Training Behavior

Dachshund Clicker Training - Ways to Clicker Train a Dachshund

Dachshund Clicker Training - How Does it Work?

A clicker is a small box with a metal insert that makes a clicking noise when pressed.  Some people just make a clicking noise with their tongues instead, but this might not be as effective as the sound (pitch, volume, duration) will differ, where the clicker always gives exactly the same noise.  Dachshund clicker training works by reinforcing a wanted behaviour with a click and a treat.  Your Dachshund soon learns to connect the click with the skill you want.  When utilising a clicker, it is the timing of the click that is impportant.  You have to click at the precise second your Dachshund completes the skill you desire.  This lets them connect the click and treat with the skill.  This reinforces the behavior.


Beginning Dachshund Clicker Training

You can't begin clicker training until you have introduced your Dachshund to the clicker and shown them how it works.  To condition your Dachshund to the clicker, take them somewhere quiet.  Click and offer your Dachshund a treat.  It does not matter if they do not glance at you or recognize the clicker.  Repeat this several times, continuing until they look at you when they hear the click, but do not let the session last more than 10 minutes.  You possibly will need several sessions before your Dachsund links the noise of the clicker to the treat.  Once conditioned to the clicker you can begin training behaviors and skills.  Dachshunds have short attention spans, so you should keep sessions short.  It could  take a few sessions before your Dachshund becomes conditioned to the clicker.  

There are two methods to clicker train, capturing and luring.  Capturing can occur anywhere at any time.  You always have a clicker and treats with you and when you see a desired behavior you click and give a reward.  You observe your dog and when they do the behavior you desire (e.g. sitting) you click and give a reward.  Luring is a more formal methodology.

1. Find a quiet area to train, and work to condition your Dachshund to the clicker if you haven't already done so.  if your Dachshund understands the importance of the clicker, click and reward a couple of times prior to beginning training to reinforce the meaning.  Only train one skill at a time, using a treat to coax your Dachsund into the right position.  At the instant they finish the behavior, give a click and reward with a treat.  

2. If your Dachshund can't work out the full behavior, you can separate it into smaller parts, clicking and giving a reward as they make progress towards the final, complete behavior. Don't be disenchanted if clicker training a Dachshund takes time. With resolve and persistence you will succeed.


Using a Voice Command

Eventually just the sight of the clicker will result in your Dachshund performing the behavior.  At this stage add a verbal prompt when you click.  It will not take much until your Dachshund connects the verbal cue, click, treat and behavior.  Once they recognize the verbal cue, only click and reward when your Dachsund demonstrates the behavior in response to the cue.  As time passes you will note that your Dachshund responds more enthusiastically to the voice command.  At this juncture start decreasing the frequency with which you use the clicker.  Ultimately you will find that you are able to use your voice command only and still get a dependable response.


There are many applications for Dachshund clicker training. You can teach important obedience commands, and stop behaviors like barking.  It is a approach that utilizes only positive techniques, that helps build a solid bond between you and your Dachshund.

About the Author

Katie Mills has rescued and rehabilitated dogs from shelters for 15 years, and enjoys sharing her knowledge and experiences with others.

Katie believes in Dachshund clicker training as it is a approach that utilizes only positive techniques, that helps build confidence and develop a resilient bond between you and your Dachshund.

Visit http://www.dachshundtrainingtips.com to discover more great Dachshund training tips and a FREE e-book.

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