How to Train a Daschund Puppy

Dachshunds are notorious for being stubborn and strong-willed. The breed was originally bred to be a fearless hunter capable of making its own decisions. It will take a strong commitment from you and your pet for training to be successful. Early dachshund puppy training should be informal and fun. Always consider the size of your dachshund when training.

Things You'll Need

  • Puppy treats
  • Dog toys
  • Lightweight leash
  • Collar
  • Crate
  • Puppy urine odor eliminator
  • Squirt bottle
  • Water
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Instructions

    • 1

      Teach the dachshund to come by calling its name in a happy voice. Hold a treat out to the puppy. When the puppy runs over to you, lavish it with praise while feeding the pup the treat. A toy can also be an enticement in place of a treat. Many dachshunds adore toys above treats because toys can trigger the dachshund's hunting instinct.

      Keep the training sessions short. Each session should last no more then five minutes. Train two to three times a day.

    • 2

      Push the puppy's bottom to the floor while saying 'sit'. When the puppy sits praise it and offer a treat. Be gentle when pushing a dachshund's bottom to the floor. The dachshund is a long dog that often suffers from back problems. Excessive pressure along its back or bottom can result in damage to the nerves in the back.

    • 3

      Confine the puppy to one area of the house and to a crate during the night to help with housebreaking. Promptly take the puppy outside after it eats or drinks. Take the puppy out before bed and first thing in the morning. Every hour during the day the puppy should go outside. Offer praise when the pup potties outside. If you catch your dachshund puppy eliminating indoors promptly say "no" and immediately take the pup outside.

      Dachshunds are notoriously difficult to housebreak. All accidents need to be promptly cleaned up with a pet odor-eliminating product so the dog does not return to the same area to eliminate.

    • 4

      Walk your puppy on a leash every day. When the puppy tries to pull on the leash lightly pullback and say "no, heel". Stop moving forward when you do this action. Be gentle when you pull back on the leash. Never forcefully snap back on a dachshund's collar because of the danger of nerve damage to its back and neck.

    • 5

      Deter digging. Digging can be a major problem with a dachshund puppy. The puppy was bred to hunt underground for prey so digging is a natural instinct. Many puppies will instinctively dig on carpets, in flowerbeds or in the lawn.

      When the dachshund puppy begins to dig, divert its attention by saying "no dig". Move the puppy to a new location. Show discouragement in your voice when telling your dog "no dig" so your dachshund begins to understand that digging is wrong.

    • 6

      Control barking. If the puppy barks say "no". When the puppy stops barking offer him a treat to encourage the good behavior. If the treat fails to work and the dachshund continues to bark, squirt him with a squirt bottle containing water while saying "no".