Are Dachshunds Easy To Train?

Last Updated on August 26, 2021

As highly intelligent little pups, are Dachshunds easy to train? These little dogs with their long bodies, short legs, and floppy ears are not only adorable but smart. And with a lifespan of 12-16 years, it’s worth putting effort into proper training.

So the short answer to are Dachshunds easy to train is maybe. However, it’s definitely doable and worth investing your time into. These little dogs can be your snuggle buddy, lounge partner, leg warmer, and loving companion for years to come.

Dachshunds prefer to think for themselves, especially when they’ve caught a scent of something. This often gets them categorized as resistant to training just downright stubborn.

Dachshunds may not be easily trained, but with the right methods, you can put an end to behavioral problems! Keep reading to learn about some of those behavior issues and how you can properly train your dachshund without too much of a hassle.

Common Dachshund Behavior Problems

No dog is perfect in every way. Just like kids and adults, they’re prone to some behavior issues. Here are some of the most common behavior problems that Dachshunds are known to have.

Prone To Separation Anxiety

It may seem odd for an independent-thinking dog like a Dachshund having separation anxiety, but they will get quite attached to their favorite human. In the worst case of separation anxiety, your Doxie might turn aggressive, as a means of desperation for you to stay.

Barking & Aggressive Behavior

Dachshunds are very alert, which makes for a great home security system. However, there are some flaws, such as barking at every single thing that passes by the window. Because of their attachment to their paw-rent, they may also be uneasy around strangers, sometimes aggressive.

House Training

Potty-training a dachshund is known to be quite difficult for newbie dog owners, but with the right amount of reinforcement and consistency, it can be done! Also, these indoor accidents are often a symptom of separation anxiety, being an outright display of their displeasure with your leaving. This is usually the most difficult part of training a dachshund.

Chewing and Digging

This is often another symptom of dachshund separation anxiety, but it can also simply be out of boredom. You can prevent your dachshund chewing and digging everything in your home and yard by providing proper enrichment and activities for him when your not home.

Are Dachshunds Easy To Potty Train?

Unfortunately, it’s well-known that the Dachshund is one of the hardest breeds to potty train. Many training experts say that this is a simple misunderstanding and lack of proper training.

The main reason for the Dachshund’s stubbornness stigma is the fact that they’re harder to housebreak and prone to more accidents compared to other breeds. While it’s true that they’re not necessarily easy to train, it’s certainly not impossible for a dedicated and loving paw-rent!

How To Potty Train Your Dachshund:

Step One: At the beginning of the process, you will need to use every opportunity that you can to take your Dachshund puppy outside. Also, it’s recommended that you also do crate training during this process as well to avoid accidents and to set your routine.

Step Two: Look for the signs that your Doxie needs to go outside. Certain things like sniffing on the ground, digging, and even going right to the door. Try to base your potty-training routine off of this.

Step Three: Choose a designated spot in the yard for your Dachshund to use as his toilet. Stay there with him on a leash until he goes.

Dachshund Training Secrets

Training a dachshund isn’t exactly for beginner dog owners, but even with experience, they can prove to be a challenge. Whether your dachshund is your first fur baby or you’re a seasoned wiener dog veteran, here are some dachshund training secrets.

Patience Is a Virtue

Over everything, patience and persistence are keys to successfully training the so-called “hard-headed” Dachshund. You have to keep your cool, even when your dachshund pushes your buttons, and you can’t give up!

Punishment is a No-No

Another important thing to remember is to NEVER punish your dog by yelling or even worse, smacking. Dachshunds are reactive to this, and not in a good way.

This can lead to aggression problems or even fear-accidents. Simple, firm “No” goes a much longer way than the rolled-up newspaper. Also, you should be using rewards like treats, playtime with toys, and the old faithful, “Good boy/girl”.

Use Their Scent Drive To your Advantage!

Keeping their focus may prove to be the most difficult part of training your dachshund, meaning your training sessions may need to be short at first. Remember that Dachshunds are incredibly scent and prey-oriented. You can use that to your advantage by using treats and scented toys to keep them focused on that scent.

Be Consistent

You need to be consistent in your training methods. Use different smells and treats to change things up, but that’s it. Also, training is going to need to be an everyday thing, even better if you can do it twice a day.

Conclusion – Are Dachshunds Easy to Train?

Dachshunds have a reputation for being a little on the stubborn side. Most of the common behavior problems are usually due to loneliness or boredom. Out of all of their behaviors, potty training is what vexes most paw-rents of dachshunds. 

But remember, not being easily trained doesn’t mean that you should just turn your leash over to the trainer. You just have to get to know your dog’s personality and get creative with reinforcement.

Use their scent drive to increase their focus on you, be consistent and patient during training sessions. You can’t get frustrated with your Dachshund, no matter how annoying it may become.

With all of these tools and tips, training your Dachshund won’t be as hard as you thought. In fact, once you get the hang of it, they can do lots of tricks and even obstacle courses quite well!

And chances are, they will become your lifelong buddy. Dachshunds are loving and sweet breeds. They want to be near you and as with any dog, they want to be loved.

And be sure to check out these dog training supplies to help!