Why Are Dachshunds So Needy?

Last Updated on August 26, 2021

If you’ve recently become a paw-rent to an adorable dachshund, you’re going to find out really soon that dachshunds, also known as wiener dogs, are really needy.  Why are dachshunds so needy, anyway? And more importantly, what can you do to stop it?

Dachshunds are pretty infamous for being super-clingy and needy with their owners. But, they’re certainly not the only breeds that are known for this. Needy behavior can be due to a variety of reasons including pack mentality, separation anxiety, and bonding.

Of course, like every behavior or trait, all dogs are individuals. Not all Dachshunds are needy. But if yours is displaying this behavior it can be frustrating at times.

Keep reading to learn all about what causes dachshund neediness and what you can do to help your dog stop being so needy.

Why Are Dachshunds So Needy?

Your Dachshund’s neediness can show itself in different ways like constantly being at your feet, all the way to getting sick when you leave, or being aggressive in an attempt to prevent you from leaving. After a while, your dog’s neediness can get annoying, and sometimes even concerning.

Here are some of the reasons why dachshunds are so clingy and needy towards their paw-rents:

History and Breeding

Here’s a fun fact for you: From German, Dachshund translates to badger dog. Hundred of years ago, these long-bodied burrowers were prime hunting dogs for badgers, foxes, rabbits, and other pests. Like other hounds, these hunts were always done with packs of Dachshunds.

Due to this, and the last 500 years that they’ve spent as lap dogs, they’ve developed a true need for social contact, whether it’s human or canine. 

Pack Mentality

All dogs, even the darling Dachshund, have a lineage that traces back to one common origin: the wolf. This is where your dog’s need for attention originally stems from. Living in packs, these animals have become social animals that thrive off of physical and social contact with their pack mates or their humans. 

Crave Affection

Dachshunds crave attention and affection from their paw-rents. They form extremely strong emotional bonds, which is why they typically stay with their “chosen person”. It’s also why they are so easily prone to loneliness and separation anxiety when their chosen person isn’t around.

Dachshund Separation Anxiety

Like many other dog breeds, dachshunds are susceptible to loneliness and separation anxiety. In order to truly understand your dachshund’s separation anxiety, it’s good to think of things from his perspective.

Again, the pack-oriented Dachshund views you as his packmate, especially if you live alone. Your pup just simply doesn’t understand why you go out and leave him alone. No matter how many times you do it, he never fully understands.

If your Dachshund is suffering from separation anxiety and isn’t properly trained to manage it, here’s what it can look like while you’re gone.

• Being destructive around the home
• Escape Attempts
• Having accidents on the floor
• Incessant howling and barking
• Getting sick from the stress
• Being aggressive and biting at your feet and legs to try to prevent you from leaving. 

Calming Your Dachshund’s Separation Anxiety

The best way to prevent or manage your Dachshund’s separation anxiety is to provide training for being alone. If you know you’re not going to be home often, this is absolutely essential when you first get your dog.

• Crate Training: Teach your Doxie that the crate is a comfy place for rest and safety and NEVER for punishment.
• Provide your dachshund LOTS of things to do to keep his mind occupied. Toys like brain teasers, treat balls, and even kongs can keep even the most easily bored dog busy!
• Hire a dog sitter or have another animal in the home to keep your Dachshund company. 
• If you’ll be gone daily, consider doggy daycare if possible.

How To Curb Your Dachshunds Neediness:

Use The Buddy System:

Dachshunds are socially clingy little pups. If you want them to cling to something else other than you, it might be time to think about getting your dog a buddy, or even by enrolling him in doggy daycare.

Toys, toys, and more toys:

Again, it’s critical to keep your Dachshund’s mind occupied. You can use treat toys or try hiding treats and your pup’s favorite toys around your home for your dog to “hunt” for.

Give Him Some Scenery:

Dogs, especially, hound breeds like the dachshund, are very alert and need the visual stimulation of watching the goings-on outside your home. If you crate your dog, make sure there’s a good view outside of the window or, if your dachshund is house trained, you can just leave the curtains open.

Sound Stimulation:

Similar to visual stimulation from outside, your Dachshund will also need some audio stimulation as well. It’s common for pet parents to leave their TV or music on at a low level to help dachshunds feel like they’re not alone.

Are Dachshunds Better In Pairs?

It’s very clear that dachshunds just don’t like to be alone. Does this mean that are better in pairs? Not necessarily. While it’s very common to have a pair of dachshunds instead of just one, dachshunds can live with any other dog breed and yes, even cats.

All it really takes is proper socialization with other dogs and animals, and then it comes down to the individual dogs. Normally, dachshunds are very friendly, but if they aren’t properly socialized, they can get quite territorial.

Conclusion – Why are Dachshunds So Needy?

Dachshunds have a reputation of being clingy because of their social and physical contact needs that stem from the very beginning of their origin story. They’ve always needed the social bonds and affection that their original hunting packs provided before hundreds of years being bred to be lap dogs.

Additionally, Dachshunds are one of the breeds most prone to separation anxiety, due to their need for attention, so this could be another probable cause for your pup’s constant neediness.

You can ease your dog by providing proper training and lots of things to do that will keep your dachshund busy while your away.

Another great idea is to give your dog a buddy! Having a friend for your dachshund doesn’t always have to be a littermate or even a dachshund. If your pup is properly socialized, he will most likely get along with any kind of dog or even a cat.

If you use this advice, you will be able to help ease your dog’s need for your presence and to help him stop being so needy!