Beyond the Basics English Cream Dachshund Training Guide

The English Cream Dachshund is a captivating variant of the classic dachshund breed. These dogs are distinguished by their pale cream coat, which can range from a light, almost white shade to a warmer cream color. As members of the dachshund family, they share the characteristic long body and short legs that make dachshunds instantly recognizable. We will try to explore English cream dachshund training methods so we can effectively train our dachshund.

English Cream Dachshunds typically stand 8 to 9 inches tall at the shoulder and weigh between 16 to 32 pounds, depending on whether they’re standard or miniature size. Their coat can be smooth, wire-haired, or long-haired, each requiring different grooming needs.
Originally bred for hunting, English Cream Dachshunds retain many of the traits that made their ancestors excellent hunting companions. They have a keen sense of smell, a strong prey drive, and a surprising amount of courage for their size. These traits can influence their behavior and should be considered when developing a dachshund training plan.

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Choosing The Right Breed

Prospective Owners should carefully consider if an English Cream Dachshund puppy aligns with their lifestyle and expectations. These dogs are known for their lively personalities, affectionate nature, and loyalty to their families. However, they also come with some challenges that potential owners should be aware of:

1. Exercise needs: Despite their small size, English Cream Dachshunds require regular exercise to maintain their health and prevent obesity.
2. Potential health issues: Like all dachshunds, they’re prone to intervertebral disc disease (IVDD) due to their long backs. They may also be susceptible to progressive retinal atrophy and other health concerns.
3. Training challenges: Their independent nature can make dachshund training more challenging compared to some other dog breeds.
4. Grooming requirements: Depending on their coat type, English Cream Dachshunds may need regular grooming to keep their coat in good condition.
5. Barking tendency: These dogs may bark more than some other dog breeds, which could be an issue in apartments or noise-sensitive environments.

If you’re prepared for these challenges and are looking for a small, affectionate, and characterful dog, an English Cream Dachshund could be an excellent choice.

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Positive Reinforcement: The Key to Successful English Cream Dachshund Training

Positive reinforcement is crucial when training an English Cream Dachshund. This method involves rewarding desired behaviors to encourage their repetition. Here’s how to implement positive reinforcement effectively:

1. Use high-value treats: Find treats that your dachshund loves and reserve them for training sessions.
2. Timing is key: Reward your dog immediately after they perform the desired behavior.
3. Verbal praise: Combine treats with enthusiastic verbal praise to reinforce good behavior.
4. Consistent cues: Use the same words or hand signals consistently for each command.
5. Short sessions: Keep training sessions brief (5-10 minutes) to maintain your dachshund’s interest.
6. Gradual progression: Start with simple commands and gradually increase difficulty as your dog improves.

Clicker Training: A Useful Tool for English Cream Dachshunds

Clicker training can be particularly effective for English Cream Dachshunds. This method uses a small device that makes a distinct clicking sound to mark the exact moment your dog performs the desired behavior. Here’s how to implement clicker training:

1. Charge the clicker: Start by associating the click sound with treats.
2. Mark the behavior: Click the instant your dog performs the desired action.
3. Reward: Immediately follow the click with a treat.
4. Repeat: Practice the behavior multiple times, always clicking and treating.
5. Add the cue: Once your dog reliably acts, add a verbal or hand signal cue before the behavior.

Clicker training can help your English Cream Dachshund understand exactly what you’re asking of them, making the training process clearer and more efficient.

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Manage Distractions: Keeping Your English Cream Dachshund Focused

English Cream Dachshunds, with their hunting background, can be easily distracted by scents, sounds, and movements in their environment. Here are strategies to manage distractions during dachshund training:

1. Start in a quiet environment: Begin dachshund training in a calm, familiar space with minimal distractions.
2. Gradual exposure: Slowly introduce distractions as your dog’s skills improve.
3. Use high-value treats: When working in distracting environments, use especially enticing treats to maintain focus.
4. Practice the “Look at me” command: Teach your dachshund to focus on you on cue.
5. Increase duration: Gradually extend the time your dog must focus on you or the task at hand.
6. Real-world practice: Once your dog masters a skill in a controlled environment, practice in more distracting real-world scenarios.

Socialization and Handling: Crucial Aspects of English Cream Dachshund Training

Proper socialization is vital for developing a well-adjusted English Cream Dachshund. Here’s how to approach socialization and handling:

1. Early exposure: Introduce your pup to various people, animals, and environments between 3 and 16 weeks of age.
2. Positive associations: Ensure these early experiences are positive using treats and praise.
3. Handling exercises: Get your dachshund comfortable with being touched all over their body, including paws, ears, and mouth.
4. Grooming introduction: Gradually positively introduce grooming tools and procedures.
5. Noise desensitization: Expose your dog to various sounds they might encounter in daily life.
6. Continued socialization: Remember that socialization is a lifelong process, not just for dachshund puppies.

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Three Commands to Teach Your Dachshund

Come

1. Start in a distraction-free environment.
2. Say your dog’s name followed by “come” in an upbeat tone.
3. When they come to you, immediately reward them with treats and praise.
4. Gradually increase distance and add distractions as your dog improves.

Sit

1. Hold a treat close to your dog’s nose.
2. Slowly move the treat up and slightly back over their head.
3. As their head tilts back to follow the treat, their bottom should lower to the ground.
4. As soon as they sit, say “sit” and reward them with the treat and praise.

Leave It

1. Place a low-value treat on the floor and cover it with your hand.
2. When your dog loses interest in your hand, say “leave it” and reward it with a higher-value treat from your other hand.
3. Gradually make it more challenging by uncovering the treat on the floor.
4. Always reward with a better treat for ignoring the “leave it” item.

Personality and Temperament & Trainability

How Does an English Cream Dachshund Behave?

English Cream Dachshunds typically exhibit these personality traits:

1. Affectionate: They often form strong bonds with their families and enjoy cuddles.
2. Playful: These dogs maintain a puppy-like playfulness well into adulthood.
3. Curious: Their hunting instincts make them naturally inquisitive about their surroundings.
4. Brave: Despite their small size, they can be surprisingly courageous.
5. Independent: They may sometimes prefer to do things their way.
6. Protective: They can be wary of strangers and may bark to alert their owners.
7. Intelligent: English Cream Dachshunds are smart dogs that enjoy mental stimulation.

Training an English Cream Doxie

Training an English Cream Dachshund requires understanding their unique traits:

1. Patience: Their independent nature means dachshund training may take longer than with some other breeds.
2. Consistency: Regular, short dachshund training sessions work best.
3. Positive methods: They respond well to rewards and praise, not punishment.
4. Mental stimulation: Incorporate puzzle toys and games into training to keep them engaged.
5. Early start: Begin training and socialization as early as possible.
6. Firm but gentle: Be consistent with rules, but avoid harsh corrections.

Practice, Patience, and Consistency Makes Perfect

Successful training of an English Cream Dachshund relies on:

1. Regular practice: Short, daily training sessions are more effective than longer, infrequent ones.
2. Patience: Progress may be slow at times, but consistent effort pays off.
3. Consistency: Use the same commands and rewards consistently.
4. Realistic expectations: Understand that some behaviors are inherent to the breed.
5. Positive reinforcement: Always focus on rewarding good behavior rather than punishing mistakes.
6. Adaptability: Be willing to adjust your training methods based on your individual dog’s responses.

6 Easy Tips For Potty Dachshund Training

1. Establish a routine: Take your dachshund out first thing in the morning, after meals, after naps, and before bedtime.
2. Choose a specific potty area: Always take your dog to the same spot for potty breaks.
3. Use a cue word: Say a specific word or phrase every time your dog eliminates outside.
4. Reward generously: Offer high-value treats and enthusiastic praise immediately after your dog goes potty outside.
5. Supervise closely: Keep a watchful eye on your dachshund indoors to prevent accidents.
6. Clean accidents thoroughly: Use an enzymatic cleaner to completely remove odors that might attract your dog back to the same spot.

Conclusion

Training an English Cream Dachshund requires patience, consistency, and an understanding of the breed’s unique characteristics. By focusing on positive reinforcement, early socialization, and consistent practice, you can help your English Cream Dachshund become a well-behaved and cherished family member. Remember that every dog is an individual, so be prepared to adapt your training methods to suit your particular dachshund’s personality and needs. With time and effort, you’ll develop a strong bond with your English Cream Dachshund and enjoy the companionship of this charming and unique breed.

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