Mini Dachshunds are often called ‘mini doxies’ as a term of endearment. With their expressive eyes and heart-melting stares, big floppy ears, and short stubby legs, these mini doxies are certainly adorable. Mini Dachshunds are not just good looks, they are affectionate, loyal, and smart too.
With their unique characters, training a Mini Dachshund requires a lot of patience, consistency, and love. To help you with your training, we have tips catered specifically to training mini doxies! Continue reading to find out.
Settling in a new home
New mini doxie pups need some help settling into a new home. Help your pup feel calm and comfortable by carrying out the following:
- Keep old routines.
- Keep a ticking clock to imitate their mother’s heartbeat.
- Provide them with toys and treats when you leave them at home.
- Some may be used to having their siblings around them; you can imitate this by providing warm water bottles.
- Be patient.
- Give them lots of love.
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The house rules
The Mini Dachshund is sociable and enjoys being involved in every family activity. So you will have to decide on their limits—what they can do and what they should not. Implementation of house rules is a common way to discipline and avoid your dog from getting spoiled.
Be in charge
You and your miniature dachshunds are now a pack and you are the leader. You must make that clear to your new pup. They will appreciate being aware of the rules and knowing who the boss is. Teach them to come when you call their names and reward them accordingly. When they follow your commands, praise them, or you can simply make them feel that you are very happy about it; just anything that is enough to make them excited.
Training time
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Dogs need a lot of repetition and reinforcements, so train them in short bursts. Limit your training to five minutes per session, and at least two to three times each day. This will help them recall and absorb new information easily.
Reward desirable behaviours
Positive reinforcement is helpful when training your mini dachshund. You can provide them with toys, food treats, and praises as rewards.
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Potty training
After your mini dachshund puppy finishes drinking water, eating, sleeping, or playing, make sure to take him outside. Use a leash to keep him close and lead him to a dedicated spot for a toilet break. Point your dog to the same area every time you take him out for a toilet break. Use a command such as “Hurry” every time.
Make sure the dedicated area is not too far from your house, as mini doxies only have short legs, it might be challenging for young pups to hold it before they are fully potty trained.
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Personal space
Mini Dachshund need their own space to have a peaceful and sound nap. Dog owners would usually provide their dogs with a crate; this is also a useful tool for house-training. If you want to know more, read The 4 Effective Steps to Fast Puppy Crate Training!
No jumping up on people
Dogs have the tendency to jump up on people as a form of greeting or simply out of excitement. Don’t allow this behaviour just because of their small size, as it could still cause problems if they try to jump up on a toddler or when they have moody paws.
To carry out the training for your mini dachshund, it is best not to react or pay attention to him when your dog jumps up. Make sure to also orient your visitors to just turn around, show no interest in him and leave your pup to settle down. When the dog doesn’t get your reaction and finally calms down, do reward him for a job well done.
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Naming a rehomed mini dachshund
If you recently got an older mini doxie, he or she already has a name. You have the option to keep the name or change it. Dogs will be able to easily recognise their names as long as you are consistent with it and you accompany it with good experience such as playtime, mealtime, and fun walks outside.
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Enjoy
Do keep in mind that training your mini doxie should be more of a fun and interactive activity rather than a boring chore. Finish every session with your dog looking forward to the next one by giving lots of compliments and praises, as well as petting, playing, and love. Your dog would want nothing more than pleasing you every time.
