Simple Ways To Keep Your Dachshund Busy
Has your Dachshund been demanding a bit more attention lately? I know mine have. But, work and chores still need to happen. So how can we keep our doxies occupied?
Here are some Simple Ways To Keep Your Dachshund Busy.
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Signs Your Dachshund Is Bored
Here are some clear signs that your dachshund is bored:
Seeking Attention
Destructive Behavior
Excessive Barking
Obsessive Behaviors
Seeking Attention:
When I sit at my computer, little doxie, 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 asking for my attention, so that’s reasonable.
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, right in front of me.
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. Here is the video of my Bored Puppy (from our YouTube Channel).
Although this video is cute, Eko was being very clear that he was bored and needed more attention.
Destructive Behavior:
Chewed up pillows, peed on couch, poo on the carpet, garbage tipped over… does any of this sound familiar? Your pup is bored.
A Bored Dachshund can be very destructive.
Doxies tend to get themselves into trouble just to entertain themselves.
Post You May Like: Common Dachshund Behavior Issues
Barking:
Excessive Barking can occur when your dachshund doesn’t have enough to do…they are bored. 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.
Obsessive Behaviors:
Does your pup constantly chew on his paws or chase his tail round and round? This is an act of boredom.
When you walk around the house, do you feel like you are being stalked by a short-legged shadow? I admit, dachshunds are famous for following us around, but they also love to explore and sniff.
If they are always at your feet with no rest, that is considered obsessive behavior.
Pictured below is Eko and Bastian stuck like glue to my husband. He is literally a dachshund magnet during our evening TV time.
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 doxies occupied while I’m trying to get some work done around the house.
It helps to make sure they have enough daily exercise to stay healthy and burn off extra energy and to use mental stimulation to have fun using their doggie brain power.
Physical Exercise:
Routine physical exercise not only prevents boredom, but also helps lower your dog’s anxiety and stress levels. It’s also a great way to give your doxie the one-on-one time with you that he craves.
Take your dachshund on a 20 minute walk daily (twice per day would be even better).
Try taking your dachshund on some nature hikes with you. Dachshunds thoroughly enjoy the open forest. There are so many new sites and smells to explore.
Note: Always use a dachshund harness during hikes and walks to protect your dachshund’s spines and avoid collar choking.
Mental Stimulation:
Interactive dog toys and IQ puzzles are a great way to help your dachshund stay mentally stimulated. Dachshunds were originally 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 Separation Anxiety.
Top Boredom Buster Dog Toys
Here are some of our favorite dog puzzle toys on the market.
#1 Choice: Bob-A-Lot
This is the Best Dog Treat Dispensing Toy we have found that works! The Bob-A-Lot toy from Amazon makes it easy to keep Dachshunds happy, busy, and rewarded with yummy 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 over-eating and dachshund obesity.
Post You May Like: Weight Loss Tips For Dachshunds
My dachshund, Eko, loves his Bob-A-Lot toy so much, I had to get a video of him playing with it on our Dachshund Station YouTube Channel.
#2: Dog Snuffle Mat
I found this colorful Dog Snuffle Mat on Amazon. It is a great price, 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.
Little Eko and his Big Brother, Bastian, both Love the dog snuffle mat for every meal. It’s awesome to see how this mat promotes fun and doggie brain power.
#3: 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.
You can find some more entertaining Dog IQ Puzzles, Boredom Buster Activity Mats, and Interactive doggie toys on our Dachshund Gift Post. They will definitely help keep your pup occupied for a while.
#4: 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.
#5: DIY Dog Toys
If your Dachshund goes through a lot of dog toys and you are looking for some cheaper options, you can try making some from materials around your house. Keep your doxie occupied with Dog Toys You Can Make From Things Around the House.
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.
Bonus: Dog Puzzle Box
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.
What keeps your Dachshund busy when you are trying to get things done? Let us know in the comments below.
My 2 1/2 yr old has become aggressive since the death of his older brother. He is very possessive of me and when we sit in our chair, he will try to bite my husband and mother if they come near me. He has never been a super outdoorsy dachshund but he used to play outside and explore with his brother. His brother died suddenly end of April. Is this where it would be a good idea to get him another companion? Will this ease these issues?
Hi Audrey,
I’m so sorry for your loss. I’m sure it was very hard on you and now this sudden change in behavior doesn’t help. Yes, this change in behavior could be because of the recent loss, or it could be a change in hormones. Many dachshund parents report a change in behavior around the age of 2-3 years old – especially if they haven’t been fixed.
I believe that adding a new dog at this time may be a little too soon and will not make this better. Getting over the shock of losing a dog suddenly takes time, make sure to take that time for yourself.
As far as the possessive behavior with you… If he is aggressive with others when he sits with you, then I would not let him have that privilege of sitting with you. If he could hurt others, that thing he is possessed with should be removed.
Consider taking your doxie to get some dog training. This will give him some social time with other dogs, and work his brain a bit. He will need plenty of consistent walks throughout the week to keep the physical exercise up and playtime with you and/or some doggie IQ toys to work on the mental stimulation. A dachshund that doesn’t have enough to do will get bored and aggressive.
Here are some helpful things to try as well:
How To Stop Dachshund Behavior Problems
Dog possessive behavior
What if you have a senior miniature dacshund that you rescued from a homeless person that would feed him only people food.?And so he doesn’t know how to play with toys and turns his nose up to dogfood of any kind.
Hello, this would definitely be a special case. Thank you for rescuing your dachshund. You could try mixing the people food in with dog food and gradually reducing the people food.
If it was me, I would consult my vet to see what they suggest to make sure the doxie is getting the proper nutrients they need.
As far as not really liking dog toys… try other things like taking your dachshund places for a special walk or hike. My dachshund, Bastian, loves going for walks and getting special dog treats afterwards. I believe he actually likes walks more than toys.
Thank you Ava. You mentioned there can also be a behavior change after 3 -is that change without getting neutered-and what change might that be?
Hi Liz, You are very welcome. Many doxie parents notice a “behavior” change anywhere between 1 and 3 years if they Have Not been fixed. I noticed the behavior change at 10 months old with my dachshund puppy, Eko. The behavior change can include marking, humping, aggressive behavior… My doxie had the aggressive behavior and marking issue, so we got him fixed after his 1st birthday.
I am on the fence about whether I should get my Doxie neutered! It was recommended t wait for his first year, even til age 2. With Covid, I didn’t just want to pass him through the window and leave him for a neuter. He will be 3 in July and some things I have read make me question what to do. I love him dearly and just want to do what is best for him. I want to know that it is totally right for a mini dachshund, not just have a neuter done cause across the board vets say neuter all dogs. Your response will be appreciated!
Hello Liz, It is a personal decision really. If you do want to get your doxie fixed, here are some things to review first. This should give you an idea of why they want us to wait at least 1 year before having the surgery:
5 Reasons Why You Should Wait To Fix Your Dachshund
If you haven’t noticed any aggression issues, marking, etc… you can choose not to fix him, it’s your choice. Some doxie owners notice a change in behavior after they turn one, so that generally helps them make the decision whether to get them fixed or not. There can also be a behavior change after 3, dachshund depending.
Thanks so helpful. Great tips on how to keep him stimulated!
What is the best car seat belt for my mini dachsund. He is 12 years old
Hello Anne,
Thanks so much for the nice compliment. I’m so glad these ‘busy tips’ will help your dachshund. The best car seat belt for dachshunds that actually passed crash testing is called the sleepypod. Here is some more info on that: https://www.dachshundstation.com/seat-belts-dachshunds/