Not sure if Dachshunds are needy? Here is your answer!
According to the American Kennel Club, dachshunds are intelligent needy dogs that love to give and receive lots of affection. They are generally loving and loyal companions with well-developed senses.
There is never a dull time with cute, cuddly, and friendly Dachshunds. What’s not to love about them?
Dachshunds Have A Unique Temperament
The Fédération Cynologique Internationale recognizes more than 365 dog breeds in the world.
Only a few are as distinctive (or easily recognizable) as the Dachshund. Whoever sees a Dachshund is unlikely to confuse it for a different dog breed.
They have long bodies, short legs, almond-shaped eyes, broad feet, sharp canine teeth, wide foreheads, long snouts, large floppy ears, and a muscular chest.
Now, to the big question: Are Dachshunds needy? Yes! Just as their body structure is distinct, so is their temperament.
A Dachshund loves being with familiar people; It loves to go where you go, stand where you stand, and make social contact with you. It cherishes every moment you spend together. Its most preferred space to sleep is your bed, with you in it.
The Dachshund is definitely for you if you want a shadow for a dog with plenty of compassion and grit. Dachshunds see their owners as the center of their world and will do anything to stay close to them.
Why Are Dachshunds Needy?
Owners of Dachshunds ask this question all the time. They want to know why Dachshunds are so clingy. While bondedness and loyalty are desirable qualities in dogs, overly clingy dogs are a thorn in the flesh.
Now that we have established that Dachshunds are needy dogs, here are some reasons why they can’t let you out of their sight:
Dachshunds are Pack Animals by Nature
Dachshunds are born hunters. Centuries ago, they went out in packs to hunt for badgers, rabbits, and small animals. Each pack had a bunch of animals and one leader.
The leader was responsible for guiding and directing the other pack members. Since Dachshunds are impressively loyal, they follow the leader without a grudge.
Although times have changed and ruthless animal hunters are now household pets, the pack instincts remain.
It sees the family as members of its pack. It identifies you as its leader, trusts your judgment, and loves to follow you. At this point, it is important to let your little animal know your likes and dislikes.
Dachshunds Fall Ill Too
Do not dismiss your furry friend’s behavior as a part of its nature. Many behavioral problems result from pain and the several conditions that cause them. Painful as it sounds, an illness may be why your Dachshund is clingy.
Think about it: Humans need more affection when sick than when they are well. They want more cuddles when they are ill. Dachshunds aren’t human, but the same principle works for them.
Canine intervertebral disc disease (CIDD) is the most common disease Dachshunds experience. Their unique long backs-on-legs feature is the primary reason it happens.
The good thing is this – The chances of a Dachshund developing CIDD after its 7th year reduces significantly. However, the chances of developing other medical conditions – like Dementia, kidney disease, diabetes, heart disease, arthritis, and Dementia – increases.
A healthy dog is a happy one. On the other hand, an unhappy dog is unusually moody and craves your attention.
Separation Anxiety
Dachshunds can experience separation anxiety just like humans. They try to stay close to you, following you from one place to the other. In such conditions, they become overly attached and dependent on their owner.
The pets become very anxious and display distress behaviors like destruction or vocalization when the owner is out of sight. They may also become restless, shaking, drooling, and refusing to eat.
The condition may result from a troubling experience the Dachshund has had – maybe a storm, an accident, or a disaster.
As you would expect, Dachshunds with separation anxiety become overly excited when the owner returns.
You can prevent separation anxiety by ensuring that puppies spend time alone in their crates at scheduled times.
Clingy Dachshunds May be Stressed
A dachshund can be as stressed as humans and other animals.
The stress may be for several reasons. They become needy and clingy to their owners at such times. For instance, if the other pets or family members bully a doxie, it becomes wary of them.
Your outspoken Dachshund becomes fearful in the presence of some people or animals. It would be best if you avoided such places.
You can help them overcome the fear by socializing your little sausage dog with other household pets and humans.
Boredom
Another reason why doxies stay close may be because they need some form of entertainment from you. Bored dogs are clingy.
They look up to you for entertainment. To cure boredom in dogs, you can go on a walk together, play fetch, encourage them to play tug of war, or teach them a new trick.
Boredom is temporary. They’ll be fine.
Pregnancy
A female doxie who is pregnant needs you around more than ever. The pregnancy period is a stressful period for the pet.
They look up to you (the pet owner) for some comfort and protection.
During this period, don’t forget to feed your doxie with a balanced canine diet. Also, get them checked at the vet regularly.
Needy Dachshunds are Sometimes Made, Not Born
Correcting and teaching a Dachshund is like teaching a child. Each time your animal does something wrong — on purpose or by accident — that’s a chance to correct it.
Your mode of teaching must be calm and rational. Being calm shows, you are the pack leader and are in control of your temperament. Becoming aggressive will scare your pet away and impart fear into it.
Dachshunds have no boundaries; you help them set one. For instance, don’t let it follow if you do not want an audience while in the bathroom. (Hint: Its pleading eyes may soften your heart but won’t budge. It’s a trap!)
Here is the thing: Showering your dog with too much attention could make them dependent on you.
How Much Attention is Enough for Your Dachshund?
Living with your beloved long and short Dachshund is a beautiful adventure. The pets are notoriously intelligent, mysterious, and endlessly loyal.
They are willing to help you with the chores, drive your car with you, chase out the rabbits in the environment, bark at unfamiliar faces, and burrow under your bedsheets at night.
Dachshunds are cute, and they are proud of it. They are super intelligent too. Except you can stand firm on your rules, they may end up ruling you. Dogs know when you have rules and can stand by them.
If you find it hard to enforce your rules consistently, don’t be upset when the dogs make their own rules. Somebody else has to get it done!
So what rules can a Doxie set? Here is a good guess:
- Everything belongs to me. If I can see, smell, touch, and lick, it’s mine.
- I am free to do whatever I want with it, the way I want, and whenever I want.
- Humans are to serve me.
If the rules are absurd and unreasonable to you (Hint: They should), take your responsibility as a pack leader seriously.
Dachshunds are stubborn and difficult to train. But with patience and consistency, you will win.
How Do I Stop My Dachshund’s Needy Behavior?
Dachshunds need plenty of love and attention. They want to spend time with you, not tied up on the balcony with a chain. But you don’t want them clinging to you all the time, do you?
Needy dogs follow you everywhere you go – Bathrooms, garden, bedroom. When you sit or stand, they make contact with your body. You are never alone, even in the restroom. They become like shadows trotting behind you (or next to you) with an adorable look in their eyes.
Dog clinging can be adorable at the beginning. It makes you feel loved. But there are times when you need to be alone. At such times, your small furry animal becomes a distraction. An overly clingy dog can also be dangerous. For instance, a small Dachshund at your feet may cause you to trip and fall.
Another big question is this: How do I stop my Dachshund from being needy? You do not have to stop your pet’s needy behavior completely. But you can minimize it by training them.
Here are some helpful tips:
Structure your daily activities: Dachshunds and dogs generally are creatures of habit. Give them meals at the same time of the day and schedule regular exercises. This practice will help your pet stay patient.
Direct your pet to a task: Your pet looks up to you for direction. You may instruct as simple as ‘sit down. Pat the dog when he obeys. With this, you’ll be teaching him that cooperation brings rewards.
When going out, give a prompt release like “let’s go:” You’ll teach your pet to stay patient and never run past you when going out.
Never pet your dog when he is excited: instead, pet him when he is calm. The same principle applies to all inappropriate behavior. If you don’t like it, don’t accept it. If you pet a jumping dog (who hasn’t been invited), he’ll keep at it even when you don’t want it.
Final Words
Now that you know how clingy dachshunds are, you can prepare better. Dachshunds are small, but they have lots of love to share.
They are needy creatures, and showing affection is natural for them. The Dachshund is the perfect breed if you need a clingy pet. And if you ever get tired of your pet’s needy behavior, apply the principles in this article.