Dachshunds, affectionately dubbed “sausages,” are small dogs with big personalities: they are playful, affectionate and energetic, but because they were bred to be independent and think for themselves, they can be headstrong and stubborn too. Such stubbornness makes training difficult, but be patient, as a well-trained dachshund makes a great companion.
Steps
Part 1 of 4: Training a Dachshund Puppy
Step 1. Let him get used to his new home
When you bring it home for the first time, you will be excited to begin training. However, the animal will need a few days or weeks to feel more comfortable. At first, leave it in a small room (like a bedroom) and then show the rest of the house.
- Keep an eye out as he explores. All rooms need to be as secure as possible.
- To ensure Totó's safety, remove or hide electrical wires, medicines, cleaning supplies and children's toys.
Step 2. Start training him early
The sooner the better. He must be between two and three months old to start; this is because, within two months, he will have been weaned and will begin to interact and feel the world around him.
Step 3. Enroll the puppy in the dog daycare
This nursery will teach you how to socialize with other dogs, in addition to some basic obedience commands (all in a fun environment). This way, you will learn to communicate properly with him. Before choosing an institution, ask to attend some classes and see how the trainer handles the puppies and prevents aggression situations.
- When Totó gets older, enroll him in obedience classes, where he will learn basic commands like “sit” and “stay”.
- While learning to socialize with other dogs, he can also socialize with friendly people when you go out for a walk. It is important that the dog feels comfortable with new people and experiences.
Step 4. Discourage chewing
Like other puppies, dachshunds love to chew. If you see yours chewing on something you shouldn't (like your shoes), say "No!" firmly and take the object from him. Not give verbal or physical reprimands for this behavior, as he will not learn not to chew; instead, it will only be afraid of you, which will make training difficult.
- Just say "No!" if you catch him in the act. The puppy will not understand the correction if it occurs after the act.
- Give him appropriate chew toys and praise him when he plays with them. Thus, you will be teaching him to redirect the gnawing mania for appropriate objects.
Part 2 of 4: Teaching the dachshund to stay in the cage
Step 1. Choose a cage
This is an important aspect of training sausage puppies. Choose one big enough that he can move around, but not big enough that he has a corner to do his chores. The ideal size is 61 cm by 76 cm or 61 cm by 91 cm.
Wire cages are great for dachshunds as they allow you to see what's going on around you
Step 2. Place the cage in a busy area
Sausages can feel lonely, making this training difficult. Place it in an area where there is a lot of movement, such as the living room, as little ones love company and will love to be close to their family.
Step 3. Make the cage comfortable
She should be a cozy safe haven for the puppy. Put some comfortable padding that already smells like it, so that space will be more familiar; also put in other basic items such as food, water and puppy toys.
- Puppy toys are available at pet stores.
- His "lair" should be a place of safety and comfort, and not of punishment.
Step 4. Encourage him to stay in the cage
During this training (which will take a few weeks), you will teach the dog to stay inside longer with each session. In the beginning, tease him with snacks. Then you can feed him inside.
- Choose a command (one word, preferably), such as “kennel”, to indicate that it should enter; when he does, give him a treat to create a positive association.
- The puppy may be whining or whining in there, but you need to resist pity. Otherwise, he'll repeat this behavior every time he wants attention, which will be pretty unbearable.
- Don't train him all day and night, because not only will his bladder not take it, but also because he will feel lonely and estranged from his owner. Consider hiring an animal caretaker to stay with him during the day.
Part 3 of 4: Teaching where to go
Step 1. Be patient
Given the breed's stubbornness, this training can be difficult, but it is critical that the dog learn to do the “job” outside (which can take several weeks).
The process will be much easier if he is used to being in the cage
Step 2. Set up a feeding and bathroom routine for Toto
Whether a puppy or an adult, the sausage should have definite hours of when to eat and when to go outside to expel what has been eaten, so that the probability of an accident happening inside the house is lower. For example, feed your puppy three or four times a day, and take him outside as soon as the meal is over.
- Other recommended times are after playing, before going to sleep and after spending time in the cage. A good rule of thumb to apply is that, until they are nine to twelve months old, puppies can hold their bladders for one hour per month of age. Thus, a ten-month-old puppy can manage without going to the bathroom for ten hours.
- Be consistent in your feeding routine.
Step 3. Reward the sausage when he makes it outside
When taking him in the yard, let him choose where to evacuate and when he does, immediately reward him with a treat and lots of praise (be consistent with these so that the dog understands that cleaning outside is a good thing).
Even if he's in a hurry, don't rush the poor thing, or he'll end up learning to hold back so he can spend more time with you (and, needless to say, he'll do what he's not supposed to do indoors)
Step 4. Don't punish him in case of accidents
Of course, you'll be upset or frustrated if the dachshund pees or poops indoors, but instead of punishing him, just clean up the mess. rub his nose not it's an effective method of teaching that it's wrong (he'll just be scared of you).
- To clean the dirty area, use a detergent that eliminates the odor. Otherwise, the dog will return to evacuate in that place.
- If you catch him in the act, say "No!" firmly pick it up and take it out. When he finishes his yard work, praise him.
Part 4 of 4: Teaching the dachshund to walk on a leash
Step 1. Buy a collared harness
This training can be fire, as sausages are stubborn and have a natural instinct to chase things. A well-fitting collared harness can be purchased at a pet store. Ask employees which one will be tight but not tight.
Let the animal sniff and explore the object before placing it
Step 2. Go for a walk with the dachshund when he is calm
Do not put the harness on with a collar when it gets excited for the exit; otherwise, you are teaching bad behavior (letting him do what he wants to get your attention). Instead, when he gets too excited, drop the harness and leave. After he calms down, go back and put him on the animal.
Hold the main collar in your left hand and the extra collar in your right
Step 3. Don't let the animal pull
No matter how excited he is, he shouldn't pull the leash, as this could be an attempt to be “the leader of the pack.” If he starts pulling, stand still or walk the other way.
- If you choose the last option, do not pull the collar; the change of direction will be enough and soon he will follow.
- Always stand in front of the dog to demonstrate that you are the leader of the pack.
- Consider giving treats when he's ''not'' pulling, as this will reinforce good behavior.
Step 4. Teach him to walk together
When he knows how to do it, he will walk beside you without pulling his collar. To teach such a command, leave it on your left with the collared harness. Hold the collar in your left hand and a toy in your right (pass your right hand in front of your body to show the toy to the animal). Say "together" and start walking forward, still showing the toy.
Another option is to use a snack. However, regardless of the choice, reward him every twenty or thirty seconds of proper walking
Tips
- The dachshunds' ability to concentrate is short, so do short training sessions as well (five minutes, two to three times a day). Praise him a lot for keeping learning fun and positive.
- Training it will take time, patience and a good understanding of the specifics of the breed.
- Sausages are natural handlers. Don't be fooled! Be firm and consistent during training.
- Use one-word commands as they are easier to understand and obey.
- If you are having difficulty training your dog, consider asking an animal behavior specialist for help.