There really is nothing quite like a dachshund! A big dog in a small dog body, these hounds are often said to have Napoleon complexes because they act so tough. But often that tough show is hiding a stressed out doxie – can you tell the difference? The first step to helping your dachshund conquer his fears is recognizing when he is feeling this way. The following are some of the signs your doxie is feeling stressed or anxious.
#1 – Barking
A stressed dachshund often barks – at everything. While most breeds whine when stressed, doxies tend to be a bit more vocal. They may whine too, but most will bark when feeling anxious or if something scares them. It may sound tough, but if your doxie is barking out of fear (especially hiding while barking) this is an issue that needs to be addressed.
#2 – Cowering
Dachshunds who are stressed will often try and find a place to hide. They may cower at your feet, with their body hunched over and tail tucked, or they may try and hide under furniture.
#3 – Lip licking
Lip licking is a common sign of stress. Your dachshund may lip lick and yawn when he is anxious about something. It’s usually a slower lick than when they are tasting something good. It can also look like a “flick” where the tongue comes out and goes back in without actually licking their lips.
#4 – Furrowed Brow
Something that may be harder to notice on the long- and wire-haired varieties is the furrowed brow. Dogs (like us!) will wrinkle their foreheads when they are concerned about something.
#5 – Whale Eye
This is something a lot of dogs will do and doxies are no exception. “Whale eye” is when your dog’s eye bulge and the white around the iris is visible. This is a definite sign that your dachshund is stressed or anxious.
