Dachshunds are known for their unique body shape and their big personalities. They’re very independent and intelligent, which can sometimes translate to stubbornness during training. However, with patience and consistency, they can be trained effectively.
Understand the Breed
Before putting into action your training plan, it’s important to understand the breed’s characteristics. Dachshunds were originally bred to hunt badgers and other small game, which explains their strong prey drive and sometimes stubborn nature. Knowing this can help you tailor your training approach more effectively.
Patience is Key
Training a Dachshund might take some time, so the key is to always be consistent and very patient in this journey. Dachshunds, due to their independent nature, may lose interest quickly. Keep your training sessions short, around 5-10 minutes, and conduct them multiple times throughout the day.
Exercise, exercise, exercise
Dachshunds may be small, but they require a good amount of exercise to keep their mind stimulated and their body healthy. Regular walks, playtime, and even games of fetch (yes, despite their short legs, they love to retrieve) can help burn off energy and keep them focused during training sessions.
Train Against Dachshund-Specific Habits
Dachshunds are known to love digging, because of their hunting past. Provide them with a designated area for digging, like a sandbox, so they can benefit from it and you can protect your garden. Also, due to their long backs, they’re prone to back issues, so it’s important to discourage jumping off furniture to prevent potential injuries for your little friend.
Positive Reinforcement
Reward your Dachshund for showing the behavior you want. This can be by your petting them, or giving them praise, or treats.
Address Barking Early
Your Dachshund is known to have a loud bark. Train your puppy to understand the “Quiet” command at an early age so you can prevent excessive barking.
Don’t forget, each dog is a unique individual, and what works for one might not work for another. The key is to be patient, positive, and consistent!
Oh, hey, do you know why the Dachshund rolled the ball back? He wanted to play ‘fetch’ again!
And here’s a fun Dachshund fact: The name Dachshund is of German origin and it literally translates to ‘badger dog’, referring to their original purpose as badger hunters. Their unique body shape was designed to allow them to dig into badger dens and pull out the prey. Quite impressive for such a small dog, isn’t it?
