Wiener dogs are stubborn but trainable if you use the right method

Dachshunds — the breed most people call wiener dogs — have a reputation for being difficult to train, and that reputation is earned. They were bred to hunt badgers and other burrowing animals alone, which means they think independently and ignore commands when something else catches their attention. But they are not untrainable. They respond well to food rewards, short sessions, and consistency. The key is understanding that a wiener dog will obey you when it makes sense to the dog, not because you outrank it.

Start training as early as possible — ideally at 8 to 12 weeks old — because adult wiener dogs have already decided which rules they will follow. Even an older dog can learn, but it takes longer and requires more patience. The breed is also prone to back problems, so avoid jumping exercises and always support the spine when you pick one up.

Key Takeaways

  • Wiener dogs respond to food rewards far better than praise alone, so use high-value treats like chicken or cheese during training sessions.
  • Keep training sessions to 5 to 10 minutes because the breed loses focus quickly and will shut down if bored or frustrated.
  • Housebreaking takes longer in this breed — often 4 to 6 months — and requires taking the dog outside on a strict schedule every 2 to 3 hours.
  • Avoid harsh corrections or yelling, which make wiener dogs stubborn and defensive rather than cooperative.
  • Socialization between 3 and 16 weeks old prevents excessive barking and aggression toward other dogs and strangers later.

Use food rewards and keep sessions short

Wiener dogs have a strong food drive, which is your biggest training advantage. Use treats the dog loves — small pieces of chicken, cheese, or commercial training treats — and reward the moment the dog does what you asked. The timing matters: the dog must connect the treat to the action within one or two seconds, or it will not understand what earned the reward.

Keep each training session to 5 to 10 minutes maximum. Wiener dogs get bored and frustrated quickly, and a frustrated dog stops listening. Three short sessions spread through the day work better than one long one. End on a success — even if it is just sitting on command — so the dog finishes happy and wants to train again tomorrow.

Avoid using the word "no" as your main correction tool. Wiener dogs respond to "no" by becoming defensive or stubborn, not by understanding what they did wrong. Instead, redirect: if the dog jumps on a visitor, move the dog away and ask for a sit, then reward the sit. The dog learns what you want, not just what you do not want.

Housebreak on a strict schedule, not on the dog's timeline

Wiener dogs are notoriously difficult to housebreak because they have small bladders and can hold urine for only 2 to 3 hours as puppies. Take the dog outside on a fixed schedule: first thing in the morning, after meals, after naps, before bedtime, and once in the middle of the night if the puppy is under 4 months old. Do not wait for the dog to ask — go outside on your schedule, not the dog's.

When the dog urinates or defecates outside, reward when ready with a treat and praise. If an accident happens indoors, do not punish. Clean the spot thoroughly with enzymatic cleaner (not ammonia-based, which smells like urine to the dog) and move on. Punishment teaches the dog to hide and go to the bathroom in secret, not to go outside.

Expect housebreaking to take 4 to 6 months, sometimes longer. Wiener dogs have a stubborn streak and will test whether the rule still applies if you slip up once. Consistency is the only thing that works. If you cannot commit to taking the dog outside every 2 to 3 hours for months, consider waiting until you can, or use a dog walker or pet sitter to maintain the schedule.

Teach sit, stay, and come — in that order

Start with sit because it is the easiest command and builds the dog's confidence. Hold a treat close to the dog's nose and move it slowly up and back over the head. The dog's rear will naturally lower as the nose follows the treat. The moment the rear touches the ground, say "sit," give the treat, and praise. Repeat 5 to 10 times per session, once or twice a day.

Once sit is solid — the dog sits on command at least 8 out of 10 times — add stay. Ask the dog to sit, then hold your hand up in a "stop" gesture, say "stay," and step back one step. If the dog stays, return when ready, reward, and praise. Gradually increase the distance and time, but keep it short at first — 5 to 10 seconds. If the dog breaks the stay, do not punish; just go back to the previous distance and time that worked.

Come is the hardest command for wiener dogs because their hunting instinct overrides obedience when they see a squirrel or smell something interesting. Teach it in a closed space like a hallway or small room first, never in an open yard. Get down to the dog's level, say "come" in an excited voice, and reward heavily when the dog reaches you. Practice this dozens of times before trying it outdoors, and always use a long leash in the yard until the dog is reliable.

Socialize early to prevent excessive barking and aggression

Wiener dogs bark at everything — visitors, other dogs, sounds outside — and this behavior is hardest to stop if the dog was not socialized as a puppy. Between 3 and 16 weeks old, expose the dog to different people, other dogs, car rides, vacuum cleaners, and new environments. The goal is not to make the dog love everything, but to teach it that new things are normal and not a threat.

Invite friends over regularly and ask them to ignore the dog at first — no eye contact, no talking, no reaching out. Once the dog settles, they can offer a treat. This teaches the dog that visitors are not exciting or threatening. Arrange supervised playdates with other vaccinated dogs of similar size. Wiener dogs can be scrappy with larger dogs, so avoid mixing them with dogs much bigger.

If the dog barks at a visitor or another dog, do not yell "quiet" — that sounds like barking to the dog and often makes it bark more. Instead, redirect to a toy or ask for a sit, then reward. If the dog is already barking uncontrollably, remove it to a quiet room for a few minutes, then bring it back and try again. Patience and repetition work; punishment does not.

Avoid jumping and protect the spine during training

Wiener dogs have long spines and short legs, which puts them at high risk for intervertebral disc disease — a painful condition where discs in the spine slip or rupture. Never encourage jumping, even as a puppy. Do not let the dog jump on people, furniture, or during play. When teaching tricks, avoid anything that requires jumping or twisting the spine.

When you pick up a wiener dog, always support the rear end and spine. Holding the dog by the front legs or letting it dangle puts stress on the back. Teach children and visitors how to hold the dog correctly before they interact with it. Avoid stairs when possible, especially for puppies under 6 months old, because climbing stairs puts strain on the developing spine.

During training, stick to commands like sit, stay, down, and leave it. These are all safe and useful. Skip tricks like jumping through hoops, standing on hind legs, or weaving through legs. A healthy spine means a longer, more comfortable life for your dog.

Crate training makes housebreaking and safety easier

Wiener dogs naturally do not want to soil their sleeping area, so a properly sized crate is a powerful housebreaking tool. The crate should be large enough for the dog to stand, turn around, and lie down, but not so large that the dog can use one corner as a bathroom. Introduce the crate slowly: leave the door open, toss treats inside, and let the dog explore at its own pace.

Once the dog is comfortable, close the door for short periods while you are home and awake. Gradually increase the time. Never use the crate as punishment. If the dog associates the crate with being locked away as a consequence, it will resist going in and housebreaking will take longer.

A crate also keeps the dog safe when you cannot supervise — preventing it from chewing wires, eating toxic foods, or jumping off furniture and injuring its back. Most wiener dogs will settle in a crate for 4 to 6 hours as adults, though puppies need to go out more often.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why does my wiener dog ignore me when it sees a squirrel?

Dachshunds were bred to hunt alone and make their own decisions about what is important. A squirrel triggers the hunting instinct, which is stronger than the training bond in that moment. This is not disobedience — it is genetics. Use a long leash in areas with squirrels, and practice the "come" command in low-distraction environments first. Even a well-trained wiener dog may not respond to "come" if something more interesting is happening.

Is it too late to train an adult wiener dog?

Adult wiener dogs can learn, but it takes longer because they have already established habits. An adult dog that was never trained may take 6 to 12 months to become reliable on basic commands, compared to 2 to 4 months for a puppy. Use the same methods — food rewards, short sessions, consistency — and be patient. Rescue dogs sometimes surprise you and learn faster than expected once they understand the routine.

My wiener dog barks constantly. Can I train that out?

You cannot eliminate the barking instinct, but you can reduce it with early socialization and training. Teach a "quiet" command by waiting for a pause in barking, saying "quiet," and rewarding when ready. Never yell at a barking dog. Some wiener dogs are straightforward more vocal than others, and genetics plays a role. If barking is severe, talk to a veterinarian to rule out anxiety or medical issues.

How do I stop my wiener dog from jumping on people?

Do not give the dog attention — even negative attention like yelling — when it jumps. Instead, turn away and ignore the dog until all four paws are on the ground, then reward with a treat and attention. Teach visitors to do the same. It takes consistency, but most wiener dogs learn within a few weeks that jumping does not get them what they want.

Can wiener dogs live in apartments?

Yes, but barking can be a problem in close quarters. Apartments work well if you commit to socialization, exercise, and training from the start. A bored wiener dog barks more, so provide toys, short walks, and mental stimulation. Some apartment dwellers use white noise or leave a radio on to mask outside sounds that trigger barking.