How to Train a Dachshund: The Complete Guide for Stubborn Wiener Dogs
June 3, 2026
Dachshunds are smart, loyal, hilarious, and sometimes incredibly stubborn. If you've ever owned a Dachshund, you already know that training them can feel like negotiating with a tiny lawyer who happens to have four legs.
The good news? Dachshunds can be trained successfully when you understand how their minds work. In this guide, you'll learn how to train a Dachshund puppy, stop common behavior problems, and build good habits that last a lifetime.
Why Are Dachshunds So Hard to Train?
Dachshunds were originally bred to hunt badgers. Think about that for a moment. Badgers are aggressive, underground fighters that can seriously injure larger dogs. Dachshunds needed to be fearless and independent enough to enter tunnels alone and make decisions without human guidance. That independence still exists today.
Traits that affect Dachshund training include:
- Strong-willed personality
- High intelligence
- Independent thinking
- Strong prey drive
- Sensitivity to punishment
- Selective hearing when distracted
Your Dachshund isn't being stubborn because they're dumb. They're being stubborn because they're smart.
When Should You Start Training a Dachshund?
The best time to start training is 8 weeks old. Dachshund puppies are capable of learning their name, potty routines, crate training, sit, come, and leash manners. The earlier you begin, the easier training becomes. Waiting until a Dachshund is older often means correcting bad habits instead of building good ones.
The Golden Rules of Dachshund Training
1. Use Positive Reinforcement
Dachshunds respond best to rewards. Reward with treats, praise, toys, and playtime. Avoid yelling, physical punishment, and harsh corrections. Punishment often causes fear and damages trust.
2. Keep Sessions Short
Dachshunds get bored quickly. Several short sessions work better than one long session.
| Age | Session Length |
|---|---|
| 8–12 weeks | 3–5 minutes |
| 3–6 months | 5–10 minutes |
| Adult | 10–15 minutes |
3. Be Consistent
Everyone in the house should use the same commands. For example, always say 'Sit' — not 'Sit down,' 'Have a seat,' or 'Sit please.' Consistency speeds up learning.
How to House Train a Dachshund
One of the biggest challenges with Dachshunds is potty training. Their small bladder combined with stubbornness can make accidents common.
Step 1: Create a Schedule
Take your Dachshund outside first thing in the morning, after meals, after naps, after playtime, and before bedtime. Young puppies may need bathroom breaks every 1–2 hours.
Step 2: Use the Same Potty Spot
Dogs learn through scent. Returning to the same area helps your Dachshund understand what the space is for.
Step 3: Reward Immediately
The moment they finish, praise enthusiastically, give a treat, and celebrate. Timing matters — reward within a few seconds.
Step 4: Use Crate Training
Most dogs avoid soiling their sleeping area. A properly sized crate can dramatically speed up house training.
How to Teach Basic Commands
Sit
Hold a treat near their nose. Slowly raise it upward. As their head follows the treat, their rear naturally lowers. Say 'Sit' and reward immediately. Practice 5–10 repetitions daily.
Stay
Ask for a sit. Hold your hand out like a stop sign and say 'Stay.' Take one step back, return, and reward. Gradually increase distance and duration.
Come
This may be the most important Dachshund command. Because Dachshunds have strong hunting instincts, recall training can prevent dangerous situations. Use high-value treats, an excited voice, and lots of praise. Never punish a dog for coming to you.
How to Leash Train a Dachshund
Many Dachshunds pull because they're curious and constantly investigating scents.
Stop When They Pull
When tension appears, stop walking and wait. Continue only when the leash loosens. Eventually they learn that pulling gets them nowhere.
Reward Walking Beside You
Carry treats during walks and reward frequently when the leash is loose, the dog is near your side, and attention is on you.
How to Stop Excessive Dachshund Barking
Dachshunds are notorious watchdogs. They bark at delivery drivers, neighbors, squirrels, leaves, and sometimes absolutely nothing.
Teach the 'Quiet' Command
Let them bark once or twice. Say 'Quiet,' hold a treat near their nose, and when they stop barking, reward immediately. Repeat consistently.
Preventing Separation Anxiety
Dachshunds often become deeply attached to their owners. To reduce separation anxiety, practice short departures, avoid dramatic goodbyes, provide puzzle toys, use crate training, and encourage independent play. Building confidence early prevents many future issues.
Common Dachshund Training Mistakes
Expecting Instant Results
Dachshunds learn quickly but obey selectively. Patience is critical.
Inconsistent Rules
If the couch is allowed today but forbidden tomorrow, confusion follows. Establish clear household rules.
Skipping Socialization
Expose puppies safely to people, dogs, sounds, cars, and new environments. Socialized Dachshunds become more confident adults.
Overusing Treats
Treats should eventually become rewards, not bribes. Gradually replace food rewards with praise and play.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are Dachshunds easy to train?
Dachshunds are intelligent but independent. They are considered moderately difficult to train compared to breeds like Golden Retrievers or Labrador Retrievers.
How long does it take to train a Dachshund?
Basic obedience can often be taught within a few weeks, but reliable behavior typically requires several months of consistent practice.
Why is my Dachshund so stubborn?
Their hunting background required independent decision-making. What appears to be stubbornness is often confidence and intelligence.
What is the hardest thing to train a Dachshund to do?
Most owners report that house training and recall training are the biggest challenges.
Final Thoughts
Training a Dachshund requires patience, consistency, and a sense of humor. While these little dogs can be stubborn, they are also incredibly intelligent and eager to bond with their families. Focus on positive reinforcement, keep training sessions short, and celebrate small wins along the way.
Remember: your Dachshund isn't trying to give you a hard time. They're just trying to negotiate better terms.