How to Teach Your Dachshund Tricks the Fun & Easy Way
Dachshunds are notoriously stubborn, but with a little patience and the right training approach, your pup can learn amazing tricks. Start simple with commands like sit and stay to build confidence and give your doxie’s brain some mental stimulation. Using their favorite treats keeps learning fun and helps you both enjoy the process.
You’ll be surprised at how talented your pup can be when you stay consistent and follow helpful pointers. In no time, your doxie’s repertoire will grow, and you’ll master the next level with ease — I had my dachshund’s doing five new tricks in just weeks, making teaching them an exciting journey for both of us.
How to Teach Your Dachshund Tricks the Fun & Easy Way – Short Answer
To teach your dachshund tricks the fun and easy way, begin with simple commands like sit and stay. Use treats and positive training to make learning enjoyable and effective. With patience and consistency, your pup will master new tricks in no time.
1. Why Trick Training Matters
Contrary to the myth that dachshunds are untrainable, they are actually highly trainable and capable of learning fun tricks that keep their minds active and engaged. Over the years, I’ve seen how the right approach transforms even the most stubborn dogs into eager learners who enjoy the process as much as you do.
Beyond just tricks, consistent training builds stronger human–dog bonds and makes living together much smoother. It also helps your dachshund handle travel better, stay calm in new environments, and develop good social behavior. A little effort goes a long way in creating a happier, more confident pup — and a more relaxed owner, too.
Dogs can also show different sides of their personality, whether it’s excitement, stubbornness, or even that mischievous streak many owners recognize.
2. Training Principles That Work
When training your dachshunds, use positive reinforcement to build trust with rewards and avoid punishment. Pick high-value treats like cheese, chicken, or meat to boost enthusiasm and effectiveness, especially on an empty stomach.
Begin in calm environments, starting indoors without distractions, and slowly move to more challenging settings. Keep sessions short and fun, aiming for 5-minute rounds and avoiding more than 10 minutes to maintain focus and enjoyment.
Consistency is critical, so reward only full execution of each trick. Stay calm and positive since your mood reflects on your dog, keeping them engaged. Lastly, consider physical safety; dachshunds’ long backs are delicate, so avoid tricks that may strain the spine or joints. Some training also helps reduce excessive vocal habits during excitement.
3. Essential Tools to Train Better
- Use high-value treats that are small and irresistible to keep your pup’s motivation high during training.
- Include a clicker for added precision to mark correct behavior immediately and improve learning.
- Choose a quiet training space to maintain your pup’s focus and minimize distractions.
- Keep a treat pouch ready at hand to reinforce good actions with perfect timing for consistent results.
4. Beginner-Friendly Tricks
Begin with sit and stay to build a foundational sense of basic obedience. Once your dachshund has mastered these, move on to lie down by using a treat lure from the nose to the floor. After mastering this step, try shake or paw by giving a gentle touch on the shoulder or offer your hand for them to respond.
For more playful tricks, teach bow by lowering the chest while keeping the hips up, using belly support if needed. To train roll over, start from down and lure the nose in a small circle, increasing increments gradually.
You can also add beg or rear up by moving a treat overhead until your pup sits on their hind legs. Finally, train speak and quiet by triggering their barking cue, giving a reward, and using a signal when they pause. This can be extra useful if you’re teaching your dog to stay calm when interacting with other household animals.
5. Advanced and Eye-Catching Tricks
- Teach play dead starting from the down position, adding a fade-out and stay for gradual control.
- Introduce the place command by sending your pup to their mat or bed as a calming cue.
- Practice wait and stay to build impulse control, helping with future recall and safety training.
- Add spin, high five, or wave — these visually fun tricks enhance engagement and increase your pup’s social media appeal. Many families also find advanced tricks especially helpful when introducing dachshunds into homes with younger family members.
6. Safety & Physical Considerations
Always avoid tricks that put too much strain on the spine, such as “sit pretty” or balancing on hind legs — a common reddit caution for dachshunds. Since they are prone to back issues, it’s important to monitor for any signs of discomfort during training.
Choose safe, low-impact moves recommended by experts, including guidance from article sources like AKC, Wag, and the American Kennel Club to protect your pup’s long-term health and mobility.
7. How to Progress & Proof Tricks
Practice tricks in different environments, introducing distractions gradually following the AKC “proofing” concept highlighted by The Spruce Pets. This approach builds confidence and ensures your pup performs consistently, no matter the setting.
Fade treats gradually, shifting from continuous to intermittent reinforcement as suggested in article guides like Wag. Finally, incorporate tricks into everyday life — use “place” during meals, “stay” for safety, and “recall” when outdoors to make training practical and reliable.
Final Wrap-Up: Make Training Work for You
Training builds confidence and strengthens the bond between you and your dachshund, making learning truly enjoyable when done right. By rotating tricks and building skills gradually, you keep your pup engaged and prevent any plateau in progress.
Above all, always train with patience, consistency, and positivity — and enjoy the journey of growing, learning, and connecting with your furry friend. Just remember, part of training also means understanding quirks like their tendency to vocalize in unique ways.
FAQ’s
Are dachshunds easy to teach tricks?
With consistency and patience, a dachshund can be just as easy to train as any other breed. The key lies in staying dedicated and maintaining a positive approach to make learning enjoyable for both you and your pup.
How do I mentally stimulate my Dachshund?
Engaging your dachshund in activities with rewards is always the way to go. Use snuffle mats, burrow toys, and puzzle toys to make learning fun and interactive. My little sausages absolutely love this puzzle toy from Amazon, and it’s great for providing mental stimulation while keeping them entertained.
What not to do with a Dachshund?
Avoid overexercising or teaching tricks that strain their spine, like balancing on hind legs. Never use harsh punishment; focus on positive reinforcement instead.
What’s the hardest thing to teach your dog?
Hardest thing to teach is strong impulse control, especially commands like stay and recall in distracting environments. It requires patience, consistency, and gradual training.
