What to do if you have a reactive Dachshund

What to Do If You Have a Reactive Dachshund: A Trainer’s Guide for Yorkshire Dog Owners

If you’ve got a reactive Dachshund, you’re not alone — this popular breed is known for its big personality, and sometimes, big reactions too. Whether it’s barking at other dogs, lunging on walks, or overreacting to noises or strangers, reactivity is a common behavioural issue that balanced dog trainers across Yorkshire deal with regularly.

🐾 Why Are Dachshunds Reactive?

Dachshunds may be small, but they were originally bred to hunt and dig, meaning they’re alert, vocal, and instinct-driven. These traits, combined with early socialisation gaps or negative experiences, can lead to reactivity — especially on lead or in unfamiliar environments.

Common triggers include:

• Other dogs

• Strangers or visitors

• Noises (bikes, cars, doorbells)

• Being approached too quickly

🐕‍🦺 First Steps: How to Help a Reactive Dachshund

1. Avoid Punishment-Based Reactions
Shouting or yanking the lead may make things worse. Reactivity is often rooted in fear or frustration, not disobedience. Corrections might be Necessary but contact a professional to learn how to implement them correctly.

2. Identify Triggers
Start observing when and why your Dachshund reacts. Is it only when on the lead? Is it specific to larger dogs? Knowing this helps tailor the training plan.

3. Create Distance
If your dog reacts at 10 feet, don’t force them to pass at 2 feet. Balanced dog training uses space as a tool for helping your dog feel safe and calm while learning.

4. Reward Calm Behaviour
When your dog sees a trigger and doesn’t react — mark that moment and reward it. Over time, you’re reshaping their emotional response.

5. Use Positive Guidance with Gentle Correction
At Northern K9 Company, we specialise in balanced training — which means using kind, reward-based methods 95% of the time, but adding fair corrections when needed to set boundaries. This can help reactive dogs learn faster without fear.

📍 Where to Get Help in Yorkshire

If you’re based in Harrogate, York, Leeds, Bradford, Wetherby, Skipton or anywhere in North or West Yorkshire, our team at Northern K9 Company offers 1-on-1 sessions and behavioural support tailored to reactive dogs — including stubborn but loveable Dachshunds.

We’ll work with you to build confidence, create calm responses, and help your Dachshund feel safe and focused on you — not their triggers.

✅ Final Tips for Managing Reactivity

• Use a well-fitted collar for more control on walks

• Practice calm behaviours at home to build a stronger baseline

• Avoid greetings if your dog isn’t ready

• Be patient — changing reactivity takes time, but it's 100% possible

Need help with your reactive dog in Yorkshire?
Contact Northern K9 Company today.

Get in touch With Jack

Let me know how me and the team can help with your dog's training and I will personally respond with an email, text message or I will arrange a phone call. Even if you just need some simple advice I'm happy to help.

why should you Get in touch?

Hi, i'm jack, I treat every dog I train like my own. I seriously do, I love all dogs regardless of their breed or history. Every training session is a lesson learnt for both me and your dog, I try make every session as fun as possible, Although I believe in pack leadership I don't believe in showing dogs "who is boss" I believe in showing dogs that I am pretty cool to hang around with, and feeling safe in my presence which is why I also try to make every session an adventure for us both. One of my favourite things about this job is seeing how exited dogs get when they see me. Dogs really are Angels sent from heaven.