Why Are Dachshunds So Stubborn?
Paws Are GoodWhy Are Dachshunds So Stubborn? (And 5 Secrets to Outsmarting Them)
If you live with a Dachshund, you've probably had this conversation at least once:
“Come here.”
Your Dachshund looks at you.
“Come on. Come here.”
Still looking.
You grab a treat.
Suddenly, your little sausage-shaped furry friend understands English perfectly.
My friends, welcome to life with a Dachshund.
As we know that these funny, affectionate little dogs have a reputation for being stubborn, independent and sometimes downright difficult to train. If you search online then you'll find frustrated dog parents asking questions like “Why are Dachshunds so hard to train?” and wondering whether Dachshund stubbornness is simply part of the breed.
The short answer?
Kind of.
But “stubborn” doesn't tell the whole story behind their behavior.
Your Dachshund probably isn't sitting there plotting ways to ignore you. What we call stubbornness is often a combination of intelligence, independence, instinct and motivation.
By understanding that difference you can completely change the way you approach training.
So before you decide your little wiener dog is simply impossible, I will walk you through why Dachshunds behave the way they do and five practical secrets that can make living and training together much easier.
Why Are Dachshunds So Stubborn?
Most of us do not know that dachshunds weren't originally bred to be cute little lap dogs.
Originally they were hunting dogs.
Their name comes from German words associated with the badger and dog, and the breed was developed to pursue prey, including underground. That job required something very different from simply waiting for a human to give the next command.
A Dachshund needed courage.
Persistence.
A strong nose.
Problem-solving ability.
And perhaps most importantly, the confidence to make decisions independently.
That independence was useful when a dog was working underground and couldn't constantly look back at a handler for instructions.
Several generations later now your Dachshund may be living on a couch instead of chasing quarry but inside that independent brain didn't disappear.
So when you're standing in the kitchen saying:
“Drop it.”
And if your Dachshund is staring back at you with a sock hanging out of his mouth...
you may be seeing a modern version of the same determination that made the breed useful as a working dog.
That's Dachshund stubbornness in context.
It's not necessarily a character flaw.
It's part of what makes a Dachshund a Dachshund.
Are Dachshunds Actually Stubborn or Just Smart?
Here's where things get interesting.
Sometimes what people describe as stubbornness isn't stubbornness at all.
A dog may ignore a command because of following reasons:
- The reward isn't valuable enough.
- Something else is more interesting for them at that moment.
- The dog doesn't fully understand the command.
- The environment is too distracting.
- The behavior hasn't been practiced enough
- The dog has learned that ignoring the first command has no real consequence.
Overall, I have noticed that Dachshunds can be especially good at figuring out what works.
Imagine this:
You call your Dachshund inside.
Nothing.
You call again.
Nothing.
You call five more times.
Still nothing.
Finally, you walk outside holding a piece of chicken.
Your Dachshund runs toward you.
What did the dog potentially learn?
Not necessarily “come.”
He may have learned that Wait long enough and the human upgrades the payment.
That's a pretty smart negotiation strategy for a ten-pound dog.
You must understand this because it is important as many common Dachshund behavior problems become easier to address once we stop assuming the dog is deliberately trying to annoy us.
Why Are Dachshunds So Hard to Train?
When people ask why are Dachshunds so hard to train at that time they're often comparing them with breeds that were developed to work more closely alongside humans.
In reality, Dachshunds are different.
They're clever, curious and capable of learning plenty of behaviors. But being intelligent doesn't automatically mean being eager to follow every instruction.
They often want to know that What's in it for me? And honestly I believe that that's fair.
Training becomes much easier when you stop thinking of it as winning a battle of wills and start thinking of it as making the behavior you want more rewarding than the alternative.
That's the big secret.
I will go over five specific ways to put that idea into practice.
Secret #1: Find Your Dachshund's Currency
Imagine your boss told you:
“Great work this week. Here's one piece of plain lettuce.”
You probably wouldn't be very motivated to work overtime next week.
Dogs have preferences too.
As we all know that majority of dogs love food but some Dachshunds are extremely food motivated. Others might become excited by a favorite toy, praise, sniffing privileges or the opportunity to chase something appropriate.
Each dog is different so the key is figuring out what your individual dog values.
For difficult behaviors, consider using a higher-value reward than you use for easy everyday behaviors.
A simple “sit” in the quiet kitchen might earn a normal training treat.
Coming when called away from an interesting smell in the backyard?
That might deserve something much better.
The reward should match the difficulty of the task.
Don't Accidentally Reward Dachshund Stubbornness
It is most important to understand that timing matters too.
Suppose your Dachshund barks at you for attention.
You ignore him for 30 seconds.
He keeps barking.
Finally, you give in and pet him.
From your perspective, you were trying to make him stop barking.
From his perspective, he may have just learned:
Bark long enough and eventually the human gives me what I want.
Dogs repeat behaviors that work.
That simple idea explains a surprising number of Dachshund behavior problems.
Secret #2: Keep Training Sessions Short
I strongly encourage that you don't need a 30-minute obedience session.
In fact, that will work against you.
I highly recommend to go for a short, focused sessions are often much more productive.
Try training for around three to five minutes at a time and ending while your Dachshund is still engaged.
Practice something simple:
Sit.
Come.
Stay.
Leave it.
Touch.
Then stop.
You can do another mini-session later.
The goal isn't to exhaust your dog with repetition. The goal is to create a pattern where listening to you is fun and rewarding.
You want your Dachshund to think that Oh! We're playing that treat game again!
This is much easier to train than your dog thinking like Not this again.
Short sessions are also easier for you to keep consistency, which matters because consistency is one of the biggest pieces of successful dog training.
Secret #3: Use Their Nose Instead of Fighting It
Your Dachshund is walking beautifully beside you.
Then suddenly...
NOSE DOWN.
It sounds like apparently there is a smell on one blade of grass that requires a full criminal investigation.
You call your dog.
Nothing.
You offer a treat.
Still investigating.
Sound familiar?
We are forgetting sometimes that Dachshunds are hounds. Scent matters to them.
Instead of viewing sniffing as the enemy of training, I would say you can sometimes use it as a reward.
For example:
Ask for a simple behavior.
Reward it.
Then say something like “Go sniff!” and allow your dog to explore an appropriate area.
Now sniffing becomes part of your reward system.
You can also introduce scent-based enrichment at home.
Hide treats around a room.
Use a snuffle mat.
Play simple “find it” games.
Scatter part of a meal somewhere safe and let your Dachshund search for it.
In my opinion, mental stimulation matters because an intelligent dog with nothing interesting to do will often invent an activity.
Unfortunately, your Dachshund's chosen activity may involve your shoes.
Could Boredom Be Behind Some Dachshund Behavior Problems?
I must say that Sometimes, yes.
Digging, barking, chewing, stealing objects and getting into things can all have multiple causes, but insufficient mental or physical stimulation can contribute.
Before simply labeling unwanted behavior as Dachshund stubbornness, ask:
Has my dog had enough appropriate activity today?
Has my dog had an opportunity to sniff?
Have we trained or played together?
Does my dog have something appropriate to chew or investigate?
Sometimes improving your dog's daily routine makes training easier before you even teach a new command.
Secret #4: Stop Repeating Commands 10 Times
“Come.”
“Come.”
“Come here.”
“Come on!”
“COME!”
“Do you want a treat?”
If this sounds familiar then you're definitely not the only dog parent doing it.
But repeating cues over and over can unintentionally teach your Dachshund that the first cue doesn't matter.
Instead of doing that I would recommend you to work on making the original cue meaningful.
Start somewhere easy with few distractions.
Say the cue once.
When your dog responds correctly then you must reward quickly.
Then gradually increase difficulty.
Think of training like school.
You wouldn't teach someone basic arithmetic today and hand them a calculus exam tomorrow.
Same way in real world your dog needs progression too.
Your Dachshund might perform “come” perfectly in the living room but struggle outside where your dog is distracted with birds, squirrels, people and approximately 7,000 fascinating smells.
That doesn't necessarily mean your dog is refusing to listen.
The environment may simply be much harder.
Build reliability gradually.
Consistency Matters More Than Being “The Boss”
One of the least helpful approaches to Dachshund stubbornness is turning every disagreement into a contest.
Training shouldn't be about proving who is tougher.
Your dog needs clarity.
If jumping on someone gets attention sometimes but gets corrected other times that means the rules aren't clear.
If begging at dinner works on Saturday but not Sunday then your Dachshund will probably keep trying.
And because Dachshunds can be persistent by nature they may try for quite a while.
Make household rules consistent.
If multiple people live in your home then it is difficult but try to use the same cues and expectations.
Otherwise your Dachshund may become very good at figuring out which family member is easiest to negotiate with.
And let's face it...there's usually one in every family.
Secret #5: Make Yourself More Interesting Than the Distraction
This may be the most important answer to why Dachshunds are so hard to train.
You're competing with the environment.
A rabbit runs across the yard.
A squirrel climbs a tree.
Someone drops food.
A mysterious smell appears under a bush.
And you're standing there saying:
“Buddy, come!”
You need a history of rewarding your dog for choosing you.
Start in easy situations.
Reward eye contact.
Reward your Dachshund for checking in with you during walks.
Practice recall inside.
Then practice in a safely enclosed area with mild distractions.
Gradually make things harder.
I must say that don't jump straight from “come across the living room” to expecting a perfect recall while your Dachshund is intensely focused on wildlife.
Training reliability is built in layers.
And when your dog makes the right decision? Make sure to make him feel that it worth it.
The Most Common Dachshund Behavior Problems
Not every Dachshund will develop behavioral difficulties, but owners commonly ask about several recurring challenges.
Barking
Dachshunds can be vocal.
Instead of simply yelling “quiet,” pay attention to what triggers the barking.
Is your dog alerting to people outside?
Barking from boredom?
Demanding attention?
Reacting to other dogs?
You must try to understand because different causes may require different approaches.
Digging
For a breed developed for underground work, digging is in their nature and it shouldn't exactly shock us.
If your Dachshund loves digging then I would consider creating an appropriate place where the behavior is allowed rather than expecting the instinct to completely disappear.
Chasing
A strong prey drive can make moving animals extremely interesting.
This is one reason I strongly believe that reliable recall and appropriate leash management are so important.
House Training Difficulties
I always hear another frequent complaint behind searches for Dachshund behavior problems is potty training.
You must create a predictable routine.
Make sure that you take your dog out frequently.
Always you must reward successful outdoor bathroom trips immediately.
It is very important to supervise indoors while the habit is developing.
Most importantly, for any kind of accidents you must clean thoroughly rather than punishing your dog afterward.
If a previously house-trained dog suddenly starts having accidents, consider talking with your veterinarian because a behavioral change can sometimes have a medical explanation.
Ignoring Recall
This is perhaps the classic Dachshund moment.
Your dog hears you.
Your dog looks at you.
Your dog appears to consider your proposal.
And then...
walks in the opposite direction.
If we think of it then it looks really funny on social media. But in real world it is not so funny near a road.
You must practice recall frequently in safe environments and reward it generously. Don't use your recall cue only when something fun is about to end.
If “come” always means “dog park is over,” your Dachshund has a pretty good reason to hesitate.
What NOT to Do With a Stubborn Dachshund
Frustration is understandable.
But harsh punishment can damage trust without teaching your dog what you actually want instead.
Avoid turning training into intimidation.
Instead of focusing only on stopping unwanted behavior you must consider to teach an alternative behavior.
Rather than:
“STOP JUMPING!”
Teach:
“Sit.”
Rather than constantly yelling about barking, you must teach and reward calm behavior.
Rather than chasing your Dachshund around the house because he stole a sock I would recommend to practice trading objects for something better.
Show your dog what works.
That's much clearer than constantly telling him what doesn't.
How Long Does It Take to Train a Dachshund?
There's no universal timeline.
It all depends on the age, previous experience, environment, temperament, consistency and the specific behavior you're teaching all matter.
Let me be honest, a puppy learning “sit” is very different from an adult dog with years of rehearsing unwanted behavior.
Think in terms of progress rather than perfection.
Did your dog respond faster this week?
Can your Dachshund focus around slightly bigger distractions?
Are accidents becoming less frequent?
Can you interrupt barking more easily?
Those are wins.
Training isn't something you finish one afternoon.
It's an ongoing conversation between you and your dog.
Your Dachshund Isn't Giving You a Hard Time But They're Learning How the World Works
Maybe your Dachshund steals your blanket.
Maybe she hears “come” and suddenly becomes deeply interested in a leaf.
Maybe he somehow takes up 85% of a king-size bed despite weighing 15 pounds.
Let’s be real that's part of why people fall completely in love with these dogs.
The same determination that can make training frustrating is also part of their personality.
They can be bold.
Funny.
Clever.
Affectionate.
Persistent.
And absolutely convinced that your house belongs to them.
So the next time you're frustrated by Dachshund stubbornness then you must change the question.
Instead of asking “Why won't my Dachshund listen?”
try asking yourself “What is my dog getting out of the behavior he's choosing instead?”
That question often leads to a much better training solution.
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There's another reason we're talking about patience.
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Final Thoughts: Dachshund Stubbornness Isn't the Enemy
So, why are Dachshunds so stubborn?
Because many of the traits we interpret as stubbornness are connected to the qualities that make them such distinctive dogs: intelligence, independence, persistence, curiosity and strong instincts.
And why are Dachshunds so hard to train for some owners?
I have noticed that often because the training strategy isn't competing successfully with everything else the Dachshund finds rewarding.
The answer isn't necessarily to become stricter. But, I would ask you to become more consistent.
You must make rewards valuable.
Also, your training sessions must be short.
Use their natural instincts.
Build behaviors gradually.
And celebrate the little victories.
Because one day your Dachshund may finally come running the first time you call.
You'll feel incredibly proud.
You'll give him a treat.
He'll eat it.
And then he'll probably go investigate that suspicious leaf again.
That's life with a Dachshund.
And honestly? We wouldn't want them any other way.
Frequently Asked Questions About Dachshund Stubbornness and Training
Why are Dachshunds so stubborn?
Dachshunds are often described as stubborn because they are intelligent, independent dogs with strong hunting instincts. They were bred to work with a degree of independence, so they may be more interested in a scent, animal or other distraction than immediately responding to a command. Reward-based training and consistency can help make desired behaviors more worthwhile to them.
Why are Dachshunds so hard to train?
Dachshunds can seem hard to train because they are independent and easily distracted by interesting smells and prey-related stimuli. They are capable of learning, but training usually works better when sessions are short, consistent, positive and rewarding.
What are common Dachshund behavior problems?
Common concerns reported by Dachshund owners include excessive barking, digging, chasing, difficulty with recall, chewing and house-training challenges. The cause of a behavior matters, so owners should consider triggers, reinforcement history, exercise, mental stimulation and training consistency rather than assuming every problem is stubbornness.
What is the best way to train a stubborn Dachshund?
Use positive reinforcement, high-value rewards, short training sessions and consistent cues. Start new behaviors in an environment with few distractions and gradually increase difficulty as your Dachshund becomes more reliable.
Are Dachshunds intelligent dogs?
Yes. Dachshunds are clever dogs capable of learning commands and solving problems. Their independence can sometimes be mistaken for a lack of intelligence when they choose something in the environment over responding to their owner.
How do I get my Dachshund to listen to me?
Make responding to you rewarding. Practice in low-distraction environments, say cues clearly rather than repeating them continuously, reward successful responses quickly and gradually introduce distractions. Consistent daily practice is usually more effective than occasional long training sessions.
Do Dachshunds grow out of being stubborn?
A Dachshund's independent temperament doesn't simply disappear with age, but behavior and responsiveness can improve substantially through consistent training, reinforcement and maturity. Rather than trying to eliminate independence, focus on teaching your dog that cooperating with you is rewarding.
Can an adult Dachshund still be trained?
Yes. Adult Dachshunds can learn new behaviors. Existing habits may take longer to change because the dog has had more time to practice them, but consistent reward-based training can still be effective.
