Do you know how to tell when your Doxie is bored? Dachshunds are smart little dogs that have lots of energy and a strong prey drive. This means that if they don’t have something to do, they will come up with a way to expel that energy – and you are probably not going to like it. Here are 5 signs your Dachshund is bored and how to bust that boredom!
#1 – Destructive Behavior
Dachshunds are busy dogs and that high prey drive means they like to destroy things. If your Doxie is “killing” your kid’s toys, shoes, etc., he is probably bored. The exceptions would be if he is teething or suffers from separation anxiety. Too much energy and not enough outlets for it equals a nice chew fest.
#2 – Demand Barking
We all know Doxies like to bark. Does your Dachshund bark at you incessantly? Guess what? He IS trying to tell you something. Mainly, “I am bored, play with me!” Don’t give in to it, however, that will just reinforce the barking. Instead, wait for him to be quiet and then find him something better to do.
#3 – Whining
Your Dachshund may also whine. Whining can be a tricky behavior to figure out. It can mean your Doxie needs out if he is trained to whine to go potty. It can also be stress related or from pain. But a bored dog will whine as well. If you’ve ruled out the other reasons, it could be your Doxie is needs something to do. Especially in young dogs, you may find them whining at the door even though they just went to the bathroom, or while following you around.
#4 – Digging
Chances are, you know what your Dachshund was bred for – digging is something they love to do! If your Doxie has turned your backyard into a wasteland of holes, he needs something else to do. Digging is a self-rewarding behavior and is a great energy release…at least your dog thinks so. You, probably not so much.
#5 – Getting in Your Face
Dogs use body language to communicate with us, whether we understand them or not. Does your Dachshund force himself into your lap and put his face right in yours, staring at you? He may also relentlessly paw you, nudge you with his nose and not leave you alone. He is telling you he wants to be entertained. It’s just like what a human kid would do if he was bored.
How To Bust Your Dachshund’s Boredom
Luckily, there are many ways to keep your Doxie from getting bored and displaying these unpleasant behaviors. Exercise is a great choice, but you will still need to give his brain something to do. Training not only wears them out mentally, but also physically, effectively curbing that boredom. Puzzle toys are another way to keep your Dachshund occupied. They make toys where dogs can pull furry little creatures out of a container again and again, satisfying hunting instincts. For the digger, you can give them their own area of the yard to dig in. Doggy sand boxes with toys and treats buried are amazing for boredom busting. If they crave doggy play time, try a doggy day care. In short, anything that provides mental and physical stimulation will help your Doxie not be bored.
