Dachshunds were bred in Germany as badger-hunting dogs. We are structured in a way that enables us to burrow after our prey, fit into narrow places and to be able to breathe and bark in a compact space. We have the skill, the sense of smell and the right amount of aggression to succeed at capturing prey. Our skills can be used in various games and activities as well, to make us more agile and to make our playtime more productive and fun.
We are an energetic breed and are up for pretty much any game or challenge. However, we are prone to back problems, like IVDD and ruptured discs, and must not engage in activities that require jumping around. You need to find activities that are fun and designed specifically for a dachshund.
Here is a list of games and activities that we like to play, along with the multiple benefits that they have on our bodies and minds.
Digging Games
We were bred as hunting dogs and burrowed after badgers to catch them. We love to dig and you can often find us in your background satiating our desire for digging. While garden digging might make you angry, it can become a fun game.
You need to use the trick used by toy companies that put treats in toys. We keep ourselves busy chewing the toy until we finally find the treat. Similarly, by placing a treat in front of us under a pile of blankets and pillows, you can give us a fun and safe playground. And this time, we won’t get dirty!
Hide and Seek
Our amazing sense of smell can be tested in this game. You can use our favorite toys and even treats and hide them around the house. Using our sense of smell can increase both our physical and mental health. We are called ‘scent hounds’ and will surely catch up with the game soon enough. You can also try hiding and cooing to us once or twice until we find you.
Remember to play hide and seek in an enclosed area, so that we do not run away.
Catch Me If You Can
You can use a not so easily breakable toy that your dachshund likes and tie it to a thread. Keep the toy in front of your dachshund and pull the thread as they come closer. This will make them feel like they are trying to chase prey. It will also keep them alert and quick with their movements and reflexes.
Fetch
Fetch is commonly played among dogs. It is great training as we need to follow commands while fetching. We might try to be unruly a few times by not returning the ball to you; however, once we understand that returning the ball will lead to praise and rewards, we catch on.
Tug of War
Holding a long cloth or rope that won’t hurt your dachshund and playing tug with them can keep them engaged and enhance their grip.
To play, you need to give one corner of the cloth to him and hold the other corner in your hand. A very light tug on your side is enough for us to want to reciprocate.
Come to Mama
This game includes a lot of treats, running, and panting. You need at least three people to play it. Each person has to have a few treats on them. One by one, everyone calls to us; we run to them to get a treat. Then another person calls us and we run to them. It is a great activity to keep your dachshund from getting obese. Remember, you shouldn’t give treats every time you call. You need to replace treats with head pets and toys to avoid making your dachshund fat instead of fit.
- Use one-word commands while playing any game with your dachshund.
- When playing with a dog, giving them a treat for exceling at a skill can make them feel appreciated. Also, treats can seem like an appropriate reward for so much activity.
Dachshund Racing
Dachshund racing is a popular, yet controversial form of animal sports. It is organized in North America and is a 25-50 yard-long race. These races are organized for fun and not to promote a competitive spirit.
Dachshund racing is often criticized as it could lead to abuse of the animals. As long as you’re not overexerting your dachshund and putting too much pressure on them, running games are alright. However, if you think the race could be too much for him, then it’s better that you make a small running area for him instead.
Playing games with your dachshund is a sure way to making them feel loved and seen. They will soon develop a bond with you and enjoy your company. Sometimes, they might even bring a toy to you, to ask you to play.
Major benefits of playing with your dog include:
Improvement in Physical Health
Activities and games that require running and using our reflexes can help us burn extra calories, keep our joints supple, keep our bones strong, and our heart healthy.
Mental Benefits
If we get plenty of time with our parents, where we get to learn new things and are praised for good work, then we will be happy. A happy dog is a healthy dog who will not resort to destructive behavior or depression.
Improved Skills
Playing games that test our skills can help us enhance them. Our senses of smell, our ability to run faster and move quickly can be honed.
Training
Playing reinstates our need to follow commands and can be a fun way to train your dog. We learn how to follow commands and how to patiently wait for playtime.
Socialization
Playing with other people and dogs can help us socialize, which is essential to keeping our aggression in check.
Conclusion
Mostly, which games you choose depends on your personal bond with us. Try to explore as much as you can and find the best activity that suits the both of you.
