Dachshunds are such joyful creatures! They wag their tails, woo you with their puppy eyes, and become such an important part of your life.
There are some dogs that can be good therapy dogs. Are dachshunds one of them? Well, dachshunds are certainly very emotional. Have you ever wondered why they’re so emotional?
Dachshunds cry when they leave their siblings (from the same litter) or their parents because they crave love and attention. Separation anxiety is fairly common in dachshunds.
Do you wish to know more? As a dachshund parent, you might want to know why they are so emotional and how you can deal with separation anxiety in dachshunds.
Let’s get started!
Dachshunds & Their Emotions – Why are they so emotional?
Dachshunds are extremely emotional. They get upset when separated from their parents or owners. These little creatures crave love and attention.
When the dachshund is separated from their owner, they get anxious and constantly wait for the parent/owner to return.
The biggest reason why dachshunds are so emotional is because they’re pack animals. They were raised in a litter and if these creatures had it their way, they would never leave their siblings.
Dachshunds can be extremely clingy and needy. New dachshund parents wonder if this behavior is okay, but truth be told, it is fairly normal.
Did you know they were bred as hunting dogs? Thus, these dachshunds always lived in packs. Have you seen ducks follow their mother? That’s exactly what happens when a puppy dachshund grows up in your home. They start thinking you’re their parent and start depending on you.
Jealous tendencies are also common because they feel protective towards you.
If you are thinking of getting a dachshund home, you have to be ready to shower plenty of attention and find a solution for the separation anxiety that happens as soon as you leave the door.
A Lil Something You Need to Know about Littermate Syndrome
There’s a concept you ought to know if you are thinking of getting a dachshund home. Littermate syndrome is common in dogs, especially dachshunds.
When two puppies live in the same litter, they develop a very strong attachment. They get so involved with each other that they forget about other dogs and people.
If you separate the two for a few hours, days, or weeks, the two dachshunds will get littermate syndrome. They will get anxious and upset since they started depending on each other.
Signs of littermate syndrome include whining, crying, and all kinds of destructive behavior. They will have a lack of interest in playing with other dogs or human beings.
Dachshunds are emotional dogs, so littermate syndrome is common. Look out for signs and then treat the condition as delicately as possible.
There are a few things you can do to fix the behavioral problem in your dachshunds.
1.) You can separate the two dachshunds at a slower pace. Keep them in separate crates.
2.) Let your dachshund puppy socialize with other dogs. You can take them to a dog park. Use training treats and praises as rewards to keep your dachshund calm and happy.
3.) Let your dachshund puppy play with other puppers. Training time should be separate for both the dogs else none of them would obey the orders.
4.) Try and bond with your dachshund. This way they will forget about their previous mates and embrace you as their new companion.
Ideally, you shouldn’t be getting dachshund puppies from the same litter. Also, the age of the puppers (even from different litters) should not be similar when you get two of them. This way you will be able to prevent littermate syndrome.
Can your dachshund be a therapy dog?
Dachshunds are supremely affectionate and they have a lively personalities as well. These traits are their assets, so you can expect them to be good companions.
When you are feeling low or depressed, dachshunds can bring great joy to your life.
There are therapy courses for dogs that can help dachshunds to become assistive therapy dogs.
You have to know that dachshunds are super stubborn, but they are also smart. If you’ll ask us, all dogs can be therapy dogs because they have a positive aura.
Dachshunds are emotional, so they feel your emotions too. When you are hurt, they will sit with you and give their paws to comfort you.
Dachshunds may be small, but they’re fierce and compassionate. They can be great watchdogs and they are extremely loyal towards their family.
Most pet parents will laugh when a dachshund is beside them. These little creatures will always indulge in crazy activities which will put a smile on your face.
So, yes, a dachshund can be an excellent therapy dog with a Lil bit of training. They are small, so you can cuddle with them any time of the day.
See also: How Do You Bathe a Dachshund? (Step By Step)
Are Dachshunds Good with Kids?
Most families wish to know whether their dachshund will be friendly with kids. Well, there’s only one way to find that out. You have to keep one to know how they gel with kids!
Well, on second thought, dachshunds are lovable, emotional, and protective.
Dachshunds will tolerate hugs, kisses, and pats. They are also relaxed around screaming and hyperactive kids.
However, dachshunds won’t be happy around strangers. If your children have friends, you cannot let them in without a dachshund’s permission.
Dachshunds are protective about you and the kids in the house, so make sure you introduce your kid’s friends to your dachshund in a proper manner.
What’s the history of your dachshund? Have they been mishandled by kids and previous owners? If yes, your dachshund won’t be too happy around kids.
When you adopt an adult dachshund, they might remember a particularly traumatic incident with a little kid. In such cases, they won’t be happy around a screaming kid.
If you are unaware of what to do when you have kids and a dachshund in the house, you will have to follow these tips:
1.) The kids should know how to handle the dachshund with proper care.
2.) Younger kids should hold the dachshund while sitting on the floor and not standing as there is a chance your child could drop them. Besides, your dachshund might see such a towering position as threatening if they’re new to your home.
3.) Hugging or squeezing the dachshund really tightly can damage the back of the little pupper. Thus, you must ensure your kids don’t squeeze or hug the pupper too tightly.
4.) Never let your kids tug the tail or ears of the dachshund. Just because they are kids, it doesn’t mean they can do anything they like. Dachshunds aren’t super tolerant when they’re manhandled. They might not bite your kid, but they will retract from you and might get stressed and unhappy.
The best time for you to introduce your dachshund to little kids is when they’re a puppy. The first petting session should be gentle.
• The puppy will sniff the child first. This way both the child and the dachshund would know they’re not a threat to each other.
• Dachshunds will realize that the kids are a part of the family. In fact, they will have protective instincts for the children too.
• The dachshund will assert their dominance, especially on the kids. If this happens, a simple NO can take care of things.
Always remember that dachshunds are emotional creatures. They are also protective and dependent on their parents and the kids in the home. As long as they’re loved, they would take a bullet for you and your child.
So, people who think dachshunds aren’t good with kids are wrong. The kid needs to treat the dog right and that’ll kick start a forever companionship.
Dealing with separation anxiety: 3 ways to keep your doxie’s emotions in check
When a doxie shows any form of anxiety after you leave them alone, it is known as separation anxiety. They might bark too much or indulge in destructive behavior.
How do you deal with separation anxiety in dachshunds? These sausage dogs can be a handful, so you would need to be patient with them. They’re also very stubborn, so training them not to bark, cry, or howl will take a fair bit of time.
#1. Prepping is always good
For starters, you have to change the perception of what ‘alone’ means.
Leave the room for a moment and then return without taking a lot of time. This way your dog won’t get time to become anxious.
It will tell your dachshund that they don’t have to get anxious. Their favorite hooman will return sooner than they think. Once that’s inculcated, they won’t get time to get anxious.
#2. Get them tired
Your dog should get exercise before you leave. This way they will get tired and sleep through the day. A dachshund who doesn’t get exercise or play time is more likely to indulge in destructive behavior, escape, drooling, barking, and crying.
#3. Don’t give them time to get bored
Keep interactive toys inside the house so that your dachshund can play with them all day and feel entertained.
Want to know more about how you can deal with separation anxiety in doxies? Here’s a helpful YT video you should watch!
Still have queries? Read the FAQs section to know the answers to all the questions!
FAQs
1.) What is littermate syndrome?
Littermate syndrome is when two puppies from the same litter are separated for a short or long duration.
Both the puppies get behavioral problems like attention deficit disorder, no interest in food and other dogs, and least interest in cuddling with human beings.
2.) Are dachshunds good for first-time dog owners?
Dachshunds are emotional and protective. When you leave them alone, they will bark and howl for several hours.
If first-time dog owners are ready for this challenge, they can keep a dachshund.
3.) Why do dachshunds stare at you?
The dachshund might be adoring you or is simply hungry. Maybe they need attention and playtime too.
When your dachshund stares at you, they are not doing it because they hate you. It’s the opposite: your dachshund loves you and wants your attention.
4.) Are dachshunds jealous dogs?
Yes, dachshunds get jealous if other dogs try to approach their parents. They are very protective and have a lot of jealousy inside them.
If the dachshunds are very attached to their owner, it is best to not pet any other dog in front of them.
5.) Do dachshunds get along with babies and kids?
Yes, dachshund puppies get along with kids and babies just fine when all of them grow older together. In such cases, a dachshund sees the child as a packmate to protect and love.
If the dachshund was adopted as an adult and had a bad history with kids, it is best to keep them away from little babies and kids. Introduce them to children slowly until they start licking your kids: that’s when they’ve truly bonded with the child.
Concluding Thoughts
Dachshunds are adorable – they want to be cared for and loved. If you don’t give them attention, there’s a chance they will cry and bark too much.
In case of separation anxiety, you can leave toys and treats for your dachshund.
You can also put them in their crate before you leave, but make sure they get plenty of exercises beforehand. This way your dachshund will sleep for the most part of the day.
If you can afford to get another dachshund home, you can think about that as well.
Dachshunds are emotionally needy, so don’t leave them alone for long hours. If you do, then make sure they are well-fed or there is something to keep these little creatures busy.
