Are Dachshunds Easy To Train?

Dachshunds are a unique breed that often steals the spotlight in the canine world. However, when it comes to the ease of training these charming dogs, opinions tend to vary. Some sing praises of their intelligence and eagerness to learn, while others may describe them as a bit stubborn (our dog certainly has displayed traits that match the latter). So, the burning question remains: are dachshunds easy to train?

Intelligence and Eagerness to Learn

Dachshunds are intelligent dogs, and many owners find that they catch on quickly to various commands and tricks. Their curiosity and love for mental stimulation make training sessions enjoyable for both the dog and the owner.

Training a dachshund requires persistence and positive reinforcement. Positive reinforcement techniques, such as treats and praise, work particularly well with dachshunds, encouraging them to repeat desired behaviours. These dogs thrive on consistency, so establishing a routine and setting clear boundaries will help them understand what is expected. Reinforce good behaviour with rewards, and your dachshund will be more likely to respond positively. It is worth investing in some of your dachshunds favourite dog treats to make training sessions easier and more enjoyable.

Socialisation is Key

Dachshunds, like many breeds, benefit greatly from early socialisation. Introducing them to various people, environments, and other dogs helps them develop into well-adjusted and obedient companions. It also helps mitigate any tendencies towards shyness or territorial behaviour that may emerge in untrained dachshunds.

We have previously written a post on socialising your dachshund puppy that is worth checking out for further tips on this subject. In general though, start the socialisation as early as possible and get them familiar with plenty of new people, dogs and environments can help with overall training and behaviour. As with the other points on training, consistency and positive reinforcement is key here too.

Challenges of Housetraining

One area where dachshund owners may face some challenges is in housetraining. Toilet training a dachshund requires patience and consistency. It's essential to establish a routine with frequent bathroom breaks, especially in the early stages, to avoid accidents. Using puppy pads is a debated approach, as it may confuse the dog about where it's acceptable to go. Instead, focus on taking your puppy outside regularly, watching for cues like sniffing or circling.

Rewards and praise are vital for reinforcing good behaviour, and many owners use training commands or signals like bells to teach their dogs to alert them when they need to go outside. We also have a more extensive article on potty training your dachshund which may help further with this issue.

Teach Your Dachshund Tricks

To teach your dachshund tricks, start with basic commands like "Sit," "Stay," and "Come," using positive reinforcement with treats and praise. Gradually progress to intermediate tricks like "Paw," "Down," and "Roll Over," maintaining patience as dachshunds can be independent and stubborn. For advanced tricks like "High Five," "Spin," or "Play Dead," break them down into smaller steps and ensure consistency in training sessions. We have also got a full article on how to teach your dachshund tricks for more information.