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As predicted, the title of this article hints of the large amount of effort and time about to be spent on dachshund training and the dog. Indeed, dachshunds were born to dig and to bark at quarry. So the problem is how to persuade the dog that its time is better spent elsewhere.

Some owners who think there is simply no time to teach the dog what’s allowed and otherwise, just pick up the dog. This obviously is no better than intervening into the problem, but only to end it as if nothing happened.

Dachshunds combine an excellent memory with their own brand of obstinacy to come up with a notorious defiance towards most trainers. Punishment will basically get nowhere as this dog breed thinks its own will reigns supreme. On the other hand, the most effective and most satisfying Dachshund training is reward-based training.

The solution to start dachshund training is to give them convincing motives to do things your way. Meanwhile it needs to be clear on you that this albeit doe-eyed and sweet dog has its own food-related interests in mind and in first place always. Indeed, if this was not the case, there would be lesser obese dachshunds the world over. So this is just one of the many facts you can use to your advantage in dachshund training.

How about barking? If your dachshund is about to enter a situation that is sure to unleash a torrent of voicing, you may want to let it know it gets a treat for not barking in that particular place, or setting. For example, by lightly holding their muzzle while telling them not to bark, and then showing the treat, it’s possible to reinforce the correct behavior.

The next time you see the dog not barking in a situation, praise it and give it its treat. Of course, in Dachshund training it will take lots of early training and socializing before the dog catches the drift, so to speak, since barking happens to be an instinctual response for this breed.

Physical blocks are effective discouragements to digging, and one common example is blackberry with bristling hedges. And, as everybody knows, a good push to anti digging or anti barking plans is a dog that is exhausted by late afternoon due to the myriads of activities and walks it gets to try out.

Dog owners love their dogs.With Doxies that devotion reaches new heights.The reasons are not hard to understand.Doxies are special in many ways.

Translation from the German “badger dog” shows just one of those ways.  Bred in the early 1600s to hunt those ferocious little animals, the Dachshund became ferocious himself.  That assertive and fearless attitude remains today.

That feisty nature can be a positive or negative.

Dogs that are independent can make great companions, since that also makes them playful and exploratory.  It provides the dog with lots of energy and a willingness to try new things.It also means that extra patience and skill are required to train them.Dachshunds are more inclined than many other breeds to strive for alpha status in the household.  Reminding them that the human is boss may require a long struggle.

But that training has to be appropriate to the breed’s physical and mental attributes.

Doxies weigh between 10-30 pounds and are 9 inches high at the shoulder.  Toy varieties are quite a bit smaller, often under 8 lbs and only 5 inches high.An average lifespan is between 14-17 years.

They are much more prone to spinal problems than other breeds due to their long bodies and short legs.  Rough handling can cause serious problems.

At the same time simply screaming won’t work because they are assertive.At best that produces a fearful dog, at worst, they can become aggressive and hostile in response.Doxies may look at their trainer as an enemy badger.Barking is more common in Dachshunds, too, so owners should be prepared.

They make for excellent companions and pets with the right approach.

There are three basic varieties – Long-Hairs, Wire-Coats, and Smooth-Coats.The difference goes beyond the type of fur they have.The personalities of the three varieties tend to follow a pattern, as well.

Smooth-haired Dachshunds more often attach themselves to one person in the family.  While they will tolerate other humans, they tend to be stand-offish and wary of other animals.The Wire-haired is usually more outgoing and playful.Long-haired Dachshunds tend to be a little more placid.Like any Doxie, they are up for a game of fetch whenever the opportunity exists.

Apart from spinal problems, Dachshunds less often suffer from diseases that are more prevalent in other breeds.Diabetes, abdominal cancers and other diseases are possible but much less common in Dachshunds.Urinary tract problems (such as stones) can occur, but they are more likely in special varieties such as those with blue eyes and Double Dapples.These types tend to have more hearing and eye problems, too.

Raising any dog can be a challenge, if they are to be healthy and happy.Dachshund owners commonly report that the rewards in their case are especially large.Doxies are highly affectionate and very loyal.  The people who live with them tend to return the favor.

Dachshund supplies and gifts can be found at Ony-Dachshunds.com

Doxies are a naturally feisty breed.Bred to hunt badgers, they had to be innovative and tough.  But that assertive nature should not be allowed to turn against you.You must be the alpha dog.

Individual dogs will deviate in degree, of course.There are submissive Dachshunds though fewer than other breeds, on average.Some will try to insist on having their own way at all times, much like nearly all terriers.But training can adjust their demeanor, especially if you start when they are young and stay consistent.

Zero tolerance should be the rule for all aggressive conduct, whether toward you, strange people, a family member and animals.Biting the lead during training is one mild demonstration.

Discourage it by stepping on the lead close to their head.Then with the other foot, slowly pull the lead down to the ground closer and closer to the collar.Take care not to stress their neck, as they are prone to back problems.When they have let go of the lead, praise them abundantly.

To discourage snapping or excess barking or biting a squirt bottle comes in handy.Give your Dachshund a little squirt against the muzzle when he shows this behavior.Stay away from the eyes.That surprises your Doxie and it is unpleasant besides.Repeat, if needed, but avoid making it a contest of wills.That only tends to make it seem to the dog that you are a competitor.  Firm consistency is preferred to counter-aggression.

If your Doxie continues, seperate your dog and be prepared for some barking.  Like spoiled young children, a dog will sometimes try to whine or shout its way out of punishment.Give your dog rugged chew toys and allow him to work out the aggression on those while he’s in the “time out” box.

Follow the negative reinforcement with some positive reinforcement.Look for illustrations of good behavior and praise it abundantly.Use a modest number of treats if needed.The point is to help the dog see for itself the different consequences of its own conduct in terms of your response.Dachshunds are resourceful.With persistence, they will learn.

For example, one may become moderately aggressive during fetch, refusing to give up the ball.Try to discern between genuine willfulness and a simple desire to play a different game, tug.  Make the difference clear by using a rope for tug, which they love.

It’s key to tread a fine line, though, because tug can lead to encouraging aggression.Exercising them a little harder than you would a more playful or calm dog will help.  Aggression is partly caused by the frustration of pent-up energy with no positive outlet.

A helper can be a big help here.Pitch the ball to a partner several feet away, along the ground.Make sure the partner is the first to get the ball when the Dachshund gives chase.  Repeat the exercise a few times, then let the dog win.

With patience and a little creativity, you can channel your Doxie’s aggression into more positive directions.

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