Many people have heard of the Dachshund breed and recognize it for its playful and enthusiastic personality. But why are Dachshunds so needy? It’s likely because they have a long and rich history as a companion dog, bred to stay close to humans and provide affection. They are known for being loyal and clingy, often showing signs of separation anxiety if left alone for too long. Dachshunds are also intelligent and eager to please, making them a great companion for those looking for a loving and affectionate pet. Understanding why Dachshunds are so needy can help you provide better care for your furry companion and ensure their needs are met.
Why do dachshunds tend to be needy?
Dachshunds have a reputation for being clingy and needy. There are a few possible causes for this behavior. Firstly, their breed history – originally bred to hunt badgers in Germany, dachshunds have an inherent desire to please their owners, protect them from harm, and accompany them as often as possible. Secondly, some dachshunds may be clingy due to past abuse or abandonment, leading to fear-based behaviors such as excessive barking, fear of strangers, or trying to hide under furniture. Finally, breeds like pugs, terriers, and golden retrievers are generally more independent than dachshunds, who require more attention from their owners.
To reduce their neediness and keep them healthy, dachshunds should be given plenty of physical activity and quality time with their owners, including long walks in nature or engaging playtime. And of course, they should also be given lots of cuddles!
15 Reasons Dachshunds Are Needy And Clingy?
They’re Feeling Sick
The cause of dachshunds being sick and clingy is often due to pain, illness, or injury. They feel vulnerable and need their owners’ protection and comfort to recuperate, so they become heavily reliant on their owners and may want to be with them 24 hours a day, seeking comfort. This behavior is common for dachshunds, as they are pack animals and become anxious without social contact. If they are suffering from an illness or injury, they will search for security and comfort from their owners.
Dachshunds don’t like being alone
When left alone, a dachshund may become clingy, anxious, and restless due to their strong need for companionship and social contact. They were bred to live in packs and feel lonely when separated from their owners. This can lead to destruction and neediness, which can be addressed through training and other methods. Dachshunds should receive socialization and training as puppies to help them gain confidence and avoid anxiety issues.
Dachshunds naturally follow the alpha
The alpha instinct is an integral part of the Dachshunds’ behavior. This instinct drives them to follow their pack leader and leader of the household, which is often the human they have the closest relationship with. This can cause them to be overly clingy or needy as they need to always be around their pack leader. This instinctive neediness can be tempered with obedience training and socialization but it is something that all owners of a Dachshund must be aware of and learn to manage.
Dachshunds are prone to separation anxiety
Dachshunds are known to suffer from separation anxiety, which is caused by their hard-wired pack mentality, as well as their need for social contact. If they feel isolated or left alone for too long, they can become anxious and clingy. This behavior is further aggravated if the dachshund is particularly attached to their owner or if there has been a significant change to their routine or environment. Dachshunds are also high energy and need to be exercised and mentally stimulated in order to stay content. If these needs are not met, they can become restless and exhibit signs of separation anxiety.
Your Dachshund has no boundaries
The boundary problem is a common issue in Dachshunds, where they struggle to maintain boundaries with those they love and follow them everywhere. This problem can be caused by a combination of factors, such as boredom, separation anxiety, health conditions and energetic personalities.
When left alone, a Dachshund can become bored or anxious, which can lead to them trying to escape their home or yard. This can be very dangerous for them, and even if they are not suffering from a health condition or injury, their neediness can become excessive.
It is important that owners of Dachshunds set clear boundaries from day one, such as keeping certain areas of the house (like the bed or couch) off-limits. This way, the Dachshund can learn to respect these boundaries and be less clingy or dependent.
Additionally, owners should be aware of their Dachshund’s separation anxiety, and address it with training and other methods. If a Dachshund is too possessive of their owner, it can lead to resource guarding and aggression, which can be difficult to manage.
Overall, it’s important to set clear boundaries and teach your Dachshund to respect them. This will help ensure that your Dachshund lives a happy and healthy life.
Dachshunds are very intelligent and easily bored
Dachshunds are an incredibly intelligent breed of dog, yet they are also easily bored. They need lots of mental stimulation and physical activity to remain engaged and prevent boredom. They are also stubborn and independent, which can make training difficult, but they can still participate in activities such as obedience and agility trials with persistent training. Dachshunds can also be prone to separation anxiety, as they were bred to hunt in packs, so they do best in pairs. Ultimately, dachshunds are an incredibly loyal breed and need plenty of exercises and mental stimulation to keep them happy and healthy.
You fuss over your Dachshund too much
When a Dachshund is over-fussed and given too much attention, it can lead to the development of needy and clingy characteristics. This is because they learn to become overly dependent on their owners and will stick to them at all times, even in places they should not be. Additionally, if owners frequently snuggle their pets on their beds, this positive reinforcement can make them more prone to these clingy behaviors. Furthermore, changes in routines, such as diet, sleeping places, exercise and playing routines, can be upsetting for them and cause them to seek even more attention from their owners. When this happens, the Dachshund may become stressed and anxious if their owners are not attentive enough, leading to clingy behavior.
Your Dachshund is hoping for treats!
Another potential cause of your Dachshund’s neediness for treats is because they know they will get rewarded for it. If you tend to give treats out freely or walk around with treats in your pocket, then your Dachshund is likely to follow you around and get clingy wherever you go. When they follow you to the kitchen or the front door, they may be expecting to get a treat and will be disappointed if they don’t. Additionally, if your Dachshund is suffering from a health condition, disease, or injury, then they may also be seeking extra comfort and security from you, and can be motivated to stay near you to get it.
Something Has Changed
What has changed in the personality of a dachshund that makes it needier and clingier is a disruption in its routine. A change in routine, such as a new sleeping place, a change in meal times, or a change in playing and exercise routines, can upset a dachshund and make it anxious, stressed, and sometimes aggressive. This is because dachshunds are happiest when they have a routine and know what to expect at what time. If their routine is disturbed or changed drastically, they may become clingy as they struggle to adjust to the new changes.
They’re Stressed Out
Dachshunds can become stressed out for a variety of reasons. Changes in routine can cause them to become anxious and fearful, such as a new sleeping place, changes in mealtimes, or changes in playing and exercise routines. They also become stressed out by fear of strangers, other animals, or certain places. Loud noises, such as thunder and fireworks, can really set them on edge. Additionally, if they feel mistreated by a neighbor, this can also cause them to become fearful and stressed. All of these causes can lead to a Dachshund becoming overly needy or clingy, as they seek comfort and security from their pet parent.
Females and Pregnancy
Pregnant female Dachshunds tend to exhibit extreme neediness and clinginess. This behavior is likely due to their need for protection and relief from the stress of pregnancy. They may also become more clingy and needy during their heat cycle or when they are experiencing a phantom or real pregnancy. Female Dachshunds may also become clingier due to hormone changes, which can be confusing and stressful for younger dogs.
To help alleviate their stress and anxiety, it is important to provide your dachshund with proper nutrition, regular vet visits, and plenty of time and attention. Consider also providing your dachshund with a friend or a new pet to help aid in their mental and physical wellbeing.
Past trauma
The neediness and clinginess in a Dachshund can be caused by a traumatic experience earlier in their life. This can include experiences of abuse, fear-based anxiety, or resource-guarding. These feelings of apprehension can cause the dog to respond with either a fight, flight, or freeze reaction. Additionally, early weaning, a lack of proper training, or too much stimulation during the puppy phase can also lead to clingy behaviors in Dachshunds. Stress can also be a factor in dachshunds, similar to other animals and humans. With patience and training, however, it is possible to build trust and help the dog overcome these behaviors.
Aging
Aging is the process of becoming older, and it is an inevitable part of life. It affects all living things, including humans and animals. In the case of dachshunds, aging is a factor in their neediness and clinginess because it can cause physical impairments such as weakened eyesight, impaired hearing, and a loss of muscle tone. These impairments can make it harder for a dachshund to take care of themselves and to discern their surroundings without help. As such, they become heavily reliant on their human companion for love, reassurance, and comfort. Additionally, their cognitive abilities can begin to decline with age, similar to Alzheimer’s disease in humans, causing anxiety and further neediness. To help your dachshund cope with aging, it’s important to provide them with regular physical activity, a balanced diet, and plenty of love and reassurance.
You’re the chosen one!
What makes a dachshund the chosen one? Well, the answer lies in their natural instinct to follow the alpha. As pack animals, Dachshunds are naturally drawn to the alpha of the pack, and that alpha is often the owner. Due to their strong need to stay close to their pack, Dachshunds will often follow their owner around, as a way of getting security and comfort. This behavior also means that they are more likely to be loyal to their owner, which is why many people consider them to be the perfect pet.
Dachshund: How Do I Stop A Dachshund from Being So Needy?
Book a vet check for your Dachshund
Step 1: Contact your vet and book an appointment for your Dachshund.
Step 2: At the appointment, the vet will be able to check your Dachshund’s hearing and eyesight. They will also be able to advise you on any needed treatment or reassure you that everything’s OK health-wise.
Step 3: If your Dachshund is elderly, the vet may suggest that they are going blind or deaf, which can cause them to be needier than they were in their younger days.
Step 4: If your Dachshund is suffering from an illness or injury, the vet may prescribe medication or suggest other treatments to improve their comfort and wellbeing.
Step 5: Take your Dachshund out for regular walks to provide physical stimulation and keep them from getting bored.
Step 6: Spend extra time with your Dachshund and provide reassurance and comfort to help reduce their neediness.
Step 7: Monitor any changes in your Dachshund’s behavior and contact your vet if you’re concerned about anything.
Crate training
Crate training can be an effective way to help reduce neediness in a Dachshund. It provides them with their own secure space and can help them to feel more independent, which can lead to less separation anxiety when they are left alone. Crate training can also help to prevent destructive behaviors, such as chewing on furniture or excessively barking.
Additionally, it can help with potty training, teaching self-reliance, and helping the Dachshund to become a well-adjusted family member. It is important to ensure that your Dachshund views the crate as a positive, relaxing space and that they are not being punished for being in it. With the combination of proper training, rewards, and punishments, a Dachshund can learn to be less clingy and have less anxiety when left alone.
Focus on socialization with your Dachshund
Focusing on socialisation is a great way to prevent your Dachshund from being too needy. By getting your friends and family members involved in the training, feeding, and walking of the Dachshund, they will form a bond with them and not become overly attached to one person.
Socialization also helps to build the Dachshund’s confidence and independence, which can help to reduce anxiety levels. Taking your Dachshund to different parks and arranging play dates with other dogs can also help to reduce their anxiety. Additionally, positive reinforcement and training can help to discourage neediness, such as teaching your dog when it is appropriate to seek attention from you.
Finally, providing your Dachshund with plenty of exercise and mental stimulation through activities such as fetch or tug-of-war and interactive feeders can help to keep them contented. All these strategies can help to reduce your Dachshund’s neediness and make them more independent.
Teach confidence
Step 1: Socialize your Dachshund: Take your pup to different parks, play dates with other dogs, and introduce them to new people, sights, sounds and smells. The more they’re exposed to, the less anxious they’ll be.
Step 2: Train your Dachshund: Train your pup on basic dos and don’ts. Encourage and reward independent and confident behaviors, and discourage needy or dependent tendencies.
Step 3: Crate-train your Dachshund: Crate-training your Dachshund can help them learn to be independent and reduce their chances of developing separation anxiety.
Step 4: Show Appropriate Affection: Show your pup appropriate affection when training them. This will help them learn to stay alone, yet still feel loved and secure.
Step 5: Get a Friend for Your Dachshund: Get a new pet or take them to daycares or play dates to help relieve their stress and anxiety.
Work on separation training with your Dachshund
1. Visit your vet to rule out any underlying health issues.
2. Start by introducing your Dachshund to a few minutes of alone time. Gradually increase the duration to a few hours.
3. Create boundaries for your Dachshund and stick to them. Don’t give treats or rewards for following you around.
4. Give your Dachshund plenty of toys to keep him occupied.
5. Involve other family members in taking care of your Dachshund.
6. Crate train your Dachshund to help him become accustomed to being alone.
7. Encourage and reward independent and confident behavior. Discourage clinginess and dependent tendencies.
Share the Dachshund duties
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Involve other family members in the care of your Dachshund. This will enable your pooch to bond with multiple people, reducing the neediness that it may feel towards one person.
2. Ask your friends and family members to join in the training, feeding and walking duties. This will help your Dachshund to get used to being around multiple people and not just one individual.
3. Provide activities and companionship for your Dachshund when you are away from home. Consider signing your pup up for daycare or hiring someone to babysit them in your home.
4. Work on addressing any separation anxiety issues through training and other methods. This will help to keep your home in order and your dog from becoming too needy when you are home.
5. Remember that Dachshunds were bred to live and work in packs. This means that they still have a lot of natural instincts, so make sure to cater to them.
Create boundaries with your Dachshund
How can you create boundaries with your Dachshund to stop being so needy? [Step-by-step instructions]
1. Decide what the boundaries are: Make sure to decide and draw the boundaries for your Dachshund right away. This can include things like the couch or bed being off-limits or no following you into the bathroom.
2. Provide proper training: Make sure to give your Dachshund proper training to follow the boundaries you have set.
3. Address any separation anxiety: If your Dachshund shows signs of separation anxiety, such as being destructive when left alone, try to address this through training and other methods.
4. Give your Dachshund scheduled alone time: Give your Dachshund scheduled alone time every day to help them become more accustomed to being by themselves. Start with a few minutes and gradually build up to a few hours a day.
5. Socialize your Dachshund: Socialize your Dachshund and introduce them to new smells, sounds, sights, strangers, and other dogs on a regular basis.
6. Introduce separation training: Introduce some separation training into your day to help your Dachshund understand that it’s ok to be alone and that you can’t be with them all the time.
Don’t reward your Dachshund’s needy behaviour
If you want to stop your Dachshund from being so needy, here are some steps you can take:
1. Take them to the vet for a thorough diagnosis to rule out any illnesses or injuries that could be causing the clinginess.
2. Encourage your Dachshund to explore the world around them and divert their attention to different scenarios.
3. Start separation anxiety training while they’re still a puppy.
4. Allow all family members to take part in caring for your Dachshund.
5. Give them lots of toys to keep their minds occupied and hide them so they have something to find.
6. Establish boundaries for your Dachshund and be consistent in enforcing them.
7. Don’t give treats or rewards for following you anywhere.
Following these steps can help your Dachshund be less needy and more independent. It’s important to remember that Dachshunds are naturally prone to being needy due to being pack animals, so it may take some time for them to adjust.
FAQs
Is It Bad for My Dachshund to Be Needy?
The short answer is: It depends. Up to a certain point, it is perfectly acceptable for a Dachshund to be a bit clingy, as it is a breed that needs social contact and likes to follow their owners around. However, if your pooch has recently become extra needy and is displaying other abnormal behaviors, it could be a sign of an underlying health issue or even separation anxiety.
Resource guarding is another common behavior from a clingy Dachshund, and it can lead to further aggression if their person is approached by another human or dog. Furthermore, a Dachshund that is overly needy can become a nuisance, always being at your feet and following you everywhere.
It is important to make sure that your Dachshund is not suffering from a medical condition or separation anxiety, as these are the most common causes of clinginess. If your Dachshund has recently become clingy and you’re worried, it’s advised to visit the veterinarian to rule out any underlying health issues.
Training and calming aids such as CBD oil can assist with separation anxiety and help to stop your Dachshund being so needy. It is important to create a routine and to give your Dachshund plenty of love and attention, while also ensuring that they don’t become possessive of you.
Overall, while it is perfectly normal for a Dachshund to be clingy, it is important to recognize when their neediness becomes too much and to take the necessary steps to address it.
Do Dachshunds Need A Lot Of Attention?
The answer is a resounding yes! Dachshunds are naturally affectionate and loyal dogs, which means they require a lot of love and attention from their owners. They have an abundance of energy and need a lot of exercise and mental stimulation to stay content and healthy.
They are also sensitive to changes in their environment and can become anxious or clingy if their routine is disrupted. Dachshunds are known as ‘Velcro’ dogs, as they love to be close to their owners and often follow them around the house.
It is important to ensure that your dachshund is provided with the attention and love that it needs, as well as the exercise and mental stimulation it requires. It is also important to provide the correct training and socialization as a puppy to help prevent anxiety issues from developing.
In short, owning a dachshund requires a lot of love, attention, and patience – but the rewards are worth it! These adorable little dogs are truly loyal companions who will provide you with a lifetime of devotion.
