important that they only have positive experiences when they’re little, so make sure that any dog you let interact with them is one you know and trust implicitly. Avoid dog parks and any off leash areas. This helps them become quietly confident adults and reduces the risk of fear-based behaviours.

3. Use Positive Reinforcement

  • Rewards: Use treats, praise, and playtime as rewards when your Dachshund performs the desired behaviour. Positive reinforcement works best for all puppies, regardless of breed.

  • Timing is Key: Reward the good behaviour immediately after it happens so your puppy associates the action with the reward.

4. Teach Basic Commands

  • Begin with focus: Start with the most useful basic commands like "Look” and “Come”. Use clear, simple, consistent commands and repeat them frequently. Keep sessions short (5–10 minutes) and frequent.

  • Look: Hold a treat near your eyes. When your puppy makes eye contact ‘mark’ with a clear “Yes” and give them the treat.

  • Come: Use a high-value treat and crouch down, calling your puppy by saying “Come” and making little ‘kissy’ sounds. Reward them when they reach you.

5. Crate Training

  • Introduce Crate Positively: Dachshunds tend to do well with crate training because it gives them a secure, cozy space. Start by making the crate a positive place by placing it next to your bed (or dare we say it, your kid’s bed)!

  • It’s Their Happy Place: Never use the crate for punishment or leave it in a place where your Dachshund puppy will feel lonely (like the laundry).

6. TOILET Training

  • Frequent Breaks: Dachshund puppies have small bladders, so you’ll need to take them outside often, especially after meals, naps, and playtime. Try to keep them on a consistent schedule for toilet breaks.

  • Reward Success: As soon as they go to the toilet outside, immediately praise them and give them a treat. If they have an accident inside, don’t punish them, but instead, clean it up thoroughly and take them outside more frequently. Never rub their nose in it.

  • Use a Crate: If you’re not around to supervise, using a crate can help prevent accidents, as dogs typically won’t soil their sleeping area.

7. Redirect Unwanted BehavioUrs

  • Barking: Dachshunds can be vocal and may bark excessively. If your puppy is barking for attention, try to redirect their attention to a toy or a command like “Look”. Reward them for quiet behaviour.

  • Digging or Chewing: Like many puppies, Dachshunds may dig or chew on inappropriate items. Provide them with safe chew toys (such as deer antlers) and consistently redirect them if they start chewing on furniture or shoes.

8. Avoid Overexertion

  • Exercise Needs: While Dachshunds are playful and energetic, they don’t need as much physical exercise as some larger breeds. Playtime, sniff walks, and interactive games (like fetch or hide and seek) will help burn off their energy.

  • Be Mindful of Their Back: Dachshunds are prone to back issues (due to their long bodies and short legs), so avoid excessive jumping or rough play. You’ll want to take extra care to protect their back from strain.

9. Patience and Persistence

  • Don’t Rush: Dachshunds can be a bit stubborn, so you may need to repeat commands and practice consistently. It might take some time, but with patience, they’ll get it.

  • Short, Positive Sessions: Keep training sessions short (5-10 minutes at a time), especially for puppies with short attention spans. End each session on a positive note to keep your puppy motivated.

10. Teach Boundaries

  • Set Limits Early: Dachshunds can develop "small dog syndrome" if not taught boundaries early on. Be firm but gentle about what behaviours are acceptable.

11. Training Classes

  • Group classes are essential for helping your Dachshund pup learn reliable, safety-related behaviours around distractions. Padfoot’s group classes held in Buderim commence every few weeks so make sure you enrol now to secure your spot! Your puppy is welcome to attend from around 12 weeks of age (check with your vet if you’re uncertain about when to start socialisation).

12. ANY QUESTIONS?

How old is your Dachshund puppy? The approach might vary slightly depending on their age and temperament! If you have any questions make sure you get in touch straight away!

From group training classes to problem canine behaviour solutions, walk, play and trains to private appointments, and snake avoidance courses to canine myofunctional therapy sessions, Padfoot is the Sunshine Coast’s most trusted applied animal behaviour practice. We’re the team your dog would choose. And we look forward to meeting them soon!

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The Padfoot Way, Puppy Training TipsPadfoot Team