How to Train Dachshund Puppies

Training dachshund puppies can be a challenge.

Dachshunds are a very old breed known for being full of personality--and for being notoriously difficult to train because of their stubbornness and independence. Understanding their background can help make your training efforts more successful. Dachshunds were bred to hunt badgers--they dug into the badger's underground burrow and fought it to the death. According to the American Kennel Club, medieval dachshunds had the tracking ability of hounds and the temperament of terriers. Although the breed officially is a member of the hounds group, they retain that terrier tenacity. It is the combination of scent-obsessed hound and fearless terrier that makes training dachshund puppies a challenge.

Things You'll Need

• Tug toys
• Chase toys

Instructions

1. 

   Aggression and shyness can be problems.

   Socialize your dachshund puppy very well. Though socialization is crucial for all puppies, a poorly socialized dachshund tends to be very difficult to manage, disliking strangers and becoming very aggressive or shy. Give your puppy as much positive exposure to all kinds of people, situations and other animals as possible.

2. 

   Puppy play groups provide exercise, social skills.

   Enroll your dachshund puppy in puppy kindergarten classes to help him become used to other dogs, and curb potential aggression. Dog parks or doggie day care can be good sources of positive interaction as well, but be sure they do not allow aggressive dogs and have separate play areas for adults and puppies, small and large dogs.

3. Monitor your puppy's interactions with any small animals such as cats, birds, rats, or ferrets that you intend your dog to get along with or live with. Dachshunds have a keen hunting instinct and prey drive and if this is not closely supervised and shaped in a positive direction, it can become overwhelming. Without guidance, your puppy could become a small animal killer.

4. 

   Dachshunds are active and playful.

   Exercise your puppy by taking walks and playing games daily. Don't let his small size fool you. Dachshunds are very active, intelligent dogs, and need plenty of exercise.

5. 

   Keep training sessions short and frequent.

   Train your puppy in many short sessions each day. Each session should only last about five minutes at first. With their intelligence, tenacity, stubbornness and hunting instincts, they can become bored very fast. A bored puppy will not learn.

6. 

   Challenge your puppy mentally and physically.

   Devise training and play activities that provide mental stimulation as well as physical challenges. Keep it interesting and challenging. If you don't, your puppy will devise his own--sometimes destructive--challenges. Make use of your dachshund puppy's prey drive: use short chase and tug games as rewards.

7. 

   Make rewards worth the effort.

   Praise meaningfully. Hounds tend to live by their noses. If you don't offer something interesting enough to overcome your pup's olfactory sense, she will not even realize she is being praised and will not associate her action with your positive reinforcement.

Tips & Warnings

• Use distractions, your voice and toys, as well as treats to keep the training session lively and interesting.

• Consult a professional trainer or veterinary behaviorist if your dachshund puppy begins to show any signs of aggression.

References

• The American Kennel Club: Dachshund History
• The American Kennel Club: Breeds: Dachshund: Did You Know?

Resources

• Purdue University Cooperative Extension Service: Animal Sciences: Selecting the Right Dog