Yes, with patience. Dachshunds can be trained as easily as other dog breeds given their intelligence and willingness to learn. They also respond well to positive re-enforcement.
Whether it’s your first pet or your fifteenth, adopting a dog is incredibly exciting. Choosing the right breed for you, your loved ones, and your space takes some careful consideration. How easily the breed can be trained is a very important factor.
So, if you’re thinking of adopting a Dachshund, we’ve compiled a list of training considerations that prove Dachshunds can be easy to train. With our guide, you’ll be confident your new best friend will be the most well-trained pup on the block!
Training Your Dachshund to Respond to Commands
Sit. Stay. Shake a paw. These are the classic crowd-pleasers when it comes to a well-trained dog. However, the importance of teaching a dog these simple commands goes beyond impressing your neighbors and friends. A Dachshund that responds to commands will make your life much easier.
Dachshunds will respond well once they know who’s boss. You must establish yourself as the “alpha” in the equation from day one, so your dog knows that you make the rules.
Dachshunds were originally bred as hunting dogs. The advantage of this is that they are highly intelligent as compared to other breeds. The disadvantage is that they inherently think for themselves and set their own rules if not otherwise instructed. In other words, they’re sneaky and occasionally mischievous!
We recommend using a stern voice when stating commands. Of course, you can be cuddly and sweet with your new Dachshund but be sure to establish a master/student relationship when it’s training time.
Crate Training
We all know the temptation of a puppy’s begging eyes. Dachshunds, specifically, could melt even the coldest heart with those massive, dark eyes! This makes crate training them a difficult task – to say the least.
Your Dachshund won’t naturally crawl into its crate when it’s bedtime at first. They will likely make a fuss and tempt you to let them climb on the couch or bed. It is very important to resist this temptation because these initial training days can determine how your Dachshund listens to you in the future.
Dachshunds work well with repetition. If you want your Dachshund to be crate-trained as a puppy, you will need to practice repeatedly and persistently. You cannot skip nights just because your pup looks at you adorably.
Dachshunds are spirited and will try their best to convince you to let them have their way. If you consistently reinforce their routine, they will eventually embrace it. What does this mean for you? A restful sleep through the night – not a bad outcome!
Potty Training
Potty training is one of the most important training areas for obvious reasons. Training your Dachshund to do their business outside will be easier if you try your best to limit distractions.
These pups have short attention spans so a distant bark or the smell of your dinner cooking will mean they’re not actively listening to their lesson.
Take them outside at quieter times of day (such as the early morning or late night), don’t leave visible or smelly food around while you’re training them, and do the potty-training lessons one-on-one. If your kids or other pets are running around during your session, any retention is somewhat hopeless. Training your Dachshund is easier without distractions.
Can I Train My Dachshund to Play Nicely with Other Dogs?
Your Dachshund will play well with other dogs if it grows up around them. So, if you’re adopting a puppy, be sure to schedule play dates with other dogs (after the required vaccination period). Start with short visits to ease them into it as they can be territorial at first.
Remember the following traits that distinguish Dachshunds from other breeds when bringing them to the dog park:
Positive Encouragement Only
If other dog owners are yelling at their dogs or using force to hold them back, remember not to follow suit with your pup. Dachshunds only respond to positive encouragement and reinforcement.
Bring The Treats with You
Dachshunds live in the present moment. So be sure you’re prepared with treats for when they do something positive such as play nicely, come when called, or sit when told to. If you give them a treat right away, they will remember next time whereas if you reward them once you’re back home, they won’t know why and thus, won’t build the mental association.
Monitor How They Introduce Themselves to Other Dogs
If a Dachshund isn’t going to get along with their playmate, you will likely know right away. They may seem more aggressive or skittish than usual. Don’t fear, they may just not take to that breed immediately. If you know other Dachshunds, try socializing with them first as Dachshunds like Dachshunds!
What if I’ve Adopted a Grown Dachshund, Can I still Train It?
Adopting a grown Dachshund is a wonderful idea as so many need homes. However, they are undoubtedly harder to train than puppies. But no more than any other breed adopted at a later stage.
Remember the three Ps:
Persistence
An adult Dachshund has grown up used to certain expectations and rules. Thus, it will inevitably take time to correct the bad behaviors and habits. Persistence is essential. Remember not to lose your temper as they will only become scared or anxious.
Patience
Dachshunds are smart. They will play tricks on you just as you will on them. Plus, they love attention and will do anything for it. Remain patient through the games they play and don’t give in to their attention-seeking ways.
Positivity
As with puppies, older Dachshunds respond to positive re-enforcement. Use treats and loving encouragement when they behave well for optimal results.
Final Thoughts
Dachshunds are cute, cuddly, and great pals. And with the right training approach, they are as easy to train as any other dog breed.
Remember to establish yourself as the dominant one in the relationship and to remain patient, persistent, and calm throughout the training process. Praise them when they behave well, limit distractions during training sessions, and introduce them to friends incrementally.
With these tips and tricks, you’ll train your Dachshund with ease so you can spend more time cuddling!