Simple Ways to Keep Your Dachshund Busy

Signs Your Dachshund Is Bored

Dachshunds are clever pups, and when they’re not getting enough mental and physical stimulation, they can quickly become bored.

Boredom in dogs, especially an energetic breed like the Dachshund, can unfortunately lead to unwanted behaviors.

Here are some signs that your Dachshund might be feeling bored and under-stimulated.

Seeking Attention:

A bored Dachshund may follow you around the house, nudge you, or even act mischievously to get your attention.

When I sit at my computer for work, my Dachshund, Eko, will paw at my feet and let out a small “woof.”  This isn’t a behavior that necessarily needs to be stopped.  He is simply asking for my attention.

Well, one day while I was working at the computer, Eko’s adorable attention seeking request turned into a spiteful mess making tantrum.  I turned around to find Eko spreading bits of paper everywhere, just having a ball.

He had gotten up on a table, grabbed an envelope filled with papers (my son’s homemade paper puzzle), and spread them all over the floor…and I caught it on video: Bored Puppy Video (from our YouTube Channel). 

Although this video is cute, Eko was being very clear that he was bored and seeking attention.

Destructive Behavior:

Chewed up pillows, pee on the carpet, garbage tipped over… does any of this sound familiar? Acting out is a definite sign of pent-up energy that needs to be released.

A BORED DACHSHUND IS A DESTRUCTIVE DACHSHUND!

Doxies often get themselves into trouble just to entertain themselves.

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Constant Barking:

Excessive barking can occur when your Dachshund doesn’t have enough to do.

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 and help promote a good night’s sleep. More on that below…

Obsessive Behaviors:

Does your doxie constantly chew on their paws or chase their tail in circles? This could be a sign of boredom or anxiety.

When you walk around the house, do you feel like you are being stalked by a short-legged shadow? Dachshunds are well-known for sticking very close to their owners, even following them to the bathroom.

If your little long dog is always underfoot and it’s interfering with their ability to find rest or relax, it could be a sign of an obsessive behavior.

Ways To Keep Your Dachshund Busy

While I’m still waiting for the magic fairy to help keep my kids occupied at home, I did come up with some easy ways to keep my Dachshunds occupied while I’m trying to get some work done around the house. 

This is Key: Make sure they get enough daily exercise to stay healthy and burn off excess energy, along with enough mental stimulation to engage their doggie brain and keep them entertained. Here’s how!

Physical Exercise:

Routine physical exercise prevents boredom and helps lower your Dachshund’s anxiety and stress levels. It’s also a great way to give your doxie the one-on-one time they crave.

At the very least, you should take your Dachshund on a 20-minute walk two times per day.

Keep it fresh! Change up your walking routine occasionally and hit the hiking trails with your little long dog. This allows them to explore new territory while providing excellent exercise for both the body and mind.

Tip: Use a Comfortable Dachshund Harness during hikes and walks to protect your pup’s spine and neck.

Mental Stimulation:

Dachshunds were bred to hunt, so they love to use their brains to sniff out and search for hidden items.

Solving puzzles can help grow your doxie’s intellectual skills and increase their excitement to learn by including yummy treats with playtime.

Keeping your Dachshund occupied with doggie puzzle toys can help stop destructive behavior and reduce symptoms of Dachshund Separation Anxiety.

Here are some of our favorite interactive dog toys and IQ puzzles – a great way to help your Dachshund stay mentally stimulated!

#1 Choice: Bob-A-Lot

This is the best treat-dispensing toy we’ve found!  The Bob-A-Lot from Amazon keeps Dachshunds happy, engaged, and rewarded with tasty dog treats.

It helps reduce anxiety and provides lots of mental stimulation for pups that get bored easily.  The Bob-A-Lot dispenses dog food or small treats slowly to prevent overeating and reduce the risk of Dachshund obesity.

Post You Should Read: Weight Loss Tips For Dachshunds

Enrichment Tube

My vet suggested fleece dog toys for my doxies because they are easier on their teeth and don’t fray like rope toys (which are dangerous for their digestive system). This is our favorite fleece dog toy combo – the Enrichment Tube (pictured below with sweet Gretta).

This cute 3-in-1 dog toy combo comes with two fleece dog toys and the tube itself is treat dispenser that they can roll around. It’s an absolute favorite for my little long dogs. It keeps their noses and their brains busy – which keeps them out of trouble.

Dog Snuffle Ball

This Dog Snuffle Ball is so cool! Roll up your doxie’s favorite dog food or treats in a handful of fleece strips, then let them unravel the strands for a fun, slow-paced ‘seek and find’ activity. It’s a great way to slow down meals or keep them entertained for a while. My Dachshunds love it.

Dog Snuffle Mat

I found this colorful Dog Snuffle Mat on Amazon many years ago.  It is easy to wash and keeps both of my dogs busy! 

Note: My dog’s snuffle mat in the picture is an older model, the one on Amazon looks different, but just as fun.

The snuffle mat is like a “sniff and find” activity mat where you hide your dog’s food and small treats under little flaps and inside hidden pockets.

Wicked Ball

The Wicked Ball (From Amazon) is an interactive toy that responds to your dog’s touch.  It rolls around the floor and lights up to keep your doxie playing for a long time.  Here is a cute video of  Eko Playing With His Wicked Ball.

Here’s another interactive dog ball with thicker ropes attached.

Frozen Treats:

Cool Yogurt Dog Treats: Frozen Dog Treat Recipes really don’t contain that many ingredients and are really fun to make at home…Easiest DIY Ever!  Here’s a quick 2-ingredient recipe:

• Combine 2 cups of plain yogurt and 1 cup of dog-friendly fruit like blueberries, strawberries, or bananas in a blender.
• Then pour this smooth mixture into your favorite doxie-themed ice cube tray.
• Let them set in the freezer for about 5 hours.

Frozen Licki Mats smeared with half of a banana and/or dog-safe peanut butter can effectively keep your doxie’s attention.

Frozen Kong Treats: Giving your dog a frozen treat in a Kong dog toy can also keep them busy for hours.  Check out the Ultimate Kong Stuffing Recipe Guide from Rover.com.

DIY Dog Brain Games:

Dachshunds naturally love to forage for food and treats.  This is a really fun game you can play with plastic Easter Eggs: DIY Brain Games for Your Dachshund Video.
It’s a really easy way to mentally stimulate your Dachshund right in the comfort of your own home.

Dog IQ Puzzles:

The Dog Activity Poker Box is so much fun!  It is labeled a level 2 dog puzzle.  My Dachshund, Eko, took a couple of days to be able to get through all of the boxes.  He gets so excited when I bring this puzzle toy out to play.  I use small pieces of chicken to hide in each box.

The next super easy-to-use dog puzzle toy is dishwasher safe! Just place your dog’s regular dog food or special treats around the puzzle and let them work through each slider. This one hold’s my puppy, Gretta’s, attention for a while. Mealtime is so much more fun now!

What’s your favorite way to keep your Dachshund busy?  Let us know in the comments below.

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Helpful Links:

• DIY Dog Toys for Boredom-Busting Fun
• DIY Dog Toys on Pinterest