Dachshund Training Tips

Dachshunds, Doxies or “wiener dogs” are popular pets, but they do have their own quirks. Although they have such short legs, they are considered hounds. Dachshunds were bred in Germany in the 1500s to hunt badgers, rats and other burrowing animals. This required a dog that was intelligent and fearless when confronting a cornered animal, according to “Encyclopedia of Dog Breeds.”

  1. Set a Doxie Up to Win

    • Since Doxies are so intelligent, you need to make them think that doing what you want is THEIR idea. Never hit a Dachshund. This breed is prone to bite and they will defend themselves, according to the “Encyclopedia of Dog Breeds.” Dachshunds respond better to positive training, wherein they receive the reward of a small treat or a toy when they perform the desired behavior. Find out what your dog’s favorite food is and use tiny, thumbnail-sized pieces only during training sessions--no other time. Training sessions should be only about 10 to 15 minutes long, to keep your Dachshund from getting bored and wandering off to find something else to do. Since Dachshunds are easily distracted by other animals or people, begin training a new command--such as “stay”--inside the house, where there are fewer distractions. This makes such training a lot easier. When you're ready, move into a yard with a fence, or place your dog on a leash and try the command outside.

    Digging

    • Doxies were bred to dig. Expecting them to go through life not digging is illogical. If you want to keep your Dachshund from digging up the yard, pick one spot where she's allowed to dig. Whenever you see her digging, pick her up and move her to the designated digging site. Periodically burying small treats in the ground can help keep your Doxie coming back to the same place. Dachshunds will also enjoy digging up bedding, so use old blankets or material for them to enjoy. Some Doxies enjoy snuggling under blankets as a reward.

    House Training

    • Since Dachshunds are built so low to the ground, it may be difficult to tell when they are squatting. Males may not lift a back leg if their legs or backs are hurting. Dachshunds usually sniff the ground and walk in small circles before urinating or defecating. When you see this behavior, take your dog outside or to a designated potty spot. Wait until he goes, then praise him verbally with gentle affection. Doxies under two years old may show submissive urination, which means they urinate because they're frightened or extremely excited. Yelling at your dog can make the habit worse. Most Dachshunds grow out of this by the time they are two. If your Doxie suddenly begins having house training accidents after weeks, months or years of being accident-free, please take her to a vet. She could have a spinal problem or be suffering from a urinary tract infection.