There are 2 methods I have used. The easiest is to buy the little packets the florists use for their arrangements, you can get a case of them pretty cheap - example: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B004CHQJJI/ref=cm_sw_em_r_mt_dp_EDMATPNX42J7WHSW2CCB
The second method which is what my grandma used, is to set the cut ends in boiled water for an hour. The water should be really hot throughout the hour, so it’s best to change it every 15 minutes or so. She would keep a kettle on, and pour some into a vase (about 2 inches deep), put the dahlias in and then after about 15 minutes, pour a couple of inches into a 2nd vase and transfer the flowers to that one. I personally haven’t tried this method, but I think it works better than the packets.