How to Teach a Dachshund Tricks
Dachshunds are clever and courageous little dogs with a stubborn streak that makes trick training both rewarding and challenging. Their lively nature and moderate energy level make them ideal candidates for engaging trick work, but their independent temperament requires patience and the right motivation. Unlike more biddable breeds, Dachshunds need to see the value in cooperating with you—high-value rewards and short, fun sessions are essential. This guide focuses on fun tricks from basic shake to impressive roll-overs and trick chains, tailored to your Dachshund's mindset. Success means embracing their cleverness while managing their stubbornness through positive reinforcement, consistency, and understanding that your Dachshund may test boundaries. With the right approach, you'll unlock their natural intelligence and create a well-trained companion who genuinely enjoys working with you.
Step-by-step
- 1
Establish High-Value Rewards and Short Training Windows
Dachshunds are motivated by food, but only if it's exceptional—use tiny pieces of chicken, cheese, or liver treats, not regular kibble. Keep sessions to 5–10 minutes maximum, as their stubborn nature means they'll disengage if bored or frustrated. Work before meals when hunger naturally increases motivation.
- 2
Master the Foundation: Sit, Stay, and Come
Before advancing to tricks, solidify these basics with your Dachshund, as a strong foundation prevents stubborn refusal later. Use luring and immediate rewards; Dachshunds respond best when they understand the cause-and-effect relationship. Practice in quiet environments first, then gradually introduce distractions, as their moderate energy and barking tendency mean they'll easily get sidetracked.
- 3
Teach 'Shake' Using Luring and Capturing
Hold a treat close to your Dachshund's chest to encourage them to paw at your hand, then immediately say 'shake' and reward. Repeat 10–15 times per session over several days; their clever nature means they'll quickly connect the paw motion to the cue. Once consistent, add a verbal cue and gradually fade the lure.
- 4
Progress to 'Roll Over' with Patience and Positioning
Start with your Dachshund lying down on soft ground. Lure their nose toward their shoulder with a treat, encouraging them to roll onto their hip, then their back, and finally complete the roll. This takes multiple short sessions—Dachshunds' stubbornness means rushing causes resistance, so celebrate small progress daily. Break the trick into 'play dead,' 'roll back,' and 'complete roll' as separate steps.
- 5
Build Trick Chains with Variable Rewards and Enthusiasm
Chain simple tricks together (sit → shake → lie down) using a release word like 'free!' between sequences. Dachshunds' clever minds enjoy the mental challenge, but their independent streak means varying rewards (sometimes a jackpot of multiple treats, sometimes praise) keeps them engaged. Practice chains after their 45-minute daily exercise when they're settled but still alert.
- 6
Manage Frustration and Maintain Consistency
Dachshunds will stubbornly refuse tricks if they're bored, anxious, or sense inconsistency in your behavior. End sessions on a success, never in frustration, and never punish failed attempts—they'll shut down instead of trying. Stay calm and upbeat; their courageous, clever nature responds to confident leadership, not pressure.
Pro tips
- Dachshunds hate being forced into positions—always lure rather than physically guide them into tricks. Their stubborn, courageous nature means they'll fight pressure, but they'll chase a treat happily.
- Time training sessions right after their 45-minute exercise routine when they're calm but still mentally sharp. A tired Dachshund is less barky and more focused, but an over-exercised one shuts down completely.
- Celebrate tiny wins with genuine enthusiasm and variety. Dachshunds are clever enough to recognize fake praise, so sincere excitement plus an occasional jackpot reward keeps their clever minds genuinely engaged.
Frequently asked questions
Why does my Dachshund refuse tricks he knows perfectly well?+
Dachshunds are notoriously stubborn and will intentionally refuse if they don't see sufficient value in complying, if they're bored, or if they detect inconsistency. Switch to higher-value treats, ensure the environment is low-distraction, and vary your reward pattern. Sometimes they simply need a break—come back to it later.
My Dachshund barks constantly during training. How do I stop this?+
Barking is a breed hallmark; don't punish it or you'll create anxiety. Instead, ignore the barking completely and only reward with treats when they're quiet, then cue the trick. Train before their peak barking times (usually after naps) and ensure they get their full 45 minutes of daily exercise beforehand to reduce excess energy.
How long will it take to teach my Dachshund a new trick?+
Simple tricks like 'shake' may take 3–7 days of consistent 5–10 minute sessions, while complex chains like roll-over sequences can take 2–4 weeks. Their stubborn, independent nature means patience is crucial—never rush, and celebrate incremental progress. Consistency matters more than frequency.
Should I use food rewards forever?+
No, but with Dachshunds, food remains highly motivating even for experienced dogs. Gradually mix in praise and play, but always keep occasional high-value food rewards as a surprise to maintain enthusiasm. This unpredictability actually strengthens their commitment to tricks over time.