How to Train Your Dachshund Dog

For the smallest of the hound group, dachshunds certainly make up in personality for what they lack in size. Dachshunds are extremely clever, very lively and courageous little dogs, with a strong will and great love of life. They are extremely loyal dogs, often whining until their master has returned. They either have no idea or just don't care about their diminutive stature. Simply put - there's a big, big dog packed in this tiny package. But all of these attributes, most especially their strong will and stubborn nature, make dachshunds a training challenge. It is necessary to understand the breed and the fundamentals of dog training to achieve a properly trained friend for life.

The first thing you have to know is what type of living situation is right for this dog. Dachshunds do not do well in families with children younger then age 7, as small children aren't always gentle with small dogs and can be too rough. A growling dachshund will almost always bite if not left alone and it doesn't take much from a small child to get this small dog agitated. Even the best trained dachshund has a large propensity to be aggressive if he deems it necessary.

Usually the first step in training is housebreaking. Dachshunds are very stubborn in this arena, as they will not go outside unless they are forced to - especially in the rain of snow. Crate training is a very effective method for housebreaking . Even after your dachshund is trained in the crate it will take a while before they should be allowed more free time in the house unsupervised. A dachshund doesn't fall for paper training either - he doesn't distinguish a difference between the newspaper or puppy pad and your carpet so keeping him confined to a crate when you're away is the best method. Although this is a very headstrong breed, dachshunds are still largely trainable with a consistent and proper hand.

Dachshunds need lots of entertainment and exercise. If you leave your dachshund at home alone with free range of your house you will come home to find it look as though you've been ransacked. Dachshunds are mischievous little creatures, which leads them to be very destructive if left to their own whims. Here again crate training is best for leaving your dog alone and since dachshunds are bred for small space they may feel safer in there anyway. Lots of dachshunds never graduate to full use of the house when left alone, but they're much happier for it.

Dachshunds hate water and getting wet. An effective method of training for things like aggression is to keep a spray bottle handy and give him a quick squirt when the offensive act is observed. Try to avoid using the word "No" and never use his name when criticizing him. Words like 'stop' or 'quit' are most effective and teaching your dog the phrase 'leave it' can prevent him from running off with items or acting aggressively.

The health of your dachshund is extremely important, as an overweight dachshund will lead to costly and painful back problems. It is crucial that you feed your dachshund dog food only and in the appropriate amounts. A miniature dachshund is a small dog, often weighing as little as 7 lbs and no more then 12 lbs. They don't require a lot of food! Dachshunds are highly active and require a lot of exercise to maintain their tiny physique. Denying them proper exercise will only lead to a fat and destructive dog, which leads to more then just problems with the state of your home.

Despite their dislike for small children, dachshunds are people dogs. They often pick one main master and are completely loyal to that person until their dying day. It's important that as a dachshund owner you know the proper ways to manipulate your dog into good behavior. Stubborn, clever and very loving, dachshunds are great dogs for those that know how to handle them.