Are Dachshunds Hard to Train
Are you wondering how hard it is to train a dachshund? Curious about the basic training your dachshund puppy needs? Or perhaps you’ve adopted an adult dachshund and are unsure if it’s too late to begin training? This guide answers all your questions about training dachshunds—whether they’re young puppies or older dogs.
Are Dachshunds Hard to Train?
Dachshunds are not the easiest breed to train, but with consistency, patience, and the right techniques, it becomes much more manageable. While they have a reputation for being stubborn and independent, dachshunds are also intelligent and capable of learning. The key is to establish yourself as the leader early on and to use positive reinforcement to encourage the behavior you want.
Once your dachshund understands that you’re in charge, training becomes significantly easier. Structure, routine, and repetition will help your dachshund thrive.
Whether you’re starting with a playful puppy or an older rescue, it’s never too late to begin training. Read on to learn how to get started, what type of training your dachshund needs, and how to teach your dog both good manners and fun tricks—no matter their age.
Would you like a follow-up section on basic commands, house training, or common mistakes to avoid?
Table of Contents
Why are dachshunds hard to train?
Can dachshunds be trained?
How do you discipline a dachshund?
What age should you start training a dachshund puppy?
What are the best training treats for a dachshund?
How do you train a dachshund that isn’t food motivated?
What training do you need to do with a dachshund puppy?
What commands can you teach a dachshund?
Can you train an older dachshund?
Note: Research and my own experience as a Dachshund owner of over ten years served as the foundation for this post. I’m not a certified dog behaviorist or veterinarian.
Dachshunds were originally bred in Germany as hunting dogs, specifically to track and flush out badgers from underground burrows. Their job required them to be fearless, tenacious, and highly independent thinkers, capable of making quick decisions without relying on human direction.
This independence, while essential in the field, has contributed to their reputation for being one of the more stubborn dog breeds. Dachshunds often like to do things their own way, which can present a challenge when it comes to training. They’re intelligent and quick learners, but they need to be motivated to follow commands—usually through positive reinforcement, patience, and consistency.
While they may not be the easiest breed to train, with the right approach and commitment, dachshunds can become well-mannered and obedient companions.
Here’s what you need to know when training your dachshund:
1. Use Positive Reinforcement
Positive reinforcement is the most effective and humane method for training dachshunds. This approach involves rewarding desirable behavior—like going to the toilet outside—with treats, praise, and affection. Dachshunds quickly learn to associate positive actions with enjoyable outcomes, making them more likely to repeat the behavior.
Avoid shouting or punishing your dachshund for accidents indoors, as this can cause confusion, fear, and even lead to anxiety or defensive aggression. Instead, focus on building a strong, trusting bond. A confident, well-adjusted dachshund is more likely to respond positively to training.
2. Set Clear Boundaries
Patience and consistency are essential. For example, if you don’t want your dachshund on the sofa, that rule must always apply—regardless of how cute he looks. Mixed signals will only confuse him. Establish household rules early and ensure everyone in the family enforces them in the same way.
3. Be Consistent
Dachshunds are clever and often cheeky little characters who may push boundaries just to get your attention. While it’s important to be loving and kind, you must also be firm and consistent. That doesn’t mean raising your voice; it means calmly correcting unwanted behaviors and following through every time. Your dachshund needs to understand that you’re in charge, not the other way around.
4. Dedicate Time to Training
Bringing home a dachshund puppy requires time and commitment. Ideally, take a few weeks off work or ensure someone is available to help during the day. Everyone involved in your dog’s care should follow the same training techniques to avoid confusion. Remember, it can take a few months for a puppy to settle into a new routine and fully grasp the basics, so patience is key.
🐾 Smart Training Tips for Your Dachshund
1. Keep Sessions Short
Dachshunds have naturally short attention spans and need regular rest. Keep training sessions brief—around 10 to 15 minutes each, repeated 3–4 times a day. Short bursts are far more effective than long, exhausting sessions.
2. Reward Immediately
These dogs live in the moment. When your dachshund performs a command—like a precise sit—reward him instantly with praise (“Good boy”) and a treat. Some owners opt for a clicker to provide a clear marker that reinforces the correct behavior and its association with a reward.
3. Minimise Distractions
Young dachshunds are easily distracted by sights, sounds, and smells. Begin training in a quiet, distraction-free area to foster focus. Once basic commands are solid, gradually move outdoors—to your garden, then a quiet park—and eventually places with more stimuli when he is more confident.
4. Keep It Simple
While dachshunds are intelligent and quick learners, overloading them with multiple commands at once can lead to confusion. Focus on one command at a time and only move on once he has mastered it.
5. Incorporate Fun
Training should be enjoyable for both you and your puppy. Once he learns a new command, revisit it frequently—at random times and locations—to reinforce learning, keep his brain active, and strengthen your bond.
6. Socialise Regularly
Early socialisation helps prevent unwanted behaviours like barking or aggression. Arrange supervised short walks with friends’ dogs (after your pup has had all vaccinations), or find local dachshund meetups or training groups to provide exposure to other dogs and people.
With short, focused sessions, immediate rewards, gradual exposure to distractions, and plenty of positive interactions, your dachshund will grow into a well-behaved, confident, and happy member of the family.
Let me know if you’d like me to help with a step-by-step training schedule or an easy-to-print weekly planner!
Keep Building on Training
Training shouldn’t stop once your dachshund masters the basics. These intelligent little dogs thrive on mental stimulation and enjoy learning new things. To keep your dachshund engaged, continue challenging him with more advanced tasks. For example, instead of simply asking him to fetch a toy, teach him to retrieve a specific toy or item by name. This not only reinforces obedience but also keeps his mind active and strengthens your bond.
The most effective way to discipline a dachshund is through the withdrawal of attention. Dachshunds thrive on interaction and dislike being ignored. If your dachshund exhibits unwanted behaviour, calmly walk away or turn your attention elsewhere. This method of discipline is far more constructive than shouting or scolding, which can lead to anxiety or confusion.
Dachshunds are known for their lively, entertaining personalities. Even when they misbehave, it’s often in a way that’s hard not to smile at. However, it’s important to stay consistent and avoid reinforcing undesirable behaviour. Always use positive, non-physical methods to correct them. Harsh discipline or physical punishment is never appropriate and can damage the trust between you and your dog.
Begin training your Dachshund puppy between 8 and 12 weeks of age.
If you’ve only recently brought your puppy home, allow a few days for him to adjust to his new environment before starting formal training. This developmental stage is ideal for introducing basic obedience commands such as sit, stay, and down. Keep training sessions short and positive to ensure your puppy remains engaged and avoids becoming overwhelmed.
The most effective training treats for a Dachshund include small, healthy options such as carrot or cucumber pieces, small cubes of cheese, bits of cooked chicken, dried fish sprats, kibble, chopped hot dogs, or commercially available training treats.
Since you may need to offer multiple treats during early training sessions, it’s important to choose low-calorie, natural options where possible.
Reserve high-value treats, such as cheese, for special occasions or when introducing a new command to increase motivation. Vary the types of treats you use to prevent your Dachshund from becoming bored. Additionally, don’t underestimate the power of verbal praise and affection—many Dachshunds respond just as well to encouragement and attention as they do to food rewards.
How do you train a dachshund that isn’t food motivated?
If your Dachshund is not food-motivated, consider using alternative rewards such as praise or toys.
Many Dachshunds are highly motivated by play, especially with engaging toys like balls or squeaky items—often, the louder the squeak, the more appealing it is. You can also use changes in your tone of voice to convey positive reinforcement; a cheerful, enthusiastic tone can effectively signal to your Dachshund that he has performed a desired behavior correctly.
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Essential training areas for a Dachshund puppy include the following:
Crate Training – Helping your puppy view the crate as a safe and comfortable space.
Potty Training – Establishing consistent routines for successful toilet habits.
Barking Management – Teaching appropriate barking behavior and reducing excessive vocalization.
Chewing and Nipping Control – Redirecting unwanted chewing and mouthing to acceptable alternatives.
Socialisation – Introducing your puppy to a variety of people, environments, and other animals to build confidence and reduce fear.
Lead Training – Teaching your puppy to walk calmly on a lead without pulling.
Recall – Training your puppy to reliably come when called.
Basic Obedience Commands – Including fundamental cues such as sit, stay, down, and leave it.
Early and consistent training in these areas will help lay the foundation for a well-behaved and confident adult dog.
Common Commands to Teach a Dachshund
Dachshunds are intelligent and eager to learn, making them well-suited to a variety of basic and advanced commands. Some useful commands include:
Sit
Stay
Down
Leave it
Come
Fetch
Drop it
Paw
Round (walk around you)
Speak
Quiet
Sing
Gently
Back
In addition to these, Dachshunds can learn fun tricks such as roll over or sit up (often referred to as the “meerkat” pose). However, it’s important to exercise caution when teaching movements that involve twisting or putting strain on the spine. Unfortunately, approximately 1 in 4 Dachshunds are at risk of developing Intervertebral Disc Disease (IVDD). Always prioritize your dog’s safety and consult with your veterinarian before introducing physically demanding tricks.
Yes, it is absolutely possible to train an older Dachshund.
However, due to their naturally independent and sometimes stubborn temperament, the process may require additional patience and consistency. Positive reinforcement is key—reward desired behaviors with treats, praise, or affection to encourage repetition. When addressing unwanted behavior, use clear and consistent corrections, such as a firm and calm “No,” to communicate boundaries. With perseverance and the right approach, older Dachshunds can learn new commands and improve their behavior over time.
By consistently ignoring undesirable behavior and rewarding positive actions, you should see gradual improvement over time.
While it may not be possible to completely eliminate all unwanted habits, many can be managed effectively with patience and ongoing training. Moreover, the training process itself strengthens communication and enhances your overall control, making it easier to guide your Dachshund’s behavior in a positive direction.
In summary, while Dachshunds are known for their stubborn streak, effective training is entirely achievable with time, patience, and consistency.
The key is to start early, establish clear boundaries, and remain firm in maintaining them. Avoid giving in to their charming antics—consistency is crucial. With the right approach, you’ll raise a well-mannered Dachshund who understands what is expected of him, even if he doesn’t always choose to follow the rules!
