Researching a dachshund’s temperament can dissuade many families from adopting one. We are among the top five most aggressive dogs; we share the title with pit bulls, Chihuahuas, wolf hybrids, and Jack Russell Terriers. Studies have also shown that one in every five dachshunds has bitten a person or an animal, yet we are considered great family pets. Why?
Dachshunds were bred in Germany decades ago to hunt badgers. ‘Dach’ means badger, and ‘hund’ means dog. Packs of dachshunds were also used for hunting wild boar and foxes. As a result, we were bred to be free-spirited, skilled, stubborn, and aggressive per our “job” requirements.
However, this does not mean that we are incapable of love, loyalty, and devotion – all the characteristics that one looks for in a family pet. We can be the funny little man in the room that makes everyone belly laugh with his antics. We’re the class clowns, and we love to please people and be the center of attention. We can also show you some tricks to amuse you.
We might sometimes be rash and unruly, but we are, by no means, dumb. We’re compassionate, warm, protective, and even a little needy. Remember, an owner-pet relationship with a dachshund is one of give and take. While you want us to respect you and follow your commands, you must also respect our independence and social and psychological needs.
If you do not have the time, energy, and patience it takes to train a dachshund, then you could end up with an unhappy dog that may even snap at some point. Moreover, if you have a lot of stairs in your home and neighbors that would complain about incessant barking, then a dachshund is probably not a suitable dog for you.
Common signs of aggression in dogs are growling, biting, lunging, and baring teeth.
Simple Rules That You Need To Follow To Ensure That You And Your Dachshund Share A Peaceful And Loving Relationship:
Give Them The Time And Attention They Need
Aggression can the result of fear and anxiety in young dogs. You might need to be extremely gentle with us when we are younger, as we do not do well with new surroundings or with being left alone. You need to make us feel seen and heard. You also need to play with us and train us every day. Allow us to hang out where the family does. Keep our crates close to you when we sleep. Showering us with love in the form of kisses and cuddles and toys and treats can strengthen our bond with you.
Be Prepared And Stay Patient
Until we’re trained, we’re going to be a handful. We soil our beds and can poop anywhere in the house; we try to go outside and chase after rabbits, rats, and other dogs; we bark too much; we make messes when left alone and can scare your house visitors. Once we are done training, we can pretty much even make our own beds. You can even google videos of dachshunds adjusting the pillows and burrowing into blankets, “preparing” your bed for sleeping in.
Take Them Out Every Day For Exercise
We are an energetic breed of dog and we need at least forty minutes of exercise every day to keep us mentally and physically fit. Moreover, we need an outlet for our energy. If we do not get regular exercise, we can get restless and start chewing on your belongings. We could also become miserable and stop participating in daily activities with enthusiasm.
Do Not Try To Trample Over a Dachshund’s Independence
Making sure your dog knows that you’re the leader is very important, but do not make us feel like you’re trying to dismiss our identity and choices. For example, if you forcefully try to lock us in a crate before we are adequately trained, we might growl at you when we’re not ready to sleep there yet.
Some owners find maintaining a balance of authority and free will challenging. No one will tell you that training us is an easy task. However, they can confirm that we’re worth the effort.
Do Not Hit a Dachshund
Dachshunds are not a docile breed that can be manhandled. Firm commands and consistency during training are enough to break our shell of stubbornness. If you push us to such an extent that we feel threatened by your presence, then we might show aggression. For example, if you hit us for creating a mess when you were not home, then we might lash out at you. A violent punishment can also break your dachshund’s trust in you.
Take Them Out To Socialize
Animosity toward strangers happens with dachshunds who do not get to socialize very often in their daily lives. We are naturally apprehensive of new people and strange dogs that either enter our area or encounter us during a walk.
If we are accustomed to only being around a select group of people, then we won’t learn how to approach a stranger. When we see strangers, our instinct tells us to protect, and as such, we will bark at them as a warning.
To ensure that we behave in a socially acceptable manner, you need to let us play with strangers during our younger years. Taking us on walks, going for a casual hangout, letting us play with a neighbor’s pet dog, and introducing us to visitors can help socialize us and teach us to be friendly and polite. As we learn the art of being social, we become amicable.
Are Dachshunds Kid-friendly Dogs?
Kids can be adorable and annoying, and the same goes for us, your dachshund pups. Leaving both your dog and your kid together unsupervised can be harmful.
We tend to get jealous quickly. If your dog starts getting jealous of all the attention that babies get, they might become unruly. Moreover, we have weak backs, and if a kid falls on us while trying to play and hug, then we can get seriously injured. If you have a kid under the age of six in the house, it might be better not to adopt us. If you’re really keen on getting a dachshund, then you need to never leave your kid and your dog alone. Even after they develop a camaraderie, you need to look after them when they’re playing.
Conclusion
If you train dachshunds with patience and authority, they will become endless suppliers of love and loyalty in your life. We are also excellent watchdogs and very courageous; you can leave your home at any time, knowing that no thief will try to break into your house after hearing our big dog bark.
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