Why Are Dachshunds So Clingy? Tips To Help Them Not Feel Lonely

Why are Dachshunds so clingy? Owners of these weiner dogs often find themselves asking this question. Well, Dachshunds are a social dog breed. They are pack animals, so naturally, they will be somewhat needy and clingy, especially in comparison to more independent dog breeds.

If left unchecked or encouraged, this behaviour can develop into serious problems that can affect the well-being of your pet and your bonds with them. Luckily, your little wiener puppies can become more confident and less needy.

Why Are Dachshunds So Clingy and Needy?

Internal Factors

They Are Pack Animals

Dachshunds, despite their small size, were originally bred to hunt badgers in a pack. As a result, they often exhibit this clingy behaviour stemming from a pack mentality.

This natural social instinct was once very useful to humans but now proves to be unfit for domestic life, particularly in this bustling modern era.

Naturally, a social pet like your short-legged friend will get anxious and even unhappy when they are left alone. They like to seek out attention and affection from their owners or another pet to fulfil their emotional needs.

They Have Separation Anxiety

The anxiety of separation can sometimes be mistaken for clinginess, but they are totally different things. Overt clinginess possibly develops into separation anxiety. This behaviour can dramatically increase when you overlook the clinginess of your Dachshund.

When suffering from separation anxiety, your Dachshund may exert aggression or become panicking if left alone, which is awful for both owners and their pets. This behaviour is also what can help you to spot separation anxiety in your Dachshund.

Puppies with this disorder turn mad when they are left alone in the room. They can get angry and start chewing different objects on the floor, which can be a health hazard for the dogs. Some even urinate or pace around the house. Dachshunds do not naturally exhibit these aggressive behaviours.

To prevent your puppies from getting separation anxiety, you could try to address the early signs of unwarranted neediness by training them to be more independent. However, if you are able to recognize any symptoms of the disorder, it is best to go to the vet.

They Are Feeling Unwell

Dachshunds Are The Worst Breed because it will take a lot of time when you train them. Therefore, every dog breed is susceptible to many illnesses if you don’t take care of them, and Dachshunds are no exception. When these dogs get sick, they could feel vulnerable and may want to seek protection from the person they trust, like their owners. Illnesses, diseases, stress, or even old age can drastically alter the mood and behaviour of your pet.

Therefore, if your Dachshund turns strangely needier, it’s time to seek medical assistance from the vet. Then, in order to help Dachshund’s body recover more quickly, you can take them on walks and encourage them to exercise more.

Outside Factors

You Are Overly Affectionate

Being extra needy and clingy is also a learned behaviour. Many Dachshunds learn to become extremely dependent and stick to their owner.

Some are overprotective and pay continuous attention to their Dachshunds, letting their pet follow them around all places. Unfortunately, they are unknowingly encouraging clingy and needy characteristics to develop.

If you frequently snuggle your paw friend on your comfy bed, this short-legged friend considers it as positive feedback since Dachshunds love to cuddle. The pets get more prone to repeating these habits.

Changes In Their Routines

It is upsetting for everyone to have their routine activities disturbed, even your little Dachshund companions. A change in their diet or mealtimes, a new sleeping place, or changes in their exercise and playing routines can make them really unhappy. That is the reason why they like sleeping under blankets.

One obvious coping mechanism they have is seeking your affection and attention. This can cause them to become stressed and anxious if you are not attentive enough.

So when moving to a new place or suddenly having a new schedule, take some time to care for your Dachshunds and help them adapt. For example, you should bathe them every day to avoid bad odours from dachshunds.

How To Help Them Get Over Their Clinginess?

Teach Dachshund: Some Dos And Don’ts

The first thing a dog parent can do is teach their dogs some basic dos and don’ts. Training them on how to be on their own and that it is ok to be alone will be helpful.

Educating is best performed when they are relatively young. You should encourage and reward independent and confident attitudes, as well as discourage needy or dependent tendencies. You can achieve this by crate-training them.

Dachshunds tend to be less clingy when they get used to staying in a secure place like a crate. This helps with reducing the chances of your pet developing separation anxiety. Moreover, you could show affection towards them when training Dachshunds to potty train.

Get Family And Friends Involved

Getting your friends and family members involved can be great as well. The Dachshunds can get a great bond with many people, which also helps them less likely to get too attached to one person.

Get Your Dachshund Some Friends

You might want to consider getting them a friend, getting a new pet, or taking them to daycares or play dates can offer them relief from stress and anxiety.

Conclusion

The social instinct and the owner’s fussing explain why dachshunds are so clingy. However, the bizarre level of clinginess could also be due to some health problems or changes in their surrounding environment.

With proper care, your Dachshunds can get over their clinginess and ultimately grow up healthier and happier despite the many negative factors, both internally and externally.