The Dachshund is one of the most popular breeds in the world and has been for many years. They are small, affectionate, and loyal dogs that are considered to be great family pets. However, there are some things about the dogs that may surprise you. Did you know these little hounds might enjoy digging up the tulip bulbs you left buried in your garden soil? The doxies power digging, with some luck, can be redirected to helping you dig the individual holes for the bulbs. You might have to then protect the bulbs with some garden rocks to prevent finding them dug up later.
Dachshunds Love to Dig
If you have a Dachshund, then you will know how much they love to dig! It can be almost like an obsession! But why do they do it? They don’t seem to be digging for anything in particular — it’s just their thing! Dachshunds are natural diggers. In fact, they were bred to burrow in badger dens to locate a badger for the hunter. Their loud bark drawing the hunter to them.
The reason for this is that dogs are den animals. They can burrow down to create safe and protected sleeping areas. Dachshunds in particular have been bred to burrow into holes to locate prey animals like badgers or rabbits. This instinctive urge to dig is still very much alive and well in your Dachshund today. They will happily burrow under the blankets.
Dachshunds Will Bark
Dogs bark for a huge variety of reasons, but the main aspect of barking is communication. This natural instinct is a way for dogs to communicate with each other as well as alerting humans when they see something interesting or dangerous in the environment around them.
This ties into how dachshunds were bred, since they bark to alert their human hunting companion that they’ve found the prey. Dachshunds are part of the hound family and like coon hounds have a solid bark. The Dachshund’s body build also supports having such a loud bark. They have large lungs which are able to create a deep bark which can be heard while they are in a burrow after having located a badger.
Dachshunds Like to Have Fun
Dachshunds like to have interesting things to do, although a good snooze is a magical thing too! Here are some ideas for enrichment activities for you and your dachshund.
- Enrichment toys, like snuffle mats, puzzle toys
- Scent Games
- Lick mats (require concentration)
- Visit a small dog park near you
- Have them help while you’re working in the garden
- Grooming – if you have a long haired dachshund, brush their fur
- Take them for a walk
- Take them to the PetStore when you go shopping, or visit a dog treat bakery
- Take them for a ride (go through the carwash)
- Spend time together
