How to Teach a Dachshund the Place Command
Teaching the Place command to a Dachshund presents a unique challenge because of their stubborn, independent nature and high barking tendency. This intermediate obedience skill sends your dog to a designated mat or bed and asks them to hold a calm, relaxed stay—which directly addresses the restlessness and vocalization that often drive problem behaviors. Dachshunds are clever and food-motivated, making them responsive to positive reinforcement, but their short legs and long backs mean comfort on a mat is genuinely important to them. With patience and consistency, this command transforms into their personal "chill zone," giving you a way to manage their lively energy and reduce nuisance barking without suppressing their naturally courageous personality.
Step-by-step
- 1
Choose and Position the Perfect Mat
Select a low-profile, cushioned mat or bed that's easy for your Dachshund's short legs to access without strain. Position it in a quiet corner of your main living area—Dachshunds are social and stubborn, so they're more likely to comply if they can still see family activity. Mark this spot as the official "place" and keep it consistent.
- 2
Lure and Reward Entry
Hold a high-value treat just above the mat and use the verbal cue "Place" as your Dachshund walks onto it. The moment all four paws touch the mat, mark with "Yes!" and deliver the treat on the mat itself. Repeat 5-10 times per session, keeping sessions short to match their moderate energy and prevent frustration.
- 3
Build Duration with a Release Cue
Once your Dachshund consistently enters the mat, add a 2-3 second pause before treating. Use a clear release word like "Free!" to signal the stay is over. This teaches the difference between "go to place" and "stay on place," which is crucial for their intelligent but stubborn brain.
- 4
Introduce Distance and Distractions Gradually
Move a few feet away while your Dachshund holds the mat, rewarding with tosses of treats rather than hand-delivery. Dachshunds are prone to barking for attention, so reward the quiet, calm stay more generously than any fidgeting or vocalization. Increase distance only when they've mastered the previous stage.
- 5
Practice During High-Energy Periods
Use the Place command during naturally stimulating times—doorbell ringing, guests arriving, or when they're showing signs of restlessness. Start with shorter durations and gradually extend to 10-15 minutes as their impulse control improves. This combats their 4/5 barking tendency by redirecting excess energy.
- 6
Maintain Consistency and Generalize
Practice the command in multiple rooms and eventually in different environments. Dachshunds are clever but stubborn, so they need repetition to generalize the behavior. Use the Place command daily as part of their 45 minutes of recommended exercise routine, and always reward calm, quiet behavior on the mat.
Pro tips
- Use puzzle toys or long-lasting chews on the mat to anchor their attention. Dachshunds are clever and need mental stimulation, so pairing the Place command with an engaging activity makes the mat irresistible and reduces the urge to bark or dig.
- Train during their moderate energy level (mid-morning or after their 45-minute exercise session), not when they're overstimulated. A tired, mentally satisfied Dachshund is far more willing to comply, especially given their stubborn streak.
- Never end a Place session with the dog frustrated or jumping off. Always end on success—if they break the stay, go back to a shorter duration you know they'll nail, reward generously, and call it a session. Their clever, independent nature means they'll resent feeling 'wrong,' so manage it carefully.
Frequently asked questions
My Dachshund keeps jumping off the mat. What should I do?+
This is common with their stubborn, lively temperament. Don't chase or scold—simply reset. Calmly place them back on the mat, give the "Place" cue again, and reward only when they stay. Reduce your distance and duration expectations to set them up for success. Consistency over weeks will improve compliance.
Should I use the mat during feeding time?+
Use caution here. Dachshunds can become resource-protective. It's safer to feed them their regular meals in the same spot daily, separate from the Place mat. However, you can reward stays on the mat with high-value treats as part of training sessions, which reinforces the positive association without triggering guarding behaviors.
How do I stop the barking when they're on the mat?+
Reward silence, never the barking. If your Dachshund barks on the mat, turn away and wait for a pause before treating. This addresses their 4/5 barking tendency directly. The Place command becomes a way to channel their energy into a calm behavior, which takes time but is highly effective.
Can I use the Place command to manage digging and barking?+
Absolutely. When you catch your Dachshund about to dig or bark, redirect them to their mat with the Place command instead. Reward the calm behavior on the mat generously. Over time, their intelligent brain learns the mat is a better option than the unwanted behavior, directly addressing two of their most common challenges.