Tools For Dachshund Training

Having the right tools/items is important when training Dachshunds.  The following things are ideal aids for successful Dachshund training.

Clicker

A clicker is a small plastic box with a metal tongue on the side of it.  The clicker makes a sharp, clicking noise when the button or trigger is pushed and released.  A clicker is faster than saying something verbal.  A clicker can be found at most pet supply stores. 

I myself have not used one of these but many do.  For us, verbal techniques, treats and other methods were/are effective (please see my “Indoor Potty Training for Dachshund Puppies“ article).   

Treat

Treats are essential in Dachshund training.  It is a food your doxie likes and is given to him/her during training.  The treat is given when the pet performs well;  it represents positive feedback and reward.  Your Dachshund comes to associate the pleasurable treat with correct performance.  Your Dachshund, by nature, wishes to please you. 

My Dachshund is a treat fanatic and gets so excited when a treat is a possibility!  He gets so excited that he runs around in circles!  It is wonderful how a simple thing can be so motivational and such a joy for your pet.  Use common sense in your choice of treats; carefully chosen treats from a pet store, a few pieces of dog food, a few little pieces of chicken, etc.

Leash

A leash should be strong enough to withstand your dog pulling on it.  There are various types of dog leashes depending on material, lengths, styles, etc.  Selecting the right type of leash for your dog depends on the size of the dog, its personality and, strength.  

A leash is also needed so your doxie doesn’t run away chasing a squirrel or some other critter.  A doxie off leash is much more likely to be hurt or killed.  In many places, it is the law your Dachshund be leashed. 

A leash is essential but I used it only to teach Charlie how to walk being attached to it.  I never used the leash to train otherwise.  By the way, Charlie for me has been mostly recreational; we never got too much into anything beyond the most basics of training. He was never a show dog. 

Muzzle

When your Dachshund has a biting issue, a muzzle may be necessary.  A muzzle is a device placed over the snout of an animal to prevent unwanted biting or barking.  A muzzle should have a strong buckle or other fastening device to ensure it does not come off.

Please use a muzzle on a Dachshund if only absolutely necessary. I hate to think of a Dachshund wearing a muzzle but it may be needed in certain situations.  Charlie has never worn one because he never had a biting or anger problem. 

Collar

A collar is a device which can be made of nylon, cotton, leather, etc.  It is placed around the neck of the dog.  It is used for control, identification, fashion and, other purposes.  The collar should not be too loose or tight.  A dog collar is a perfect fit if you are able to place a few fingers between the dog’s neck and collar. 

Charlie wore a collar when he was young but no more.  I do not see it as essential.  He is an indoors dog  and the only time he goes outside is when I am with him.  I know, I know…you can argue he should have one for this or that situation but we just, at this time, do not.

Bed

The bed is an ideal place to teach your Dachshund commands such as stay and lie down.  The bed should be a place where your doxie will feel safe and secure.  Your doxie will come to identify the bed as a special place which belongs to him/her—it will be a nice and comfy place for your doxie to be.  It will become habit for your doxie to spend time in their bed.  The bed should not be used as a tool for reprimand or negativity.

A bed is an essential thing for your doxie to have.  Charlie’s primary bed is within his kennel but he also has a blanket that he spends a great deal of time on.  Furthermore, he lays on top of me or on my lap in various places around our home.  I love laying on the couch and having him sleeping on top of me. 

Harness

The harness fits around the upper chest and back of the Dachshund.  It acts as a protective cage of sorts and gives the owner great control.  When you first obtain one,  it takes a bit of patience to adjust it correctly and to figure out how to place it on your doxie.  Once it is sized and you get a bit of practice putting it on and taking it off, you’ll be “on easy street”.  Having a leash which hooks into the harness is ideal; much better than a leash that hooks into a collar with no harness present.

A harness is essential with a Dachshund.  You connect the leash to the harness when walking and this provides great support for your doxie and lots of control for you.  I do not suggest connecting the leash into the collar as this provides less support for your doxie, opens them up for strains and sprains and, gives you less control.  A collar can slip off a doxie’s head when connected to a  leash but this is highly unlikely to happen if he/she is wearing a harness. Charlie only wears his harness when we go out for a walk. 

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I consider treats, a leash, a bed and, a harness absolutely essential.  A muzzle may be needed in certain situations.   Many use a clicker for training but I do not.

The aforementioned are just a few of the tools/things which can be helpful in Dachshund training.  More tools can be utilized depending on the type of training you want for your dog and your particular situation.  A professional dog trainer can be consulted if you have little time and a few extra dollars.