If you have ever wondered why are dachshunds so stubborn and difficult to train, you’re not alone. Every owner has asked themselves the same question at one time or another.
Dachshunds are notoriously stubborn. This trait is the result of their ancestors’ need for stubbornness when flushing badgers and small animals out of burrows.
As a result, dachshunds have a strong prey drive and a headstrong disposition.
Dachshund Stubborn Nature Comes From History
Dachshunds were bred to flush out prey from burrows. This is one reason why dachshunds are so stubborn.
Because of their excellent sense of smell, dachshunds were originally bred to track rabbits and raccoons by night.
Due to their keen sense of smell, they can be easily traced underground.
Though not great distance runners, they are still very useful as badger and rabbit hunters. In addition, they are very good at following trails and are great at flushing out game.
Although the Dachshund’s fearlessness and agility made it an excellent hunting dog, this trait has also made them stubborn and independent.
Dachshunds Facts & Information
Full-sized dachshunds were bred to burrow in the dens of badgers, while a smaller dachshund size can track mice and other vermin.
The name Dachshund derives from two German words, teckel and dackel. The dachshund is often referred to as “teckel” by German hunters.
The name is a reference to its hunting skills.
The dog is now famous for being the star of an acclaimed New York Times bestselling book and has posted YouTube videos spoofing Ghostweinerbusters.
The dachshund’s short legs and long, muscular body make it an ideal dog for digging into the holes of prey.
This dog was also bred to have an excellent olfactory system to sniff out the trails of prey.
These characteristics make the breed suitable for hunting badgers in the wild, but the AKC recognizes that the breed is now used primarily as a companion for families.
Dachshunds are available in two sizes: regular and miniature. Regular dachshunds weigh 16 to 32 pounds, while miniature dachshunds weigh less than 11 pounds.
Dachshunds come in three distinct coat types, long, short, and wire-haired. Sable dachshunds are a mix of black and tan.
Why Are Dachshunds So Stubborn?
While some people say dachshunds are a little stubborn, they are not dumb.
Dachshunds are just like cats in that they need to want something before they can get it.
This makes them a little different from other breeds of dogs, which are known for their obedience.
When telling my dachshund to sit, shake hands, and other tricks he looks at me and acts like he doesn’t know what I am talking about.
However, the minute I get a treat in my hand he will go through all the sitting, shaking hands, and rolling over tricks.
Here are some things to remember when dealing with your stubborn dachshund:
- The Dachshund’s intelligence and stubbornness come from their working ancestry.
- Originally bred for hunting burrowing animals, they were bred for independent thinking.
- So while the temperament of a dachshund may be a little stubborn, it can be tempered with positive training.
- Dachshunds understand a variety of words and use them to get what they want. You can train them to bring you a certain object or stand near the water bowl.
- They can also learn to grab a treat without much effort.
- If you’re not consistent with training, your Dachshund will not listen to you.
Training Tips For Your Dachshund
Dachshunds so stubborn because they have a mind of their own.
Dachshunds are notorious for their independent spirits and their ability to be stubborn.
Although not aggressive, they do bark constantly, especially at strangers.
They have been known to chase and bark at animals and will sometimes go after them if they get the chance.
While not all Dachshunds display this behavior, some do.
Tips To Deal With Stubbornness
You should always be consistent with your rules and boundaries.
Despite the fact that Dachshunds have a mind of their own, as long as you’re motivated and use positive training methods, your dachshund can quickly become a well-behaved member of your family.
Dachshunds also tend to have a tendency to chase scents and will chew or dig things. Thus, you have to watch them when you are in the yard together.
Although dachshunds are highly loyal, they are prone to misbehaving.
They have a high energy level and are incredibly energetic. Due to their hound group heritage, dachshunds enjoy playing outdoors and following scents.
In spite of their stubborn nature, Dachshunds are eager to please, but training them may seem difficult.
If you are not prepared to put in some effort and patience, dachshunds will not respond well to training.
Training a Dachshund will require patience and persistence, and it may require a combination of positive reinforcement, patience, and consistency.
Above all, remember to have fun, and never give up. It will take time, but once you start seeing results, training will become a breeze.
When training a dachshund, remember that they are social dogs. They enjoy being with you (the owner) as part of their pack.
However, despite their disobedience and stubborn demeanor, dachshunds are still very trainable. With patience and lots of love, a dachshund can be trained.
However, it is important to remember that they need frequent stimulation, affection, and exercise in order to maintain a healthy and happy lifestyle.
If you do that, you will enjoy the love and companion of a dachshund. They are excellent lap dogs, playful, entertaining and extremely loyal.
