Training Your Dachshund with Confidence

Bringing home a Dachshund puppy is the beginning of an exciting journey. These intelligent, affectionate little dogs quickly become cherished members of the family, but like every breed, they need guidance to grow into confident, well-mannered companions.

Dachshunds are known for their loyalty, curiosity, and remarkable intelligence. They also have an independent personality that was developed through generations of hunting work. This means they learn quickly, but they also enjoy thinking for themselves. With patience, consistency, and positive reinforcement, training becomes an enjoyable experience that strengthens the bond between you and your puppy.

Whether you’re welcoming your first Dachshund or adding another to your family, this guide will help you build good habits from day one and raise a happy, confident companion for years to come.


Your Puppy’s First Week at Home

The first few days are about helping your puppy feel safe rather than expecting perfection. Everything around them is new—the sights, sounds, smells, and people. A calm environment allows your puppy to settle in and begin building trust.

Keep a predictable daily routine for feeding, potty breaks, naps, and bedtime. Dogs thrive on consistency, and young puppies quickly learn what to expect when each day follows a similar pattern.

Allow your puppy time to explore their new home while supervising closely. Offer plenty of gentle praise, speak calmly, and avoid overwhelming them with too many visitors during the first week.

Training begins immediately—not through strict commands, but by teaching routines, rewarding good behaviour, and helping your puppy understand that your home is a safe and positive place.

Toilet Training Your Dachshund

Successful potty training depends on consistency rather than punishment.

Take your puppy outside immediately after waking up, after meals, after playtime, and before bedtime. Choose the same potty area whenever possible so they begin associating that location with bathroom breaks.

Whenever your puppy goes in the correct place, reward them immediately with praise and a small treat. Positive reinforcement helps them understand exactly what behaviour earned the reward.

Accidents inside the house are completely normal during the learning process. Never punish your puppy for mistakes. Instead, clean the area thoroughly and continue following a consistent schedule.

Other tips include:

* Always go outside after every meal. Most Dachshund puppies need a toilet break 10–20 minutes after eating.
* Take them out after playtime. Excitement and exercise often trigger the need to urinate or defecate.
* Use the same toilet area every time. Returning to one spot helps your puppy recognise where they are expected to go.
* Follow a regular schedule. Consistent feeding and toilet times make house training faster and easier.
* Reward successful toilet trips immediately. Offer praise or a small treat within a few seconds so your puppy connects the reward with the correct behaviour.
* Watch for signs they need to go. Sniffing the floor, circling, whining, suddenly becoming restless, or walking towards the door are common signals.
* Avoid punishment for accidents. Cleaning the area and continuing with the routine is far more effective than scolding, which can create fear and confusion.


Crate Training

A crate should never be viewed as punishment. Instead, it becomes your puppy’s personal bedroom—a quiet, secure space where they can rest comfortably.

Introduce the crate gradually by placing soft bedding, favourite toys, and treats inside. Allow your puppy to enter voluntarily before closing the door for short periods.

Over time, your Dachshund will begin viewing the crate as a safe place to relax rather than somewhere they are confined.

Crate training also supports potty training because puppies naturally avoid soiling the area where they sleep.

Other tips include:

* Choose the correct crate size. Most Dachshund puppies do well in a 24-inch (61 cm) crate. Adult Miniature Dachshunds usually remain comfortable in a 24-inch crate, while Standard Dachshunds typically need a 30-inch (76 cm) crate. The crate should be large enough to stand, turn and lie down comfortably, but not so large that one end becomes a toilet area.
* Introduce the crate gradually. Leave the door open and allow your puppy to explore it at their own pace rather than forcing them inside.
* Make the crate comfortable. Add a soft bed, a safe chew toy, and a light blanket to create a calm and secure resting place.
* Use treats and praise. Reward your puppy every time they enter the crate willingly so they develop a positive association.
* Feed meals inside the crate. This helps your puppy see the crate as a safe and enjoyable place instead of a punishment.
* Provide safe chew toys. Appropriate chew toys help prevent boredom and make crate time more enjoyable.
* Place the crate in a family area during the day. Dachshunds enjoy being close to their people and settle more easily when they can hear everyday household activity.
* Move the crate to your bedroom at night if needed. Young puppies often feel more secure sleeping close to their owners during the first few weeks.

House Training

Helping Your Puppy Settle Into Family Life

House training is about teaching your Dachshund how to behave confidently and politely inside your home. While toilet training is an important part of the process, house training also includes learning routines, respecting household boundaries and understanding what behavior is expected indoors. A consistent routine helps puppies settle more quickly and builds confidence in their new environment.

Young Dachshunds learn best through repetition, patience and positive reinforcement. By introducing simple rules from the first day, your puppy will gradually understand where to sleep, where to play and how to behave around people and household furniture. Good house training creates a calmer home and lays the foundation for a well-mannered adult dog.

House Training Tips

* Establish a daily routine. Feed, exercise, train and rest at similar times each day so your puppy knows what to expect.
* Keep household rules consistent. Everyone in the family should follow the same rules and use the same commands.
* Limit access to one area at first. Allow your puppy to gradually explore more of the house as good behavior develops.
* Supervise indoor freedom. Watch your puppy closely until they learn which behaviors are acceptable indoors.
* Redirect unwanted chewing. Offer safe chew toys whenever your puppy starts chewing furniture, shoes or household items.
* Encourage short periods of independence. Allow your puppy to spend brief periods alone to help prevent separation anxiety as they grow.
* Reward good behavior immediately. Praise calm, polite behavior so your puppy learns what is expected inside the home

Best Training Treats for Dachshund Puppies

Choosing Healthy Rewards That Support Learning

Training treats are one of the most effective ways to encourage good behaviour, but choosing the right treat is just as important as using it correctly. The best treats are small, soft and easy to chew, allowing your Dachshund puppy to stay focused on training without becoming distracted by eating.

Remember that treats are rewards, not meals. They should support training while fitting into your puppy’s daily diet. Offering many tiny rewards during short training sessions is usually more effective than giving a few large treats.

Choosing the Best Training Treats

* Choose soft, bite-sized treats. Small treats can be eaten quickly, allowing training to continue without interruption.
* Look for high-quality ingredients. Treats made with real meat and simple ingredients are often easier to digest and more rewarding for puppies.
* Keep treats low in calories. Dachshunds can gain weight easily, so small, low-calorie treats help maintain a healthy body condition.
* Use treats only during training. Keeping special treats for training helps maintain your puppy’s interest and motivation.
* Break larger treats into smaller pieces. Tiny rewards work just as well and allow you to complete longer training sessions without overfeeding.
* Avoid treats with unnecessary colors or artificial flavors. Simple recipes are generally the better choice for young puppies.
* Introduce new treats gradually. Sudden changes can sometimes upset a puppy’s digestion, so offer new treats in small amounts first.
* Always provide fresh drinking water. Training sessions can be active, so your puppy should have access to clean water afterwards.
* Match the treat to your puppy’s age. Choose treats designed for puppies or soft enough for developing teeth.

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Teaching Basic Commands

Early obedience training builds communication between you and your puppy.

Start with simple commands such as Sit, Stay, Come, Down, and Leave It. Keep training sessions short—around five to ten minutes—so your puppy stays engaged without becoming tired or frustrated.

Reward every success immediately with praise or treats.

Remember that Dachshunds respond far better to encouragement than correction. A positive learning environment creates a confident dog that enjoys training rather than fearing it.

Short daily sessions are far more effective than occasional long training sessions.


Socializing Your Puppy

Early socialization is one of the most important parts of raising a confident Dachshund.

Introduce your puppy to different people, friendly vaccinated dogs, household noises, car rides, parks, and new environments at a pace they can comfortably handle.

Positive early experiences help reduce fear, anxiety, and nervous behavior later in life.

Well-socialized Dachshunds are generally more confident around visitors, children, and unfamiliar situations, making everyday life much more enjoyable for both owner and dog.

The goal isn’t simply exposing your puppy to everything at once—it is creating positive experiences that build confidence over time.

Understanding Typical Dachshund Behavior

Every breed has unique personality traits, and Dachshunds are no exception.

Because they were originally bred to hunt independently, they often display determination and persistence. This can sometimes be mistaken for stubbornness.

Excessive barking may occur when they become bored or alert you to unfamiliar sounds. Providing regular mental stimulation and exercise helps reduce unwanted barking.

Digging is another natural behaviour inherited from their hunting instincts. Offering appropriate games, toys, and supervised outdoor activities gives them healthier outlets for this energy.

Separation anxiety may develop if puppies never learn to spend short periods alone. Gradually increasing independent time helps build confidence while preventing stress when you leave the house.

Understanding why your Dachshund behaves a certain way makes training far more effective than simply correcting unwanted behavior.


Why Positive Reinforcement Works Best

Positive reinforcement rewards the behaviors you want to encourage rather than focusing on mistakes.

Whenever your puppy performs the desired behavior, immediately reward them with praise, treats, toys, or affection.

This creates positive associations with learning and motivates your puppy to repeat those behaviors.

Harsh corrections can damage confidence and slow progress, while encouragement builds trust between you and your dog.

Training should always feel rewarding for both puppy and owner.

Keeping Your Dachshund Mentally Stimulated

Mental exercise is just as important as physical activity.

Puzzle feeders, scent games, interactive toys, obedience practice, and short problem-solving activities all help keep your Dachshund engaged.

Even hiding treats around the house or teaching simple new tricks provides valuable mental stimulation.

A mentally fulfilled Dachshund is often calmer, happier, and less likely to develop destructive habits caused by boredom.
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Exercise Without Putting Stress on the Back

Although Dachshunds enjoy playing and exploring, their long backs require extra care throughout life.

Young puppies should avoid repetitive stair climbing, jumping on and off furniture, or high-impact activities that place unnecessary strain on the spine.

Instead, focus on gentle walks, supervised play, and age-appropriate exercise.

Maintaining a healthy body weight and encouraging safe movement are among the most important steps owners can take to support long-term spinal health.

Other exercise tips include:

* Start with short walks. Young puppies benefit from several short walks each day rather than one long walk, allowing them to build strength without becoming overtired.
* Avoid excessive jumping. Repeated jumping on and off furniture places unnecessary strain on a Dachshund’s long back and growing joints.
* Limit stair climbing during puppyhood. Carry your puppy up and down stairs whenever possible until they are fully grown to help protect their developing spine.
* Include mental exercise. Puzzle toys, basic training and scent work help satisfy your Dachshund’s natural curiosity and can be just as tiring as physical exercise.
* Avoid exercising immediately after meals. Allow your puppy time to digest before engaging in active play or walks.
* Watch for signs of tiredness. Slow walking, lying down frequently or losing interest in play are signs your puppy has had enough exercise for the day.



A Simple Training Timeline

Training is a gradual process, with each stage building on the previous one.

From 8 to 12 weeks, focus on potty training, crate training, learning their name, and building trust.

Between 3 and 4 months, introduce basic obedience commands, leash walking, and gentle socialization with new environments.

From 4 to 6 months, continue improving recall, confidence, and impulse control while reinforcing good manners.

As your Dachshund approaches 6 to 12 months, build on these foundations with more advanced obedience, longer walks, and continued positive experiences.

Every puppy develops at their own pace, so celebrate progress rather than expecting perfection.


Every Great Companion Starts with the Right Foundation

Training doesn’t begin when your puppy arrives home—it starts with the experiences they receive from their very first weeks of life.

Our puppies are raised in a loving home environment where they receive daily handling, early socialization, exposure to everyday household activities, and positive interactions designed to prepare them for family life. These early experiences help build confidence and make the transition into their new homes much smoother.

While every family plays the biggest role in their puppy’s ongoing training, providing the right foundation from the beginning helps set both puppy and owner up for success.

If you’re looking for a healthy, well-socialized Dachshund puppy that has been raised with care, we’d be delighted to help you learn more about our upcoming litters and Puppy's for sale guide you through finding the right companion for your family.

Frequently Asked Questions?

Dachshunds are intelligent dogs that learn quickly, but they are also known for their independent nature. Consistency, patience and positive reinforcement are usually more effective than punishment. Short, enjoyable training sessions often produce the best results.

YES. Dachshunds are intelligent, independent dogs originally red to make decisions while hunting underground. Their confidence can sometimes be mistaken for stubbornness. Consistent boundaries, positive reinforcements, and daily repetition usually produce excellent results.

No. Harsh punishments can damage trust and create unnecessary ear. Positive reinforcement is widely recommended because it teaches your puppy what you want rather than simply correcting mistakes. Calm redirection and consistency are much more effective in the long term.

Every Dachshund learns at its own pace. Rather than repeating commands or increasing correction, keep training sessions short, reward desired behaviour immediately, and remain consistent with routine. Patience and repetition produce far better long term results than punishment or frustration. 

Yes. While puppies often learn more quickly, adult Dachshunds can also learn new behaviors with patience and consistent training. It is never too late to reinforce good habits or teach new commands.

Most families successfully train their Dachshund at home using consistency and positive reinforcements. However if unwanted behaviours continue despite regular training, or if you're a first time owner who would like additional guidance, working with a qualified trainer can be a valuable investment. 

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