# 10 Reasons Why Dachshunds Are So Stubborn \(And What You Can Do About It\) - Canonical: https://33rdsquare.com/10-reasons-why-dachshunds-are-so-stubborn-and-what-you-can-do-about-it/ - Published: 2024-03-17 - Author: Savanna Read - Categories: [Dog](https://33rdsquare.com/category/dog/) --- Dachshunds are adorable, spunky, and brimming with personality. But as any owner of this feisty little hound will tell you, they can also be incredibly stubborn. Dachshunds are notorious for being difficult to train, selective in following commands, and headstrong in doing things their own way. But where does this stubborn streak come from? And what can you do to encourage your dachshund to be a bit more obedient? Let‘s dig into the top 10 reasons behind dachshund stubbornness. ## 1. It‘s in their genes The dachshund was bred to be a fearless, independent hunter of badgers and other dangerous small game. Hunting involved chasing prey into underground burrows, so dachshunds had to be bold and cunning enough to make decisions on their own. "Dachshunds were never meant to work closely with humans like some other breeds. They were bred to work alone, without much human direction, so they don‘t have a strong genetic drive to look to people for guidance," explains Dr. Jerry Klein, chief veterinary officer for the American Kennel Club. This heritage is still very much present in the modern dachshund temperament. They are used to relying on their own wits and judgment, not just following orders. So a stubborn resistance to obeying commands is practically hardwired into their DNA. ## 2. They‘re too smart for their own good In addition to being independent, dachshunds are also highly intelligent. They are curious dogs who love to explore their environment and figure things out on their own. This combination of smarts and an inquisitive nature is part of what makes the breed so endearing. But it also means they often believe they know best and will choose to do things their way instead of yours. Dachshund owner Melissa T. relates, "My dachshund Rudy is so smart and has a mind of his own. He knows all his commands but will only follow them if he feels like it. He once learned how to open the fridge and help himself to the food – he‘s too clever for my own good sometimes!" ## 3. They‘re born leaders Dachshunds tend to have bold, confident personalities. They may be small in stature, but they have the attitude of a big dog. This self-assured nature is what made them excel as hunting dogs, but it also means they don‘t automatically look to humans as authority figures. Many dachshunds will assume the role of top dog in the household, especially if their owner doesn‘t establish clear boundaries and leadership. Once a dachshund feels he is in charge, he has no qualms about ignoring commands or selectively obeying only when it suits him. ## 4. Food is life Most dogs are food-motivated, but for dachshunds this trait is amplified to the extreme. Dachshunds LIVE for food and will often choose treats over anything else – including your instructions. You could spend an hour training your dachshund to sit and stay, but he will still bolt the second he catches a whiff of something yummy. Veterinarian Dr. Jennie Willis explains, "Since dachshunds have such a high food drive, those motivators often override any other training or commands. You have to work extra hard to become more exciting and rewarding to your dog than the allure of a hidden snack." ## 5. Housetraining hardships Dachshunds are notoriously tricky to housetrain. Even the most diligent owners often struggle with getting their doxie fully potty trained. This is in part due to their stubborn refusal to go when and where you want them to. Dachshunds are not above having an accident on purpose if they decide they don‘t feel like going outside or waiting until you take them. "Housebreaking a stubborn dachshund requires the patience of a saint," laments owner Theresa D. "We stuck to a strict potty schedule for months but she would still sneak off and poop in the house the second we looked away. I swear she did it on purpose sometimes just to be defiant!" ## 6. Barking for attention Like many small dogs, dachshunds can be quite yappy. Excessive barking is a common complaint among dachshund owners. But for some clever dachshunds, barking is a calculated way to get attention – even if it‘s not the positive kind. A dachshund may intentionally bark at you, ignore your commands to be quiet, and persist in making noise because they know it will eventually cause you to pay attention to them. Even if that attention is you scolding them, to the dachshund it‘s better than being ignored. It‘s their way of saying, "Hey, look at me!" ## 7. Selective hearing If you have a dachshund, chances are you‘ve wondered if he is hard of hearing. You give a command and get no response, even though you know darn well your dog heard you. Selective hearing is a key weapon in the stubborn dachshund arsenal. "Dachshunds quickly learn that they can get away with ‘not hearing‘ you when it‘s convenient. They are masters of tuning you out when they don‘t feel like doing what you ask," says certified dog trainer Steffi Trott. "It‘s not that they don‘t understand or can‘t hear your cues – they are choosing to ignore you." ## 8. Easily distracted The dachshund‘s innate curiosity, combined with their hunting instincts, can make them very distractible dogs. They tend to get laser focused on any new sight, sound, or smell in their environment. When something captures their attention, you might as well not exist. They‘ll be too busy pursuing that squirrel, sniffing that patch of grass, or barking at that passerby to listen to your pleas. "During walks, my dachshund Pete is on a mission to investigate every inch of the sidewalk. I‘m constantly tugging on his leash and calling his name as he powers ahead, nose to the ground, oblivious to my existence," shares owner Dan P. ## 9. Training requires extra effort Because of their independent and distractible nature, dachshunds can be a challenge to train. They require much more repetition, consistency, and patience than many other breeds. "Dachshunds often bore easily, so you have to work hard to make training interesting for them," advises trainer Steffi Trott. "You need to use really high-value rewards, keep training sessions short, and be prepared to repeat yourself a lot. Even then, you have to accept that a dachshund will never be as naturally obedient as something like a Labrador. They will always have that stubborn streak to some degree." ## 10. They need strong leadership The key to minimizing dachshund stubbornness is establishing yourself as a strong pack leader. If your doxie views you as the clear boss, he is more likely to listen to you (although it will still be on his terms sometimes). "Most dachshund behavioral issues stem from owners not instilling consistent rules and boundaries early on," says veterinarian Dr. Jerry Klein. "This breed needs an especially firm and confident leader or else they will run the show and walk all over you." Without strong human leadership, a dachshund‘s natural willfulness and desire to do things their way can cross the line into problem behaviors like resource guarding, separation anxiety, leash aggression or chronic disobedience. In these cases, it‘s best to enlist the help of a professional trainer to get your stubborn dachshund‘s antics under control. ## Conclusion There‘s no denying that dachshund stubbornness is legendary. These feisty, independent dogs have a mind of their own and a penchant for selective obedience. But that spirited nature is also what makes the breed so special. "Dachshund stubbornness can be maddening, but it comes from a place of intelligence, confidence and strong sense of self. It‘s what gives the breed their big personalities and tenacious spirit," says Dr. Jennie Willis. Curbing dachshund stubbornness requires consistent leadership, plenty of positive reinforcement, and go-with-the-flow flexibility. Learning to work with your dachshund‘s independent streak – while still establishing boundaries – will help you form an unbreakable bond with your clever, courageous, and charmingly defiant little dog. --- Source: [10 Reasons Why Dachshunds Are So Stubborn \(And What You Can Do About It\)](https://33rdsquare.com/10-reasons-why-dachshunds-are-so-stubborn-and-what-you-can-do-about-it/)