10 Most Googled Questions About Dachshunds, Answered
Whether you are an experienced or first-time Dachshund parent, it’s important to understand that all Dachshunds are famous for certain doxie-specific quirks.
Here are The Most Googled Questions About Dachshunds, Answered!
Table Of Contents
Why Do Dachshunds Bark?
Dachshunds are high alert little dogs who love to bark loudly. Your Dachshund may bark because they are excited, territorial, nervous, or even bored.
Dachshunds were bred to hunt, so they tend to bark a bit more than other dog breeds. In the past, Dachshunds were used to hunt the pesky badger and other small game, like rabbits and squirrels.
Dachshunds use their “super senses” to track down their prey. Hunting Dachshunds would chase the animal into their burrow, and Bark Very Loudly to let the hunter know their location. Barking is a dachshund’s natural instinct.
Learn More: Are Dachshunds Still Used for Hunting Today?
Territorial Barking
Dachshunds are very protective of their home, family, food, and toys. When someone approaches them, they are considered a threat and the doxie ‘guard dog’ mode kicks in. Unfortunately, this particular barking trigger is more aggressive.
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Why Do Dachshunds like to Burrow?
It’s a Dachshund’s natural instinct to burrow way down deep in the covers. Doxies are known for making comfy doggie nests for sleepy time. Burrowing into a warm and cozy bed is the perfect place to feel safe.
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Why Do Dachshunds Have Bad Breath?
Dachshunds are more prone to dental hygiene problems than other dog breeds. It is important to keep your doxie’s teeth cleaned daily and maintain regular checkups with your vet to prevent dental diseases in your dog.
When my miniature dachshund, Reno, ate his meals, he would have globs of chewed up food stored next to his back teeth afterwards. I tried to massage his cheeks after his meals to help loosen it up.
Dog Dental Diseases, like gingivitis, are caused by having leftover food sit around the gums. Bad breath in dogs is commonly caused by plaque and tartar build up on your dog’s teeth and gums.
To avoid bad breath or any dental issues, routinely inspect your dachshund’s mouth after they have eat. You may find that they have some dog food deposits tucked in the back of their cheeks, right up against their teeth.
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Why Does My Dachshund Sleep So Much?
Some of the main reasons why Dachshunds sleep a bit more than other dog breeds is because of their age, lack of daily activity, diet and health. Some owners may be concerned that their doxie is sleeping a little too much throughout the day.
Dachshund’s Age:
The amount of sleep your Dachshund needs can depend on their age. Sleep needs change throughout your Dachshund’s life. Just like people, young Dachshund puppies and older seniors require more sleep than adult dachshunds. It is normal for your dachshund puppy to sleep up to 20 hours a day!
Daily Activity:
Take daily walks with your dachshund for at least 20 minutes. Walking your dog before you leave for the day and when you return home is a great way to keep your doxie happy and healthy. It is important for you to help your dachshund maintain a healthy weight through exercise and diet to avoid back issues, like IVDD.
Diet:
Your dog’s diet can also dictate how often they want to sleep. Make sure you are giving your dachshund the recommended daily amount of ‘high quality’ dog food.
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Health:
If you notice a big change in your Dachshund’s sleeping habits, there may be a cause for concern. A Dachshund that doesn’t feel well will sleep a lot more.
If your dog seems slower than usual, excessively sleepy, acting lethargic, grumpy, disoriented, or not eating like usual, it may be time to visit the vet for a check-up.
Diseases, like Diabetes and Hyperthyroidism can change sleeping habits. The Dachshund dog breed is prone to both diseases, so it doesn’t hurt to have your vet check them out.
Why Does My Dachshund Always Lick Me?
Dachshund kisses are the best, aren’t they? Did you know it isn’t just a doggie kiss you are receiving, your doxie could be trying to tell you something.
Your dog could be licking you to show affection, submission, or they could be asking for attention. Did you know that licking makes your dog feel better? It releases endorphins that can help calm anxiety and relieve stress.
My Dachshund, Eko (pictured below), is an expert face licker!
Why Does My Dachshund Chew Everything?
Puppies:
As young puppies, Dachshunds use their mouths to explore their surroundings. It is important to have MANY toys and chew treats available for your pup to chew on. This will help deter your pup from chewing on your shoes and furniture.
Adults:
You may be experiencing some Destructive Chewing from your Adult Dachshund if they suffer from Separation Anxiety. Keep your dachshund in a designated area, like a puppy playpen, to help keep them out of trouble.
Always have a dog chew toy or treat available…for every age. Even though Adult Dachshunds have lost their baby teeth, they still need to chew.
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Why Does My Dachshund Dig?
Origin
The Dachshund is a hunting dog. They were bred to run, dig, and bark in order to hunt the mighty badger. During the hunt, they had a lot of digging to do in order to flush out their prey.
Temperature
Your doxie might be too hot on a summer day and wants to dig and lay in the cool dirt. Be careful though, if that cool dirt is moist, it may contain parasites or worms that can burrow into your dog’s skin! Help your doxie find some cool shade or air conditioning so they are more comfortable.
Boredom
Your dog may be bored and need something more constructive to do. Keep up their daily exercise, walking, or play routine to tire them out.
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Why Do Dachshunds Eat Grass?
Eating grass generally indicates a digestive problem. If your dog is eating clumps of grass and dirt, they may have diarrhea or a GI issue. Some types of soil can help calm your dog’s upset stomach by quickly moving the “issue” through their digestive tract to detox their GI system.
Unfortunately, if your dachshund eats too much grass, it can make them sick. If your dog is just eating grass to eat grass, he could be consuming harmful bacteria, parasites, bugs, chemical pesticides, and animal feces.
Here are the common parasites dogs can get from eating dirt.
Why Does My Dachshund’s Ears Stink?
If your doxie’s ears stink, it usually means there is an infection. Dachshunds with ear issues will have the following symptoms: Ear Scratching, Head Shaking, Stinky Ear Odor, Ear Discharge, Head Tilting, and Pain.
A Dachshund’s low hanging, floppy ears are more likely to have ear infections than other dog ear types.
Air flow to the inner ear is very poor, which makes them more prone to holding warm moisture, causing an infection. They also make a cozy home for fleas, mites, and ticks who will breed and defecate inside the dog’s ear, causing more problems.
If your dog is prone to stinky ears, you can prevent future infections by cleaning your dog’s ears out every week.
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Why Does My Dachshund Fart So Much?
Has your dachshund been clearing a room with their nuclear smelling toots? Nasty farts are caused by something your doxie is eating. Take a look at the ingredients of your dog’s food. There may be certain ingredients causing your dachshund’s tummy distress.
Human food and table scraps are a big no no for doxies. The fat and sugar content of our human food can not be processed properly by our dachshund’s GI system. It can cause painful stomach distress, bloating, and stinky farts.
When my mini dachshund, Reno, was experiencing bad breath and tarter on his back teeth, I tried a liquid dog teeth cleaner to add to his water. It was supposed to help clean his teeth and freshen his breath, but it only caused horrendous gas. Yuck! When I stopped the teeth cleaner liquid, the farts stopped too.
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Why Do Dachshund’s Feet Smell like Popcorn?
This smell is due to yeast or bacteria on your doxie’s feet. No real reason to be alarmed, unless the smell is over powering.
Even if you are a super experienced dachshund owner, every dachshund comes with their own set of ‘unique behaviors’. Searching for a quick answer on the web has been such a helpful resource to all of us.
Do you have any Questions About Dachshunds? Let us know below.
I have a four year old dachshund who I love dearly. he hasnt been the easiest to train though. I just got him fully house broken about six months ago. Ive been looking to better way of training with some of his other issues like trimming his nails and separation anxiety. A lot of blogs on here are filled with good information. Ive looked into some classes too. Brain training has been suggested to me along with the private classes at pets mart. Im wondering if these classes are worth a shot.
Hi Cody, Dachshunds are very loving, but do tend to be harder to train compared to other dog breeds. You are not alone.
As far as trimming nails, have your tried the peanut butter method? Here is a video on Utube.
If this doesn’t work, you can have a groomer trim the nails. I totally understand, my doxie, Eko, hates having his nails trimmed.
For Separation Anxiety, here is my full write up on how I got through it (personal experience with Dog Separation Anxiety).
Yes, if these methods don’t work for your dachshund’s anxiety, definitely try some training classes. I’m not familiar with the dog brain training, so I’m not sure if it works. There are TONS of dog training videos for free on Utube if you are looking for a particular thing to work on.
For over a year my doxie is trained to go on her potty pads cuz we live on 3rd. floor. The problem is, when I take her to my daughter’s or my moms house she won’t potty outside!!!! She has never pottied outdoors!!! I try to make her go when we’re outside. I tell her potty repeatedly!!! How can I get her to go outside?
Hi Sheri, that is a tough one. I totally understand potty pad training your doxie since you are on the 3rd floor. Yes, visiting others with a yard available can be confusing to your pup. She is used to going on the pads, so that is what she knows.
You can try taking the potty pad outside to see if that helps her go on the pad outside. Or, You can try using a puppy potty attractant spray (From Amazon) to help entice her to go where the scent is. The spray helps to attract your dog to do her business. Good luck, I hope this helps.
I was thinking of getting a daschund for my Mum who is living alone for the first time in her life. She wants a little companion but it concerned about barking. I think I daschund would be good for her as she isn’t super active but she has a big backyard. They are adorable, I wouldn’t mind getting one myself!
Hi Andrea, Dachshunds really are great companions. Yes, the barking is a concern with doxies, they feel they are doing a service for us when they hear any sound, haha. Socializing them with lots of different sounds early on really helps them later in life. If you do get a dachshund, make sure to share some cute pictures with us on our Dachshund Station Facebook Page. ;) Take care.