The Basics of Dachshund Training

Dachshund training is a bit of a challenge because while the dachshund is a small dog, it is bundle of energy and if you own a dachshund, you better learn to control that energy! The fact is that dachshunds are extremely affectionate, sociable and playful animals and even when a new person comes into the house, they will run up to that person wagging their tails excitedly, nipping at them and try to get them involved in a game. They’ll even pick up their favorite toys and try to have the person play with them. But they must be taught to stop and obey commands of the person feels uncomfortable. Not everyone has the energy of a dachshund.

Dachshund training is better if started early. This is true of any dog, the earlier you start, the better it is. If the training is inculcated at a very early age, the dog will grow up into a well-behaved dog. But even if training is started at a later stage, you need to put in a fair amount of time, have patience with the animal and try not to yell or scold too much. Be gentle, but firm. The animal will eventually respond. You could start with a few basic tricks, for instance the simple trick of the animal standing on its rear legs. Dachshunds have stubby feet, but they can stand pretty well. Give the animal treats and encourage it to stand-up and get it, hold it at a height. And keep repeating the verbal cue, ‘stand’. Very soon, the dog will learn to respond to the verbal command of ‘stand’.

Another common game in dachshund training is to get the dachshund to shake hands. Hold out your hand and pick up the dachshunds little front leg and shake it, while repeating a verbal cue. Verbal cue is very important when you are teaching any dog a trick. After a few times, the dog will learn to respond properly whenever you or anyone else holds an outstretched hand.

Another common dachshund training game is to teach the dog how to fetch. Throw toys and ask the dog to fetch them, give it treats as a reward. You could also teach your dachshund how to roll over, by first teaching how to lay flat and rolling over to get the treat. And even though dachshunds are small, they can also play toss the Frisbee. Just be slow, considering their small size.