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Positive training · From eight weeks

Dachshund Puppy Training Manual

From 8 Weeks

Dachshund: a well-fitted Y-front harness and low tunnel support safe, low-impact confidence work.

29 chapters · English / 中文

Watercolour illustration of a Dachshund puppy wearing a green Y-front harness while walking out of a fabric training tunnel
Dachshund: a well-fitted Y-front harness and low tunnel support safe, low-impact confidence work.

Breed profile

Training group
Scenthounds
Origin
The Dachshund originated in Germany as an earth-working hunting dog.
Standard weight
7–15 kg
Miniature weight
4–5 kg
Shoulder height
13–23 cm
Coat
Short, long or wire coat
Coat care
Choose grooming tools for the individual coat and condition brushing, body checks and paw handling gradually. Make calm, supported lifting and ramp use voluntary learned skills rather than sudden restraint.
Drive keywords
Scent · Digging · Den guarding
Handling practice
Condition both supported lifting and Y-front-harness wear in tiny voluntary steps: cue, hands or harness presented, brief supported lift or one strap movement, marker, reward and return to stable ground before struggle. Choose a harness that leaves the shoulders free, avoids neck loading and is rechecked as the puppy grows. · Match brushing and body checks to the individual short, long or wire coat, with calm paw and under-body handling rather than forced restraint.

General reference ranges only; individual dogs vary considerably.

Precision before vocabulary

Marker training foundations

A marker is one short, consistent sound—a clicker click or a spoken “Yes!”—that means: “That exact behaviour; your reward is coming.”

Charge the marker in three steps

  1. Choose a quiet environment Remove toys, people and movement so the sound is the only new information.
  2. Marker, then food within one second ×15 Make the sound once, then deliver one piece of food within one second. The puppy does not need to perform a cue.
  3. Test the association Make the marker sound while the puppy is not already watching you. An immediate turn towards you means charging is complete.
Watercolour diagram showing the timing of a marker word and food reward
YES = marker word; TREAT WITHIN 2 SECONDS = reward promptly. This manual uses a stricter one-second training target.

Reward placement sets up the next action

Keep the position

Feed at the puppy’s mouth

To maintain a sit, bring the food directly to the mouth so the puppy does not need to stand or step forward.

Reset for another repetition

Toss the food away

To have the puppy get up and repeat, toss the food away, let the puppy collect it, then set up the behaviour again.

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