Breed profile · small · bold · independent

Dachshund training guide

Reviewed by Sarah Mitchell, CPDT-KA · Updated July 1, 2026

A badger-hunter in a comedy body: brave to the point of recklessness, opinionated, and equipped with a bark three sizes too big. Dachshunds were bred to work alone underground — independence is in the blueprint.

Dachshunds combine three training challenges: hound independence (recall needs premium pay and a long line for life in open areas), a hardwired dig-and-bark package (give both legal outlets), and a long back that makes jumping-based games risky — train with ramps and floor work, and never let corrections involve grabbing or lifting roughly. Potty training runs long in this breed; keep the system tight.

Trait profile

Energy3/5

Trainability2/5

Barkiness5/5

bold
independent
tenacious

Common challenges for Dachshunds

Top guides for Dachshunds

Fix it in your DachshundHow to Stop Barking at Visitors in a DachshundStop the rehearsal first: block the window view and muffle the doorbell, then pair the bell sound with treats at low volume until your dog stays calm. Over 2–3 weeks, teach a 'go to mat' response so an incompatible calm behavior replaces the barking.

Fix it in your DachshundHow to Stop Digging in a DachshundDigging is hardwired, so total bans fail — channel it instead. Give your dog a legal dig zone (a sandpit or designated corner seeded with buried toys), make the illegal spots unrewarding, and fix the driver: boredom, heat, prey, or escape each need a different response. Diagnose before you landscape.

Fix it in your DachshundHow to Stop Potty Training in a DachshundPotty training is a numbers game: maximize successes outside (frequent scheduled trips, reward within two seconds of finishing) and prevent accidents inside (constant supervision or safe confinement). Clean misses with an enzymatic cleaner and never punish — punishment just teaches dogs to hide where they go.

Train your DachshundHow to Teach a Dachshund to QuietWait for a pause in barking (or create one with a soft attention noise), say 'quiet' in the silence, and reward 2–3 seconds of continued silence with a treat. Gradually stretch the silent gap before paying. Never yell — from the dog's perspective you're just joining in.

Train your DachshundHow to Teach a Dachshund to Recall (Come)Pick a fresh word ('here!'), pair it with your dog's favorite reward every single time, and never use it to end fun or to punish. Practice on a long line, starting close with no distractions and adding distance and difficulty gradually. Pay every recall like it's the lottery.

Train your DachshundHow to Teach a Dachshund to SitHold a treat just above your dog's nose and move it slowly back over their head — as the nose follows, the rear drops. The moment they sit, mark ('yes!') and treat. After a few reps, add the word 'sit' right before the lure, then fade the lure to a hand signal.

Train your DachshundHow to Teach a Dachshund to Leave ItClose a treat in your fist and let your dog lick and paw at it — the moment they back off, mark and reward from your OTHER hand. Once they withdraw quickly, add the cue 'leave it,' then progress to treats on the floor, dropped items, and finally real-world temptations. The rule: leaving it always pays better than taking it.

Train your DachshundHow to Teach a Dachshund to Go to MatPut a mat down, and reward any interest in it — a look, a step, a paw. Shape toward all four paws on, then a down, then duration. Add the cue 'mat' once the dog charges over reliably. The mat becomes a paycheck zone, which is exactly why it fixes doorbell chaos and dinner begging.

Common challenges for Dachshunds

Top guides for Dachshunds

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