Dachshund
Iconic long-and-low character with a bold, playful streak.
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Training tips for a Dachshund
Practical, breed-specific advice tuned to a Dachshund's temperament, energy and trainability.
House-Training Consistency
Establish a strict toilet schedule with frequent trips outside, and use a firm verbal marker when catching accidents in progress to interrupt the behaviour. Crate training overnight helps tremendously, as Dachshunds respond well to den-like spaces and will avoid soiling their immediate area.
Early Socialisation Essential
Expose your Dachshund to varied people, dogs, and environments before 16 weeks, as their bold nature can turn into suspicion or excessive barking without early experiences. Interrupt any growling or lunging with a calm lead correction and redirect focus back to you immediately.
Exercise and Enrichment
Provide daily walks plus scent-based games like hiding treats or tracking exercises to satisfy their hound instincts. Mental work tires them as much as physical activity, preventing boredom barking and destructive digging.
Managing Alert Barking
Teach a 'quiet' command by allowing one or two alert barks, then using a clear verbal interruption and immediately rewarding silence when they comply. Never let excessive barking go unchecked, as their vocal nature will quickly become a self-rewarding habit.
Firm but Fair
Dachshunds test boundaries with their spunky confidence, so maintain consistent rules and use well-timed corrections when they ignore known commands. Pair this clarity with plenty of play and affection when they cooperate to build a respectful partnership.
Training guides for a Dachshund
Expert-written guides picked for a Dachshund's temperament and needs.
How dogs actually learn: the four quadrants explained
Positive reinforcement, negative reinforcement, and everything in between — a clear, honest look at operant conditioning and when each tool is the right call.
Separation anxiety: a realistic rehab plan
Barking, destruction and toileting when you leave? Here's how to tell true separation anxiety from boredom — and how to actually fix it.
Lead reactivity: calming the lunging and barking
The lunging, barking dog on-lead is usually frightened, not 'dominant'. Here's how to lower the emotion and change the response.
Health & nutrition for a Dachshund
What to watch for, how to feed, and how to keep a Dachshund in top shape — tuned to this breed's size and build.
Common health concerns
- •Intervertebral disc disease (IVDD) is the primary genetic concern due to their elongated spine, so watch for signs of back pain, reluctance to jump, or hind leg weakness.
- •Obesity significantly increases pressure on the spine and joints, making weight management critical for preventing disc problems and early arthritis.
- •Dental disease is common in small breeds, so monitor for tartar buildup, bad breath, and gum inflammation as they age.
- •Patellar luxation and hip dysplasia can occur, particularly in overweight dogs, so watch for limping or abnormal gait.
Feeding & nutrition
- •A raw BARF diet is optimal for Dachshunds: feed 2-3% of ideal body weight daily (roughly 4-12 oz depending on size), including 70% raw muscle meat, 10% raw meaty bones like chicken necks or wings for dental health, 10% organ meat (half being liver), and 10% vegetables.
- •Raw feeding helps maintain lean muscle mass and ideal weight, which is essential for protecting their vulnerable spine from excess load.
- •The natural enzymes and nutrients in raw food support joint health and reduce inflammation better than processed alternatives.
- •If convenience requires kibble, choose a high-protein, grain-free formula and feed strictly to portion guidelines (typically ½ to 1½ cups daily split into two meals), but recognize it lacks the bioavailable nutrition of raw food.
Exercise & weight
- •Provide two moderate 20-30 minute walks daily to maintain fitness without over-stressing the spine; avoid repetitive jumping or steep stairs.
- •Mental stimulation through scent games and puzzle toys is essential for this hound breed to prevent boredom and destructive behavior.
- •Swimming is excellent low-impact exercise that builds core strength without spinal compression, helping protect against IVDD.
- •Prevent obesity through portion control and consistent activity, as every extra pound exponentially increases risk of back injury in this breed.
Educational guidance only — not veterinary advice. Always consult a licensed vet for your dog's specific health needs.
Ready to meet a Dachshund?
Search animal shelters and rescues across Australia — and consider bringing a certified trainer to your first meet-and-greet.