Dachshunds may be small in size, but don’t let that fool you. These bold little dogs are packed with personality — and just enough defiance to make training fun and challenging.
But with the right techniques (and the right fuel in their bowl), your Dachshund can learn to thrive with structure. In this guide, we share practical, dog-first training tips tailored to their quirks — and explore how nutrition can help boost focus and support long-term behaviour change.
Read more: Dachshund breed insights: care, personality & expert tips
Dachshund temperament and trainability
Confident, clever, and sometimes a bit headstrong, Dachshunds are known for their larger-than-life personalities. Their hunting background makes them brave and curious — traits that can be both a blessing and a hurdle when it comes to training.
They’re intelligent and quick to pick up new cues, especially when food is involved. But they also have a strong will and a keen sense of smell that can sometimes distract them from the task at hand. Barking, digging, and a strong prey drive are common behavioural quirks that require early, consistent guidance.
Despite these challenges, Dachshunds are deeply loyal and bond closely with their humans. With patience, consistency, and lots of positive reinforcement, your Dachshund can thrive in training.
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Health considerations that can affect training
Dachshunds are prone to certain health issues that can impact their ability or motivation to train, including:
Intervertebral Disc Disease (IVDD): Their long backs and short legs make them susceptible to spinal issues, so it's important to avoid jumping or rough play during training.
Obesity: Weight gain can exacerbate back problems and reduce their energy levels. Training with healthy treats and proper portion control is key to effective weight management and a healthy body condition.
Allergies and skin conditions: Itchy, irritated skin can be a distraction during training. If your dog seems restless or reactive, consult your vet to rule out allergies.
If your Dachshund seems reluctant, distracted, or unusually reactive, a vet check-up can help rule out any health-related issues that might be affecting their training performance.
Read more: Understanding your Dachshund health issues: how real food can help
How real food fuels your Dachshund’s focus
Just like us, dogs learn best when they’re feeling healthy, balanced and energised. Diet plays a big role in your pup’s ability to focus, stay calm, and retain information.
Dachshunds benefit from:
Steady energy sources like butternut squash and purple sweet potato, which have a low glycaemic load and help release energy slowly.
Essential fatty acids like DHA and EPA (omega-3s from fish, mussels, or fish oil), which support brain health and development, memory, and learning.
Fresh, bioactive nutrients from ingredients like blueberries and shiitake mushrooms to support immunity, skin health, and overall wellbeing.
“A fresh food diet packed with brain-boosting nutrients supports your dog’s ability to learn and adapt. Omega-3s, especially DHA, are critical for memory and cognitive function.”
– Dr Alex England, Lyka Veterinarian, BVetMed MANZCVS (Small Animal Veterinary Practice)
Learn more about Dr Alexander England and his veterinary experience.
All Lyka meals are formulated by Board-Certified Veterinary Nutritionists to provide complete and balanced nutrition for learning, growth, and everyday health.
Read more: Fuelling your dog’s focus: how nutrition impacts your dog’s training
Exercise first for improved focus
Dachshunds may be small, but they’re energetic and require regular exercise to stay happy and focused. A short walk or active play session before training can help release excess energy and set them up for better focus.
Be mindful of their backs — avoid stairs, jumping, or intense fetch games. Instead, opt for:
Gentle leash walks
Sniffing games that engage their noses and minds
Tug or soft toy play indoors
A calm and exercised Dachshund can make a more attentive student!
Training tips for Dachshunds
Training a Dachshund can be an entertaining mix of independence and affection — but with the right mindset, it’s highly rewarding.
Keep sessions short, sweet, and full of positive vibes. Here’s what works best:
Positive reinforcement
This is the gold standard for training. Marking good behaviour with rewards like praise, affection, treats, or continued interaction, teaches your pup how to behave and supports a strong and positive relationship.
Double up on rewards to mark excellent responses from your Dachshund, like praise and a pat, or praise and a treat.
Find their favourite motivator
Discovering your pup’s hierarchy of high-value rewards is a great way to keep your Dachshund motivated. Is it a nibble of roast chicken, their favourite squeaky toy, or playtime with you?
Train at the right time
Sometimes dogs don’t have the energy or desire to learn, especially if they’re too tired, too full, or hot and bothered.
Mental enrichment through training can be tiring for dogs, so find the right time to train and stop if you notice your dog starting to lose focus or fatigue.
Stay consistent
Consistency is key to training. Not just in setting your expectations, but in using the same verbal and non-verbal cues.
Be playful and engaging
Dogs are sensitive souls that can pick up on your mood. Keep your sessions fun and your positive energy will be contagious.
Watch their body language
If your pup starts to show signs of stress or tiredness, give them a break. If they’ve reached saturation point, it can be counterproductive to persevere. You can always come back to the training at another point.
Training your Dachshund puppy
Dachshund puppies are lively and inquisitive — a combination that makes for both fun and challenging training sessions.
What works?
A regular toilet routine.
Positive crate training for safe sleep and downtime.
Early, controlled socialisation with people, dogs, and new environments.
Dachshunds are sensitive to harsh corrections. Stick with gentle, force-free methods to build their trust and confidence.
Read more: Force-free puppy training: what the experts want you to know
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Training your adult Dachshund
Just because your Dachshund’s out of puppyhood doesn’t mean the training stops. In fact, ongoing mental stimulation is essential to keep their mind sharp and behaviour balanced.
This might look like:
Reinforcing polite greetings at the door.
Teaching fun tricks and new games.
Adjusting to life changes, like moving house.
Training for mobility support, like using a ramp as they age.
Dogs have neuroplasticity, meaning their brains adapt and change making them lifelong learners. Keep training light and engaging and celebrate progress, no matter how small.
Read more: Training adult dogs: expert tips to boost learning, brain health & bonding
Real life insight from Lyka parents
Training Dachshunds can be as much fun as it is challenging! For real insight into the world of parenting sausage dogs, hear from Alex about her experiences with Charlie.
“Training my beautiful, stubborn Dachshund Charlie on his reactivity when walking was a real challenge. That’s when we began bringing a bag stocked with his favourite Lyka Lamb Bark treats with us. He all of a sudden would do anything we asked for a bite of his Lamb Bark!”
— Alex, and Charlie (he’s on Lyka)
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When to call in a Trainer or Behaviourist
Not sure if your Dachshund’s quirks are just stubbornness — or something deeper?
A trainer is your go-to for obedience, manners, and routine behaviours. A qualified behaviourist, on the other hand, is best for issues like:
Reactivity
Anxiety or phobias
Aggression
Resource guarding
They work closely with your vet to address underlying causes and create a tailored plan. The earlier you seek support, the easier it is to create lasting change.
“If training your dog is very challenging, it may be worth considering a trainer or a behaviourist. A trainer can help you identify what may be triggering their behaviour and show you how to help your dog cope in those situations. The solution may be as simple as reframing what we expect from our dogs and our behaviours around them.”
- Laura V, dog behaviourist
New to Lyka? Let’s rethink dog food together
Training your Dachshund is a journey — one that requires consistency, creativity, and compassion. Whether you’re navigating house training with a stubborn puppy or teaching your senior dog new routines, every small win is a step toward a calmer, more connected life together.
And remember, a well-fed brain is a trainable brain. Supporting your Dachshund’s learning with fresh, real food meals helps unlock their full potential.
Lyka nourishes hundreds of Dachshunds across Australia – from energetic pups to seniors in their golden years – they’re all thriving on Lyka.
