Training a Dachshund – The reasons why it is so different
There’s no question about it, the Dachshund is quite possibly one of the most adorable breeds out there. There’s nothing cute about training a dachshund, however, as the little hot dog-like creatures can be quite naughty. In fact, some people believe that dachshunds need special training to curb their stubborn attitudes.
What separates Dachshunds from other breeds?
You are not in for a carefree moment when you start training a dachshund. From the beginning, you should keep in mind that your Dachshund is still a dog, forgetting how affectionate and fun it is, and it deserves proper treatment, just like any other animal.
Patience will be a vital quality in training a dachshund the right way, because these little dachshunds are known to be really independent. They have minds of their own and will decide what they want, then wait for you to go get it.
Once you understand that it’s a small, strong-willed dog you’re training and that you shouldn’t treat it like a little human friend, you need to make sure you always keep the upper hand in your training sessions. Giving him special privileges because he’s so cute will bite you in the ass and he won’t think of you as someone who should always care.
Because Dachshunds have such strong and determined personalities, they tend to get into trouble. So you won’t be doing him any favors if you don’t always protect the advantage in your training sessions. Also, because of the way Dachshunds are shaped, they can injure themselves if they decide to run and climb or jump on things, two behaviors that Dachshunds can simply be trained to stop.
The essential points in training a Dachshund
Initially, Dachshunds were bred to be hunting dogs that would sniff out and dig up vermin. They are brimming with energy, so your Dachshund should get plenty of exercise from a young age. A Dachshund with pent up energy can cause serious damage to your home.
You need to be strict with your dog and create a schedule that gives him plenty of exercise, which will make him much easier to train in the long run.
Training a Dachshund: Sessions
Basics: Basic training commands like “sit,” “stay,” and, vitally, “down” should be handled first. The dachshund’s physical style makes it problematic for him to jump or climb very high, so teach him from the start not to jump on furniture, and make it clear to him that it is absolutely forbidden to do so. If necessary, he can walk up and down the stairs with his dog.
Training a Dachshund with a Clicker: Dachshunds respond well to clickers, so these devices should be added to training sessions. The Dachshund doesn’t have great hearing, but it can react to quick, high-pitched clicks. Clicker training is ideal for an animal that has such a short attention span.
Short Sessions: Training a Dachshund should be done in 5 minute increments. Going beyond 5 minutes in a sitting will quickly divert your Dachshund’s attention to other things and you’ll have a hard time getting him back on track. So do as much as you can in 5 minute periods and your dog won’t have time to think about various unimportant things.
Rewards – It is not easy to punish a Dachshund, because the breed has a very strong will. If you go too far with the punishment, your Dachshund can become stubborn and even vicious. Alternatively, positive reinforcement is a wonderful way to train your dog, giving him various rewards when he has been good. Dachshunds swim in physical attention, just as they are craving treats to reward good behavior.
Clearly, training a Dachshund can be problematic, even aggravating. To get the results you want, you’ll need a reserve of energy and patience, not to mention time. The key is not to let your Dachshund puppy get the upper hand in your relationship. Once he does, he’ll gain a lot of ground that will be hard to regain as they both get older.
