How to Teach a Dachshund to Leave It
Teaching a Dachshund to "leave it" is a crucial skill for this clever, food-motivated breed. Known for their stubbornness and strong prey drive, Dachshunds can be quick to snatch forbidden items—from dropped food to hazardous objects—making impulse control essential for their safety. While their intelligence makes them capable learners, their independent streak means training requires patience, consistency, and high-value rewards. This guide uses positive reinforcement to harness their natural cleverness, channeling it into reliable obedience. Since Dachshunds have moderate energy and can become frustrated with repetitive training, short, engaging sessions work best. With dedicated practice, you'll teach your Dachshund to pause and look to you before acting on impulse—a game-changing skill for a naturally impulsive breed.
Step-by-step
- 1
Start with Controlled, High-Value Rewards
Begin training in a low-distraction environment like your kitchen or living room. Hold a treat your Dachshund loves in your closed fist and let them investigate. The moment they pull away or sit, say 'leave it' and immediately reward with a different, more valuable treat from your other hand. This teaches them that backing off brings better rewards than persisting—a language stubborn Dachshunds understand well.
- 2
Practice the Trade-Up Game
Place a low-value treat on the floor and cover it loosely with your hand or foot. When your Dachshund shows interest, say 'leave it' and block access. The instant they redirect attention to you, offer a high-value reward. Repeat 5–8 times per session, keeping sessions short (5–10 minutes) to match their moderate attention span and prevent frustration-driven stubbornness.
- 3
Introduce Distractions Gradually
Once your Dachshund reliably leaves treats in calm settings, slowly increase difficulty by tossing low-value treats on the floor, then practicing near their food bowl. Move to busier areas of your home. This gradual approach prevents overwhelming their impulse control and respects their limited patience for frustration. Always reward heavily for success.
- 4
Create a Strong 'Watch Me' Foundation
Dachshunds respond well when they know looking at you earns rewards. Practice 'watch me' separately for 2–3 weeks before combining it with 'leave it.' During leave-it training, if your dog hesitates, prompt 'watch me' to redirect focus. This bridges their stubborn independence by making eye contact rewarding—turning impulse control into a game they want to play.
- 5
Test Real-World Scenarios Safely
Simulate everyday situations: practice with dropped food during meals, toys on the floor, or items during walks on leash. Have a family member drop treats while you're close by, ready to reward. Keep your Dachshund on a leash initially for safety and control. Real-world success builds confidence and reinforces that 'leave it' works everywhere.
- 6
Maintain Daily Reinforcement
Dachshunds need consistent reminders due to their stubborn nature. Practice 'leave it' 3–4 times weekly in varied contexts, even after they've mastered the basics. Pair training with their 45-minute daily exercise routine—a tired Dachshund is often a more focused learner. Continue rewarding generously to prevent regression, as this breed can quickly revert to old habits if training lapses.
Pro tips
- Use ultra-high-value rewards (cooked chicken, cheese) for Dachshunds—their food motivation is strong but selective. Low-value training treats won't overcome their stubbornness when distracted outdoors.
- Keep sessions to 5–10 minutes and train before walks, not after, when your Dachshund's energy peaks. This matches their moderate energy and limited frustration tolerance, preventing the stubborn shutdown they exhibit when bored or tired.
- Pair 'leave it' with 'watch me' consistently—Dachshunds are clever enough to understand that looking at you, not the temptation, is the shortcut to rewards. This channels their intelligence and reduces reliance on pure impulse control.
Frequently asked questions
My Dachshund knows 'leave it' at home but ignores me on walks. Why?+
Dachshunds have a strong prey drive and outdoors offers far more enticing distractions than home training. Start walk practice on quiet streets with minimal distractions, use a leash for safety, and reward immediately with high-value treats. Gradually increase difficulty only when success is consistent. Their stubbornness means they test boundaries outdoors more than indoors.
How long until my Dachshund is reliably trained?+
With consistent, short training sessions 3–4 times weekly, expect foundational understanding in 4–6 weeks. However, Dachshunds' stubborn temperament means consistent reinforcement for months (or longer) is needed for bulletproof reliability. Real-world reliability typically takes 3–4 months of varied practice across different settings.
Should I punish my Dachshund when they don't leave it?+
No. Punishment creates resentment and is ineffective with stubborn breeds like Dachshunds. Instead, use prevention (keep hazards out of reach, use a leash) and redirect with 'watch me.' Positive reinforcement makes 'leave it' rewarding; punishment makes training adversarial and slows progress with independent, clever dogs.
My Dachshund has high prey drive and hunts constantly. Is 'leave it' realistic?+
Yes, but it requires patience and realistic expectations. Focus on high-priority hazards (human food, toxic items) rather than every squirrel or leaf. Use 'leave it' alongside leash management and adequate exercise (45 minutes daily helps). With a prey-driven breed, prevention is as important as training—set them up for success rather than fighting their nature.