Energy and natural instincts
Most Dachshunds have more stamina and determination than their size suggests, and many love a good walk with time to sniff. Energy levels vary between standard and miniature dogs and between coat types, and individuals differ a lot.
Many Dachshunds are vocal and can be stubborn. Short, fun games with food rewards work better than long training sessions.
- ScentingAn excellent nose for following trails.
- Digging and burrowingDigging in the garden, burrowing under blankets.
- BarkingA big bark, often used to announce everything.
- BoldnessOften fearless, even with much bigger dogs.
- IndependenceWill often make their own decisions.
Why mental enrichment matters for Dachshunds
A bored Dachshund often digs the garden, shreds bedding or barks at every noise. Scent and dig games give those instincts a safe outlet, and nose work is one of the most tiring activities you can offer without stressing their back.
Mental enrichment is also important when a Dachshund is on restricted activity, for example after a back injury, when physical exercise must be limited on your vet's advice.
The best types of enrichment for a Dachshund
Henry plans across six enrichment needs. These are the ones that usually matter most for this breed, in order.
6 enrichment activities for Dachshunds
Times are a starting point for an adult dog. Shorten everything for puppies and seniors, and stop while your dog still wants more.
Treat trail on the lawn
A short, wiggly trail of treats across flat grass with a small reward at the end. All nose, no jumping.
- 1Hold your Dachshund back, or ask a family member to.
- 2Drop treats in a curving line across flat grass, with a few at the end.
- 3Bring them to the start and let them follow.
- 4Gradually make the trail longer, with fewer treats.
Blanket burrow search
Hide treats in the folds of a blanket on the floor and let them burrow and nose them out. Uses the "go to ground" instinct safely at floor level.
Shallow dig box
A low-sided tub of sand or soil with treats and a toy buried in it. Keep the sides low enough to step in without jumping.
Snuffle mat meal
Part of a meal in a snuffle mat. Dachshunds can be prone to weight gain, which adds strain to the back, so measure portions.
Full guide: Snuffle matCup shell game
A treat under one of three cups. Shuffle slowly and let them choose. Quick, quiet and back-friendly.
Sniff walk
A slow walk on a harness (not a collar, to protect the neck and back) where they get to sniff. Choose routes without lots of steps.
Indoor and outdoor options
Indoors
- Blanket burrow searches
- Indoor scent games at floor level
- Snuffle mat and lick mat
- Cup shell games and DIY puzzles
- Floor-level trick training: "touch", "spin" (gently), "settle"
Outdoors
- Treat trails on flat grass
- A shallow dig box
- Sniff walks on a harness
- Scatter feeding on the lawn
- Gentle exploring of new, flat places
Enrichment through the life stages
Puppies
Teach a Dachshund puppy good habits early: lift them on and off furniture, use ramps, and avoid stairs where possible. Short scent games, blanket burrows and gentle socialisation suit them well. Keep sessions brief and let them sleep.
Adult dogs
Most adults are happy with a sniffy daily walk, a foraging meal and a short scent or dig game. Keep them lean, and avoid games that involve jumping, twisting or standing on hind legs.
Senior dogs
Older Dachshunds can find scent work and puzzles easier than walks. Provide ramps and non-slip surfaces at home, and see your vet urgently if you notice wobbliness, reluctance to move, crying out or weakness in the back legs, as these can be signs of a back problem.
Common enrichment mistakes with Dachshunds
- Jumping games. Avoid frisbee, high ball catches, begging on hind legs and jumping on and off furniture.
- Flirt poles and fast chase games. Sudden turns and twists can strain the back. Use scent games instead.
- Overfeeding with treats. Extra weight increases strain on the spine.
- Walking on a collar. A well-fitted harness spreads the pressure more safely.
Safety considerations
- Dachshunds are at increased risk of IVDD. If your dog has a back problem, follow your vet's exercise advice exactly, and stick to gentle nose work during recovery.
- Use ramps and steps for furniture and cars, and keep floors non-slip.
- Keep dig box sides low and fill it with clean sand or soil, away from garden chemicals.
- Measure food carefully and use part of the daily ration for enrichment.
Example daily enrichment routine
| When | What to do |
|---|---|
| Morning | Breakfast in a snuffle mat (10 minutes). |
| Midday | Sniff walk on a harness (20 to 40 minutes). |
| Afternoon | Treat trail or dig box (10 minutes). |
| Evening | Blanket burrow search, then a lick mat on a low bed. |
Example weekly enrichment schedule
An example for a healthy adult Dachshund with no back problems and about 15 to 20 minutes of planned enrichment a day, plus walks.
| Day | Main activity | Short extra |
|---|---|---|
| Monday | Treat trail on the lawn | Snuffle mat breakfast |
| Tuesday | Blanket burrow search | Cup shell game |
| Wednesday | Shallow dig box | Lick mat |
| Thursday | Sniff walk on a new flat route | Indoor scent hides |
| Friday | DIY puzzle | Scatter feeding |
| Saturday | Longer sniff walk | Treat trail |
| Sunday | Easy walk | Calm time together |
Dachshund enrichment questions
What enrichment is safe for a Dachshund with IVDD?+
Only what your vet approves. During recovery that usually means gentle, low-movement activities like lick mats, short sniffing at floor level and calm handling, while physical activity is restricted. Ask your vet before reintroducing anything more active.
Why does my Dachshund dig in blankets?+
Burrowing and digging are part of the breed's hunting history. Giving them a blanket to burrow into, with the odd hidden treat, is a lovely safe outlet.
How do I stop my Dachshund barking so much?+
Daily scent work and reduced access to windows can help with boredom barking. If barking is linked to fear or being left alone, get advice from your vet or a qualified behaviour professional.
Should Dachshunds use stairs?+
Many vets recommend minimising stairs and jumping for Dachshunds. Ramps and lifting help protect the back.
