The Dachshund is a brave, curious, long-bodied hound originally bred to follow scent and dig after burrowing animals, and it brings that bold spirit into family life. Owners most often struggle with barking, slow house training, digging, stubbornness and protecting that long, sensitive back.
Dachshund at a glance
- Size: small (miniature) or small to medium (standard); short legs and a long back.
- Energy level: moderate; enjoys walks, sniffing and play, then long naps.
- Shedding level: low to moderate, depending on coat type (smooth, long or wire).
- Barking tendency: high; many Dachshunds are vocal watchdogs with a surprisingly deep bark.
- Good for first-time owners: with work. Loving, but independent and sometimes stubborn.
- Time alone tolerance: low to moderate; many bond closely and prefer company.
Common Dachshund problems and solutions
Why does my Dachshund bark so much?
Dachshunds were bred to work independently and announce what they found, so barking comes naturally. Reward quiet, block views of the street, and give daily sniffing walks and puzzle toys to reduce boredom. Our guide on why dogs bark at everything explains how to handle each type of barking.
Why is my Dachshund so hard to potty train?
Many owners find house training slow, especially in cold or wet weather. Stick to a strict schedule, go outside with your dog, reward immediately and clean accidents with an enzyme cleaner so the smell does not draw your dog back. A covered potty area can help in winter. See why a puppy keeps peeing in the house for common mistakes, and read about the house-trained dog having accidents if an adult starts slipping.
How do I protect my Dachshund’s back?
The long spine needs care throughout life. Keep your dog lean, use ramps or steps for sofas and beds, limit jumping and stairs, and support the chest and hindquarters when you pick your dog up. Use a harness instead of a collar on walks, and keep your dog fit with regular, steady exercise rather than rough play.
Why is my Dachshund so stubborn?
Hounds are independent thinkers, not slow learners, and Dachshunds were bred to make their own decisions underground. Make training worth their while with tasty rewards and short, fun sessions, and avoid harsh corrections, which usually make a Dachshund dig in harder. Consistency from every family member matters most.
Why does my Dachshund dig?
Digging is a deep-rooted instinct in a breed made for going after burrowing animals. Give a legal digging spot such as a sandbox with buried toys, supervise in the garden and offer snuffle mats or blankets to burrow in indoors. Rewarding your dog for using its digging spot quickly makes it the favourite place.
Why does my Dachshund bark at night?
Alert dogs hear every sound outside, and Dachshunds often take their night watch very seriously. Give a last potty break, keep the sleeping area close and cosy, and use white noise to mask outside noises. Read how to stop dog barking at night for a full routine.
Why does my Dachshund bark at the neighbours?
Seeing or hearing neighbours often triggers alert barking. Use window film or close blinds, reward your dog for looking at you and keep garden time supervised. Our article on dogs barking at neighbours has more practical steps.
Why is my Dachshund wary of strangers?
Many Dachshunds are devoted to their family and cautious with new people. Let your dog approach in its own time, have visitors toss treats rather than reaching over its head and continue socialising throughout life. Never force interactions, which can make a cautious dog more worried. Short, positive visits work far better than long, overwhelming ones.
Why does my Dachshund follow me everywhere?
Dachshunds often bond strongly with one person. That closeness is sweet, but if your dog panics when you leave the room, practise short calm separations and read why your dog follows you everywhere.
Why does my Dachshund pull on the leash?
Scent hounds want to follow their noses. Use a harness, reward a loose leash and give “sniff breaks” as a reward for walking nicely. See how to stop a dog pulling on the leash for a step-by-step plan.
Why does my Dachshund steal and guard things?
Some Dachshunds grab socks, food or toys and run off with them. Avoid chasing, which turns it into a game; instead, trade for a tasty treat and teach “drop it” with rewards. Keep tempting items out of reach while your dog is learning. If guarding includes growling or snapping, a qualified reward-based trainer or behaviour professional can help you build trust safely.
Do Dachshunds shed?
Smooth coats shed lightly, long coats shed more and need brushing, and wire coats need occasional hand-stripping or trimming. A quick weekly brush suits most dogs; our dog shedding hub has more tips.
Training tips for a Dachshund
- Keep sessions short and fun. A few minutes at a time keeps an independent hound interested.
- Use high-value rewards. Tiny pieces of tasty food work well, counted as part of daily meals.
- Reward quiet. Mark and treat calm moments when your dog hears a noise but stays silent.
- Teach “drop it” and “leave it”. These cues help with stealing, scavenging and guarding.
- Build recall with a long line. Scent hounds can wander after smells; see teaching your dog to come when called.
- Use the nose. Scent games and snuffle mats tire a Dachshund’s brain in a satisfying way.
- Socialise gently. Introduce new people, dogs and places at a calm pace with plenty of treats.
Health questions owners ask
Are Dachshunds prone to back problems?
Back problems are one of the most widely discussed health topics in Dachshunds because of their long spine. Watch for reluctance to move, a hunched posture, wobbliness or crying when picked up, and contact your vet promptly if you see these signs.
Why is my Dachshund gaining weight?
Dachshunds love food and can gain weight easily, which adds load on the back. Measure meals, limit treats and keep up daily walks, and ask your vet how to check body condition.
Do Dachshunds have dental problems?
Dental issues are commonly discussed in small breeds. Brush regularly if your dog accepts it, introduce tooth brushing slowly with treats, and ask your vet about dental checkups.
Why is my Dachshund scratching so much?
Itching can come from allergies, parasites or skin irritation. Read why dogs scratch so much and talk to your vet for a proper check.
Is a Dachshund right for you?
Is a Dachshund good for apartments?
Size-wise yes, but barking needs work so neighbours stay happy. Elevators or ground-floor homes are easier on the back than lots of stairs. Start quiet training early, use white noise to soften hallway sounds and plan daily sniffing walks so your dog is tired enough to relax indoors.
Are Dachshunds good with kids?
Many are loving with respectful, older children. Teach kids to support the back when holding the dog and to let it rest, and supervise play with young children. Sitting on the floor for cuddles is safer than carrying the dog around.
Do Dachshunds get along with other pets?
Many live well with other dogs and cats when raised together, and some enjoy having a canine friend to play with. Their hunting instinct may make small pets like rodents a challenge, so supervise closely.
Is a Dachshund good for first-time owners?
Possible for patient beginners ready to train consistently. You might also compare with the Beagle or the Cardigan Welsh Corgi, which also needs back-friendly care.
Related guides
- Barking problems and solutions
- Potty training help
- Separation anxiety help
- Leash problems and pulling
- Dog destroys things when alone
- Enrichment toys and snuffle mats
Share your Dachshund experience
Do you share your home with a Dachshund? Share your barking and training tips in our dog owners community, or explore more dog breed guides.