Looking for the best Dachshund training books to help you out with this stubborn breed?
Stick around, because that’s exactly what we’re talking about today.
We’ll look at some general books for training small dogs as well as a couple Doxie-specific ones.
Let’s get started!
What You Need to Know About Choosing the Best Dachshund Training Books
Before we dive into my top picks, I want to go over something with you real quick.
As you browse my list, you’ll notice that very few of the best Dachshund training books actually have the word “Dachshund” in the title.
There’s a very good reason for that. Honestly, most- not all, but most- of those are gimmicks. Let me explain why.
Basically, internet marketers write or buy rights to a general training book.
Then, they pop a Doxie on the cover, change the title and a few key words throughout, and upload it.
They repeat the process with another popular breed, then another, etc.
Fortunately, these are easy to weed out. Just click on the author’s Amazon bio and look through their offerings.
If it’s the same book over and over, just with a different breed, move on.
What I look for in great Doxie training books
Rather than searching for “dachshund training books” on Amazon, I honed in on other more relevant key words.
I looked for the best books to train small dogs, stubborn dogs, hunting dogs, hound dogs… basically, all the characteristics of the Doxie breed.
I also looked for books by trainers that I respect and skipped those that use outdated “dominate your dog” methods.
Like the majority of the hound group, Dachshunds are very sensitive dogs who don’t respond well to harsh methods.
Okay, now that you understand my overall process for choosing the best books (and why most of them don’t have a picture of a Dachshund on the cover), I think it’s time to get started!
FYI, this post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase through these links, we earn a small commission at no extra charge to you.
Best Dachshund Training Books
Use the table below for a quick peek for my top 5 picks, then keep reading for more info about each.
1. Everything Dachshund Book
While this one isn’t specifically about training, it does give you a decent overview of the breed.
One reviewer called it “my Dachshund bible,” while another said, “This is your ONE STOP dachshund basics plus more right here.”
While it’s not my “if you only buy one book, make it this one” pick, it’s definitely a great place to start.
- Used Book in Good Condition
- Walker, Joan Hustace (Author)
- English (Publication Language)
- 304 Pages - 05/01/2005 (Publication Date) - Everything (Publisher)
2. Zak George’s Dog Training Revolution: The Complete Guide to Raising the Perfect Pet with Love
I am a huge fan of Zak George and his positive training methods. While his tips are geared towards all breeds, they work fantastic for dachshunds.
Also, it’s not just a training book (don’t worry, we have a few of those coming up), but rather a holistic guide to raising a dog in a positive and loving manner.
I highly recommend following his YouTube channel, too. That’s where he really goes into more specific training methods.
- Amazon Kindle Edition
- George, Zak (Author)
- English (Publication Language)
- 226 Pages - 06/07/2016 (Publication Date) - Ten Speed Press (Publisher)
3. Train Your Dog Positively by Victoria Stillwell
Along with Zak George, Victoria Stillwell is among my favorite dog trainers of all time.
You may know her from her show, “It’s Me or the Dog” on Animal Planet.
She focuses entirely on positive training methods, and she’s incredibly passionate about animal advocacy.
Her third book is a wonderful guide to handling all of the tougher issues that come along with owning a stubborn dachshund.
From the blurb:
Far from being merely another dog training manual, however, it also serves as an easily accessible yet scientifically sound roadmap for understanding where our dogs come from, how they experience the world and what we need to teach them most effectively.
- Amazon Kindle Edition
- Stilwell, Victoria (Author)
- English (Publication Language)
- 258 Pages - 03/19/2013 (Publication Date) - Ten Speed Press (Publisher)
4. The Dog Whisperer: A Compassionate, Nonviolent Approach to Dog Training
Before you yell at me for including a “dog whisperer book” after I said “no domination methods,” look again at the names of the authors.
Paul Owens is also know as “The ORIGINAL Dog Whisperer,” and his methods are purely positive.
While his popular book is a bit older, the methods he uses remain incredible useful, especially when dealing with frustrating breeds.
Owens lives by a very wonderful philosophy:
“How we treat our animals is directly related to how we treat ourselves, our family and our friends.”
~ Paul Owens
- Used Book in Good Condition
- Owens, Paul (Author)
- English (Publication Language)
- 289 Pages - 02/12/2007 (Publication Date) - Adams Media (Publisher)
5. When Pigs Fly!: Training Success with Impossible Dogs
Another slightly older book (2007 was a popular year for dog training books), this totally underrated tome focuses on training “impossible” dogs.
While it was written with big puppers (like pits) in mind, the methods described throughout are perfect for particularly tricky Dachshunds, too.
While the cover may not be as pretty as some of the larger publishing house tomes, the book itself has won quite a few awards, including:
- The Merial Human Animal Bond Award
- 2008 Indie Book Awards for Animals/Pets
- IIACAB Award for 2007 Best Dog Book (Misc.)
One top reviewer is actually a certified dog trainer as well as an owner of an abused dog, and they gave it 5 stars.
- Amazon Kindle Edition
- Killion, Jane (Author)
- English (Publication Language)
- 194 Pages - 06/22/2007 (Publication Date) - Dogwise Publishing (Publisher)
6. Training Your Dachshund (Training Your Dog Series)
This is the only other dachshund-specific training book that I feel comfortable recommending.
It’s published by Barrons, and unlike many other “series,” it’s not just the same as another book with a different cover.
Be warned, though- since it’s out of print it’s fairly pricey, especially for such a relatively short tome.
Unless you’re an avid Dachshund book collector, you may be better off trying to borrow it from a library, to be honest.
- Used Book in Good Condition
- Fernandez, Amy (Author)
- English (Publication Language)
- 160 Pages - 09/01/2008 (Publication Date) - B.E.S. Publishing (Publisher)
7. Before and After Getting Your Puppy: The Positive Approach to Raising a Happy, Healthy, and Well-Behaved Dog
This last one is another “general” dog training book, but it’s definitely worth a peek!
Dr. Ian Dunbar helped revolutionize old-school dog training back in the 70s, moving strategies away from “drill-sergeant” styles to a more positive approach.
Without him, we wouldn’t have puppy training classes or even family dog classes in general. He really put the fun into the whole experience.
In this book, he combined two of his training manuals into one easy-to-read volume, complete with helpful photos.
- Hardcover Book
- Dunbar, Dr. Ian (Author)
- English (Publication Language)
- 224 Pages - 04/29/2004 (Publication Date) - New World Library (Publisher)
Like I said a few times already, you don’t have to buy a book with a Doxie on the cover to get a great dachshund training book.
In fact, in most cases, you’re better off steering super clear of those!
Stick with books by actual dog trainers and you’ll have a lot more success.
This post is such a great resource for any new or long-time Dachshund owner. They are great dogs, but they can be stubborn. At least, that’s what my friend who owns one says.
What a great well rounded list of books for training our lovely dogs. I am horrible about actual training but so far so good on okay behaving dogs lol
I like that there are books to help people train their dogs. So many people dont train their dogs and I hate when the dogs jump on me
These sound like great training books. We don’t have a dachshund but we have a lab mix. We hope to get a second dog within the next year.
great tips. i’ll def take a look at these books. we are looking at getting a puppy soon.