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5 Vital Strategies to Help Your Dachshund with Loose Leash Walking

Walking your dachshund can be a wonderful bonding experience, but it can quickly turn frustrating if your furry friend is constantly pulling on the leash. Not only can this make the walk less enjoyable, but it can also be dangerous for both you and your pup. While it’s natural for dogs to want to explore their surroundings, pulling on the leash can lead to neck injuries, escape attempts, and other unpleasant outcomes. Fortunately, there are ways to help your dachshund learn how to walk calmly on a leash, and it doesn’t necessarily involve punishing or scolding them. In this article, we will explore some tips and techniques that can help you train your dachshund to be a well-behaved walker.

1. Start with Basic Training for Your Dachshund

“But wait,” you say. “I just want my Dachshund to stop pulling on the leash! Do I really need ‘basic training’ too?”

The answer is: it depends. While its possible to train your Dachshund to stop pulling on the leash without training other commands, all training becomes easier if you start with a solid foundation, such as training your Dachshund basic commands like “sit,” “stay,” and “come.” (as an aside, if you’re looking for a solid overall training program, we really like the K9 Training Institute’s program or SpiritDog’s program, both of which include modules on leash pulling)

Before heading out for a walk, spend some time training your dog inside your home or in your yard. Use positive reinforcement methods such as treats, praise, and affection to reward your dog for good behavior. This will help your dog to associate good behavior with positive rewards.

2. Buy a No-Pull Harness for Your Dachshund

A no-pull harness is an excellent tool for training your Dachshund to stop leash pulling. Unlike a traditional collar or harness, a no-pull harness is designed to discourage your dog from pulling by gently applying pressure to their chest. When your dog starts to pull, the harness will tighten, and your dog will feel a slight discomfort that will discourage them from pulling. Using a no-pull harness can be a safe and effective way to train your Dachshund to walk calmly on a leash.

We love the Rabbitgoo brand no-pull harness on Amazon, which has almost 150,000 reviews.

3. Be Consistent: When Your Dachshund Starts Pulling, STOP Walking

Consistency is key when training your Dachshund to loose leash walk. It’s essential to use the same techniques every time you take your dog for a walk. For example, if your dog starts to pull, stop walking and wait for your dog to calm down before continuing. Be patient and persistent, and your dog will eventually learn that pulling won’t get them where they want to go.

4. Use Positive Reinforcement like Training Treats

Positive reinforcement is one of the most effective training techniques for stopping leash pulling. When your Dachshund walks calmly by your side, reward them with treats, praise, and affection. This will help your dog to associate good behavior with positive rewards, making them more likely to repeat that behavior in the future. Avoid punishing your dog for pulling, as this can make the problem worse by increasing their anxiety and frustration.

Our test pups LOVE these bacon flavored Pet Botanics training treats. They are small enough size that you can give a lot of them, and not overdo calories.

We’d also recommend a handy training treats pouch you can wear on your belt during walks.

5. Try an Online Dog Training Course for Your Dachshund

If you’re struggling to teach your Dachshund loose leash walking, it may be time to seek professional help through and online dog training course. A professional dog trainer can provide you with personalized advice and techniques to address your specific issues. They can help you to identify the root cause of your dog’s pulling and provide you with effective solutions to correct the behavior. With the help of a professional trainer, you can teach your Dachshund to walk calmly on a leash, making walks more enjoyable for both you and your furry friend.

Our 2 Favorite Online Training Programs for Dachshund Leash Pulling

1. SpiritDog makes an excellent and affordable training course called “Loose Leash Walking” that’s an excellent resource for Dachshund owners. The course promises to teach your Dachshund to stop pulling in 10 minutes a day. You can also get feedback from real, professional dog trainers.
   
2. K9 Training Institute Makes an Excellent, Well Rounded Dog “Masterclass” that includes modules on loose leash walking. While it’s a bit pricier than SpiritDog, it offers a solid foundation and solutions to nearly any behavior challenge you might face. The course uses the same material that professionals use to train service dogs, so the quality of the material is top notch.
   

In conclusion, helping your dachshund to stop pulling on the leash is an important aspect of responsible dog ownership. By taking the time to train your furry friend to walk calmly on a leash, you can ensure that your walks are enjoyable and safe for both you and your pup. Remember that this process may take some time and patience, but it’s worth the effort in the long run. With consistent training and positive reinforcement, your dachshund can learn to walk politely by your side and enjoy the many benefits of a relaxing and stress-free walk.