Most Dachshund owners would like their dog to sit on cue. It’s a basic behavior that has a lot of uses, including being the first step to teaching a sit-stay. With Doxies, there are a few special considerations to think about when teaching a sit due to their size and proportions. The following is a simple and effective way to teach your Dachshund to respond to “sit” on the first time, every time.
Capturing The Behavior
You are going to use a form of training called “capturing.” This is when you wait for a dog to offer what you want and then you mark it (with a click, or a verbal word such as “yes” or “good”) and then reward. Capturing is a great way to train because it makes your dog use their brain to figure out what you want. We all know Doxies are smart, so you might as well use that brain! Plus, behaviors taught through capturing are much stronger than those taught using other methods.
To capture your Dachshund performing a sit, have your reward (toys, treats, etc.) ready, and your clicker if you use one. You can keep your Doxie on leash at first to keep him from wandering. Now, just stand still and wait. Most dogs will eventually sit when you ignore them long enough. As soon as his bottom hits the floor, mark and reward. Toss the reward away so your dog has to get up to get it – thus resetting him for the next sit.
Special Considerations
Due to their long backs, sitting may not be the most natural position for your Dachshund. If your Doxie refuses to sit, have him checked out by your vet to make sure he is not in pain. If he checks out okay, the following are some tricks you can try to encourage a sit:
-Practice sitting on a carpet, dog bed, pillow, couch, etc. – anything that is soft and not slippery.
-Only practice a few times! Since it’s harder on their backs, do not ask your Doxie to sit over and over.
-Your Doxie may feel more comfortable in a “lazy sit,” where one hip is rolled under – that’s okay!
If your Doxie just cannot sit, you can follow this same system to teach a down instead, which may be more comfortable for your dog, especially if he has a particularly long back or short legs.
Adding the Cue
Once your Dachshund sits without any “extra behaviors,” he’s figured out what you want. At that point, you can add the cue. Adding the cue—”sit”—is easy. Just say the word as your Doxie is getting into the sit position, then mark and reward.
Do a few repetitions of this and then test the cue by saying it while your Dachshund is standing. If he promptly sits, he’s got it – reward heavily! If he doesn’t, that’s okay. Do nothing and just wait for him to sit and say the cue during the sit a few more times and test again. Remember to only practice sit a few times and then give your Doxie a break.
Fading the Treats
Once your Doxie is sitting beautifully in multiple places every time you say “sit” (just once!), it’s time to fade those treats. You can use other rewards – verbal praise, toys, petting, etc. – anything your dog likes.
If your dog doesn’t sit when you say the cue once, too bad, no reward. But this won’t happen very often with this form of training. If it does, your Doxie may be distracted by his environment or even nervous or stressed. Use it as information and assess the situation before you ask your dog again – you may need to put some distance between him and an object or leave the environment altogether if he is really nervous.
Now you’re ready to move on to “stay”!
