Dachshunds are a highly energetic and aggressive breed. They need plenty of exercise to stay calm and release their energy.
A common question many Dachshund puppy owners ask is when their puppy will calm down and become more manageable.
Dachshunds start showing slightly calming behavior when they are 6 months old. A Dachshund becomes mature, calm, and composed at age 2 only if he is properly trained, socialized, and managed from puppyhood.
Dachshunds are inherently aggressive dogs due to their hunter genetics. They’ll show a lot of aggression, anxiety, and behavioral problems if you don’t give them ample time for exercise and release their energy.
Tips to Tackle a Dachshund’s Aggressive Behavior
Lots and Lots of Exercise
Knowing that your Dachshund is aggressive, you can’t let him roam freely in your house, yard, or on the street. You must take him out for walks twice daily for at least 30 minutes each.
This stimulates their mind and releases pent-up energy, making the dog safer and less aggressive in your home. If you plan to give them leash-free time, ensure it is in a protected area and there are no soft targets around your aggressive pooch. You can also stimulate your dog with games and toys to remove boredom, stress, and anxiety from your Dachshund.
Positive Reinforcement
Train your dog to “quiet,” “leave,” “sit,” and other commands that you may need. Reward him with a treat when he obeys you. Don’t reward him for aggressive behavior like barking at neighbors, passers-by, delivery guys, and other dogs.
This builds positive reinforcement and teaches your dog that his positive behavior will be appreciated.
No Aggression
Never show aggression by yelling, scolding, or hitting your Dachshund. They are not like other breeds that’ll get scared of you. Such irresponsible behavior will make them further angry.
Instead, ignore them and teach them different commands when they are following aggressive behavior. Reward them with a treat when they obey you.
Socialization
Socialization is critical to train dogs of all breeds. You can reduce your Dachshund’s aggressive behavior if you start training him from puppy age. Take your dog out and introduce new people and dogs regularly. Reward him with a treat when he behaves nicely in front of other people and dogs. This will lead to positive reinforcement, and your dog will understand that behaving amicably will earn him a treat.
Spaying/Neutering
Spaying or neutering help calm down a dog. Sexually intact Dachshunds are known to be more aggressive or violent. A female will behave aggressively when she is on heat, and a male Dachshund will try to wreak havoc when he smells a female on heat nearby.
Be Firm and Patient
Do not give up your Dachshund’s training if you don’t see any positive results from the beginning. Such things take time.
Consistent and rigid training routine results in 60% improved dog behavior.
Talk to a Vet
Training gives excellent results if you train a puppy Dachshund. However, if you skipped the training from puppy age or adopted an older dog that doesn’t give in or break due to training sessions, it is worth talking to a vet about behavioral issues.
Anxiety and other behavioral issues can be treated with the help of medications and training programs. A Dachshund expert will likely know how to break a stubborn pup. Please note that medications must be used as a last resort, and always make sure you never start a medicine on your own. Behavioral modification programs are excellent alternatives to dietary supplements.
Dachshund Behavior by Age
Many puppy Dachshund owners want to know how long they’ll face this hyper and erratic behavior from their canine.
Well, they do settle down. Here’s how a Dachshund behaves through his age
- 0 – 2 Years: Hyperactive, aggressive, manic teen years
- 2 – 4 Years: Slightly calmer, but they carry the energy from the last phase
- 4 -6 Years: It is middle age; Dachshund is calmer, relaxed, and laid-back
- 6+ Years: The senior years start, and the Dachshund gets calm, relaxed and your Doxie can live up to 10+ years if properly taken care of
It doesn’t mean a senior dog won’t be as playful as a 3-year-old. They are still playful and cut but in their own ways. If you truly love your Dachshund, you’ll enjoy every phase of their life.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why are Dachshunds so hyper and aggressive?
Dachshunds were originally bred as working hounds and for hunting badgers. Their hunting and killing instincts have been transferred from generation and generation.
They may look small, but they aren’t. Many people consider them social due to their small size, but this isn’t the case. Dachshunds are known to have one of the highest percentage rates of aggression towards humans (owner and strangers) and other dogs.
They like challenging dogs of larger sizes and more powerful because of their inherent aggression and fury. Many first-timers don’t know what they can do and adopt them, thinking of them as apartment dogs.
Will my Dachshund calm down with age?
Yes. Their excessive energy and aggressive nature decline after 2-3 years. Some dogs may be stubborn and continue hyperactive even after turning 3.
Does separation anxiety affect my Dachshund?
Yes. Separation anxiety is a trigger for erratic Dachshund behavior. Such breeds are not recommended for people who work away from homes longer without having anyone to take care of their dogs. A Dachshund’s separation anxiety doesn’t decrease with age unless you have trained your dog to stay alone from a tender age. Moreover, if you want a Dachshund despite working away from home, you must leave him with someone your dog knows well. You can also hire a dog walker who specializes in handling Dachshunds.
How to make sure that my Dachshund stays healthy?
Be proactive when it comes to your Dachshund’s health. Schedule regular vet visits for your Doxie and get a complete physical examination, vaccination check, disease screening, and parasite prevention. A healthy diet and active physical routine are equally important for your puppy’s good health.
Are Dachshunds friendly with kids?
Dachshunds are small and look cute, but they are aggressive. This is where kids are trapped and try to interact with them. The little ones risk being a bit if they invade a Dachcund’s private space or try to take what’s theirs. A Dachshund will probably chase after a kid trying to run away from it.
However, you can mold your Dachshund to be friendly if you work with them from an early age and introduce your kids under supervision. Research shows that aggression in a dog is due to owners not trying to instill obedience in their dogs consistently.
How to stop excessive barking in Dachshunds?
- Teach your dog the “quiet” command and reward them with a treat whenever they obey you.
- Desensitize the trigger and slowly make them understand that this behavior is unacceptable when seeing strangers and other dogs.
- Distract them with a toy or treat.
- Use anti-barking devices to instantly stop your dog from barking.
- Work with a pet trainer or a vet to identify behavioral triggers for barking.
