How to Train a Dachshund Puppy Easy Tricks
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Introduction
It took you a while to decide on a breed of dog. But eventually, you stumbled across Dachshund puppies. In many ways, they are the ideal dog. Dachshunds are small so they are easy to control. They are also playful, devoted, friendly, confident, and easy to train. This makes them the perfect canine companion. However, you would like to find a way to channel all his energy into something productive. It’s great that he rolls around on the floor with the kids and chews anything you put near his mouth. But you also know that the best time to train him is when he is a puppy.
Teaching him easy tricks brings with it only benefits. You’ll have a fantastic way to mentally stimulate him and put his intelligence to good use. In addition, you’ll have a great way to tire him out, ensuring he spends his evenings peacefully napping.
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Defining Tasks
Because of their intelligence, it’s relatively straightforward to teach Dachshund puppies a variety of easy tricks. They are naturally curious and switched on, all you need to do is find the right incentive. Like most dogs, Dachshunds have a weak spot. Unsurprisingly, that weak spot is food. With a mouth-watering treat in your hand, you’ll be able to motivate him to perform any number of basic tricks.
Training could take as little as a few days if he’s particularly receptive and just 10 days if he isn’t. These commands will also ensure you have a number of entertaining party tricks to turn to when you have family and friends over. Training will also help reinforce your position as pack leader. Therefore, you will have the control to stamp out unwanted behavior or teach him more advanced tricks when he’s older.
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Getting Started
Before you get to work, you will need to collect a few bits. Stock up on some tasty treats or small pieces of your puppy's favorite food. If you’re not sure what to choose, Dachshund puppies often love cheese. Remember the more he loves the food, the sooner you could see results.
Set aside 10 minutes each day for training. Train in a quiet room where you have enough space that you won’t risk anything getting broken.
Once you have all that, just bring patience and a can-do attitude, then work can begin!
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The Take A Bow Method
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Setting up
Head for a room with some treats and your Dachshund puppy in tow. Try and stay relatively quiet for now, you want to keep him focused.
Lead him
Get down on your knees and hold a treat out in front of his nose. Once he knows what’s in there, slowly bring your hand down towards the floor. Make sure you move slowly so his head and body naturally bow down to follow you.
‘Bow’
As you are guiding him down, give a ‘bow’ command. You can use any word or phrase you like. Just make sure you give it in an up-beat voice, you want him to think this is a fun game.
Reward
Once he has bowed his head for a few seconds as he tries to get the treat, hand over a tasty reward and give him some verbal praise. The happier he feels afterwards, the more likely he will be to repeat the trick again.
Practice makes perfect
Spend a few minutes each day practicing this trick. Once he’s got the hang of it, you can have him hold the bow for longer before you hand over a reward. When he is fully into the swing of it, you can gradually phase out the treats.
The High Five Method
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Sit
First of all, have him sit in front of you. Then kneel in front of him and hand over a treat. Make sure he can see you have a second treat closed firmly in your other hand.
‘Paw’
Issue a 'paw' command in a playful voice. You can use any word or phrase you like, Dachshund puppies can learn hundreds of different commands. However, you must only give the command once. You want him to respond first time, every time.
Head for the paw
Now slowly move your treat hand towards one of his paws. As you go, look at his paw and point at it with the other hand. This will be the hardest part, as it may take him a while to catch on that you want him to lift his paw.
Reward
To start with, reward him as soon as he moves the paw even slightly. Then as you practice have him move the paw more and more each time before you hand over the treat. Continue until he lifts his paw all the way up to the treat hand and high fives you.
Lose the treats
Practice for several minutes each day. Try practicing when there are other distractions around too. Then once he has fully got the hang of it, you can slowly lose the treats. He now knows what is expected of him and the food incentive will no longer be required.
The Roll Over Method
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‘Down’
Firstly, instruct him to lie down. He needs to be comfortable in this position for the roll over trick to work. So, make sure he has mastered the ‘down’ command first. Then once you have him lying down, hold out a treat to capture his attention.
Roll him
Hold the treat in front of his nose and then slowly move it to the side. He will naturally roll over as he tries to follow your hand. If he struggles the first couple of times, use your free hand to gently guide and help him along the way.
‘Roll over’
While performing the trick, issue a ‘roll over’ command. You can use any word or phrase you like. Just ensure it is given in an animated, high-pitched voice. This will encourage him and show him he’s playing a fun game.
Reward
As soon as he rolls over, hand over the tasty treat. It is important he gets the reward within three seconds of performing the trick, otherwise he may not associate the action with the reward. Now practice this for 5-10 minutes each day until he gets the hang of it.
Cut out the treats
When he performs the trick in variety of situations, even with distractions around, then you can slowly cut out the treats. You can now roll out this straightforward trick whenever you have guests over.
Written by James Barra
Veterinary reviewed by:
Published: 02/07/2018, edited: 01/08/2021
Training Questions and Answers
Bellebelle
miniature wirehaired dachshund
5 Months
Question
0 found this helpful
0 found this helpful
She keeps jumping up when I move the treat to turn her head.
Feb. 20, 2021
Bellebelle's Owner
Caitlin Crittenden - Dog Trainer
1133 Dog owners recommended
Hello Nell, Are you referring to pup getting up during Roll Over practice? If so, break the training down into smaller steps. As soon as pup looks that way, praise and give the treat before pup jumps up. Practice that a few times, then move the treat a bit further away before you give it - you want pup to anticipate getting the treat while down in that position so they want to stay in that position instead of jumping up - due to guessing. You can also gently place your free hand over the rest of pup's body - barely touching pup, to encourage pup to stay where they are. When you move the treat, move it so slowly that pup can continue licking it while you move it. Best of luck training, Caitlin Crittenden
Feb. 22, 2021
Kobe
Dachshund
11 Weeks
Question
0 found this helpful
0 found this helpful
How to train a puppy to roll over
July 12, 2020
Kobe's Owner