Keep A Dachshund Happy In An Apartment

5 Ways to Keep a Dachshund Happy in an Apartment

Updated 05/01/2024 by Ava Jaine

Living in an apartment can sometimes feel a bit lonely, but having a furry friend by your side can change everything. Dogs not only bring joy into our lives but also help reduce stress, boost our mental health, and encourage us to stay active.

However, when it comes to raising a Dachshund in an apartment, there are definitely some unique challenges to consider.

With the right approach, it is absolutely possible to keep a Dachshund happy in an apartment. Here are some handy tips to make apartment living a breeze for you and your Dachshund.

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teenager girl hugging her dachshund
 

Are Dachshunds Good Apartment Dogs?

Standard and miniature Dachshunds are well-suited for apartment living due to their size. But, size isn’t the primary concern when it comes to the Dachshund Breed.

Before welcoming a Dachshund into your apartment, it’s essential to consider factors like noise and the amount of daily activity required to keep them happy.

Dachshunds are hunting hounds and are naturally drawn towards activities such as running, playing, chewing, digging, and barking!

Yes, Dachshunds can be good apartment dogs as long as they receive plenty of physical and mental exercise…and that, my friends, is all up to you. We’ll talk more on that below.

 

1. Daily Exercise

The Dachshund dog breed isn’t considered a ‘hyper dog’ but, behavior problems do develop if they don’t receive enough exercise on a daily basis.

Dachshunds need a good 20-minute walk at least two times per day or they get bored and destructive.

The best thing you can do for your doxie is to develop a daily walking routine so they have something to look forward to.

If you work full time outside of your apartment, then walk your pup before and after work.  It is great exercise for you and your dog.

If it’s cold or rainy outside, exercise still needs to happen! Take some time to play and exercise with your dog inside your home.

Being in an apartment all day can make your Dachshund feel cooped up and frustrated. Making time for daily exercise will help your little long dog feel calm and content.

happy dachshund running outside on the grass
 

Help During The Day

Dachshunds can not be expected to ‘hold it’ for more than 4 hours at a time.  If you aren’t able to let your doxie out to potty in that time frame, hire a dog walker or take them to a local doggy daycare while you are at work – this is a must!

If your Dachshund is left alone, they will get bored, then they become destructive, which leads to separation anxiety issues.

Having someone take your doxie for a walk and an extra potty break will give you peace of mind and help them stay more relaxed during the day while you are away.

Taking your Dachshund to a doggie daycare will not only give them a lot more exercise, but lots of doggie socialization time too.  This is really important for your pup’s overall behavior around other dogs.

 

2. Lots of Chew Toys

Dachshunds have a constant need to chew, even after the puppy teething phase is over. They chew to relieve stress and anxiety.

Each day, after work or whenever you have some time to sit with your pup, provide some chew time while you are present. Benebones are our absolute favorite! Always make sure to replace any dog chew toys when they start to lose pieces or feel sharp to the touch.

Providing a special time to chew will help prevent your doxie from chewing the things that they shouldn’t.

Because Dachshunds are known for their love for destruction, I recommend not leaving anything chewable or edible alone with your doxie.  Only while you are present to avoid choking.

Note: When you are away for the day, keep them in a gated area that is away from walls, cords, and any wooden corners to prevent destructive chewing. I use this puppy playpen.

bored dachshund being destructive
 

How to Potty Train a Dachshund in an Apartment?

Listen up, straight from a seasoned Dachshund mama and most doxie parents: potty training a Dachshund is not easy. It’s doable, yes, but it’s a real struggle with this particular dog breed.

If you live in an upstairs apartment: Running a Dachshund puppy outside every hour during the potty training phase from an upstairs apartment could set you and your puppy up for failure.

Throw in some rainy days and the indoor potty accidents will start to add up.  Dachshunds hate getting wet and feeling cold, so they often refuse to go potty outside when it’s raining or snowing.

But, don’t worry, there is another way…and indoor dog potty system to the rescue!

3. Indoor Dog Potty for Dachshunds

Your Dachshund, at any age, will need to make many trips outside for potty time. If you can’t get your doxie outside to potty quickly on a regular basis, consider an indoor dog potty system.

#1 Choice: Fresh Patch Disposable Dog Potty gives your dog the ‘real grass’ experience.  This is an indoor disposable dog potty option that is dirt free, odor-free and eco-friendly. It’s recommended to replace the potty patch every couple of weeks depending on the frequency of use. 

Note: Despite their small size, they will need plenty of wiggle room when using an indoor dog potty.  Most little long dogs take a while to find the perfect potty position – so, the bigger, the better.

dachshund apartment potty

Amazon

#2 Choice: The Hompet Indoor Dog Potty option uses washable fake grass over a tray as an indoor dog potty option.  It even includes a back splash shield for the male pups who lift their legs.

indoor dog potty

Amazon

 

Balcony Potty: 

Some dog owners potty train their pups to use a balcony or porch potty instead of running them outside constantly.

Safety Note: Dachshunds may have short little legs – but they can jump up high, climb, and squeeze their way into impossible places. If you try the balcony potty, please dog proof your railings really well with balcony guards to keep your doxie safe.

Check out these handy Indoor Dog Potty Ideas on our Pinterest Board.

Here’s a nice apartment doggie potty with a little more style and it’s enclosed.

 
Reasons Why Dachshunds Bark All The Time

4. Barking Time

Dachshunds love to bark!  This particular issue may be harder to deal with for those in an apartment with close neighbors and thin walls.

Take special time each day or at least a couple times per week to help your Dachshund let loose on that loud bark. 

Take them to the park, have a special playtime with their favorite toy or enjoy a game of fetch.

Not only is this great exercise, but it releases a lot of pent up energy along with some excited barking time – which is necessary.

 

Tips to Stop Excessive Barking

Attention: When your Dachshund insists on barking at you, avoid responding verbally or physically. If you give them attention, they will continue barking, creating a bad habit.  Give your dog positive attention when they are quiet and showing good behavior.

Exercise: Dogs that constantly bark in the evening may be doing so out of boredom. They need to have some playtime and more walks during the day to tire them out.

Distractions:  Dachshunds have “super senses” and are easily distracted by any movement or sounds.  Close the blinds or curtains to block their view and keep them calm during the day.  Play calming music or white noise to help drown out any surrounding noises.

Socialize: It’s important to help your Dachshund get used to their new apartment life by allowing them to interact and socialize with your neighbors.  If your Dachshund gets to know your neighbor, they are less likely to bark and carry on when they are nearby.

Training: Ask your veterinarian about canine behavioral training to calm that bark.

 

5. Mental Stimulation

Dachshunds hate to be left alone and they get bored easily!  Not only does your little long dog need daily physical exercise to feel content, they also need to exercise their minds regularly.

Dachshunds who are bored or anxious tend to become destructive around the home and excessively bark throughout the day.

mini dachshund playing with a doggie IQ puzzle toys for mental stimulation
 

Boredom Busters for Dachshunds

Interactive dog toys and puzzles can help your Dachshund gain the mental stimulation that they truly need.

My Dachshund, Eko, is a sweetheart most of the time.  But, when he starts acting out to gain more attention or emphasize his boredom, I pull out his doggie IQ puzzles and interactive toys.

It’s crazy to watch him work through these puzzles to get the treat – he’s so serious and focused on the job at hand.

Puzzles and Toys:  IQ Puzzles, treat dispensing toys, and dog activity mats help a ton with doxie boredom.

Here is a list of our favorite Dachshund Toys – doxie tested and approved.

Frozen Treats: Offering frozen tasty treats smeared on a doggie licki mat can effectively divert your doxie’s attention big time! This makes them work for the treat, and they love it.  Dog-safe peanut butter and/or some banana work great.

Note: Because Dachshunds are known for their love for destruction, I recommend not leaving anything chewable or edible alone with your doxie.  Only while you are present to avoid choking.

 

Bonus Tip

Dachshunds need affection and attention every day.  Make time out of your busy schedule to just sit down and cuddle with your Dachshund.  Hold them, talk to them, and of course litter them with kisses.  They are only here on earth for a short time, make each moment count.

Is a Dachshund a Good Apartment Dog?

Sharing any sized home with a Dachshund is a cherished experience.  You can make this work for you and your little doxie too.

Do you live in an apartment with a Dachshund?  Share your experience with us below.

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