Dachshunds are clever, energetic, and enormously sweet. They also have a well-deserved reputation for clinginess. If you’ve asked yourself “Why are dachshunds so clingy?”, you’ve come to the right place!
Anxiety is very much part of any list of dachshund personality traits. That doesn’t mean you shouldn’t get one. It just helps to remember that they can be very needy at times. To the point where it can become mildly annoying.
Let’s unpack why dachshunds are so known for this behavior in the first place. From there, we can start talking about some easy solutions you can implement.
Why Is My Dachshund So Needy?
“Why is my dachshund being needy?” is a question a lot of owners inevitably find asking themselves. Being followed around by your dachshund is fine. Up to a point, even a small amount of clinginess is acceptable.
However, there is also a point where it can become a serious hindrance. Here are some of the most common reads for a clingy dachshund.
Dachshunds Like Packs
In the beginning, dachshunds were bred for the specific of living and moving in packs. This behavioral element has not necessarily diminished through the generations. Many dachshunds still seem to maintain this mentality.
Given this trait, it just makes sense that dachshunds wouldn’t want to be alone. As far as they are concerned, you are part of their pack! You may even be the alpha!
Dachshunds Can Experience Separation Anxiety
Separation anxiety is a very real problem that dachshunds frequently experience. If they are particularly attached to you, this behavior can manifest itself in a variety of ways.
Some dachshunds will only experience this type of anxiety when you leave the house. Others may take it even further, becoming agitated if you even leave the room!
They may also “act out” due to this anxiety. This can be in the form of barking, weeing on the floor, or even chewing stuff around the house.
Your Dachshund Struggles With Boundaries
Dachshunds are very energetic. So much so, that they can struggle to maintain boundaries with those they love. This is simply a matter of good training, which you should start on with your dachshund as soon as possible!
Why are dachshunds so clingy? It can sometimes involve a combination of factors. Boundaries can be an issue for any dachshund. Combined with separation anxiety or something similar, it can be very challenging!
Too Much Love?
It seems ridiculous to say that we can love/fuss over our dachshunds too much, but this can very easily become the case.
Treats are perfectly fine for a dachshund. However, dachshund personality traits also dictate that if you give them treats frequently, they are going to expect them all the time! Occasional treats are fine, particularly when you are training them.
In general, while you should naturally be affectionate and attentive to your dachshund, there is also such a thing as taking this too far. Showering them with CONSTANT attention can lead to varying degrees of dependency.
Common Symptoms Of Dachshund Clinginess
There are also common reasons behind sudden clinginess or anxiety in your dachshund. Pregnancy, changes in their routine, or even simple aging can lead to a sudden increase in certain behaviors.
Here are some of the most common symptoms you are going to find, regardless of the specific reason for their behavior:
- Nuisance barks, regardless of whether you’re home
- Panting/pacing, regardless of whether it’s hot
- Consistent shivering
- Increased desire to urinate
- Licking its lips
- The whites of the eyes are distinctive
- Consistent shaking
- Digging behaviors
- Self-harmful behaviors
- Damaging or destroying your furniture
If you’re noticing several of these behaviors, you’re probably wondering “Why is my dachshund being needy? What can I do about it?
How To Help Your Dachshund With Its Neediness
Does your dachshund have fear-based anxiety? This refers to the animal being afraid of specific objects, people, or even situations. Your dachshund, most breeds, really, will respond in one three ways:
- Fighting
- Running away
- Freezing in place
Solutions to fear-based anxiety are fairly straightforward. It will naturally depend on the specific problem but can often be addressed by simply keeping them away from the object, person, or situation. Desensitizing them to something can also work, involving patience, small steps, and occasional treats.
With separation anxiety in dachshunds, one of the first things you can do is see it as more of a stress situation, than an anxiety situation. The difference is that stress tends to be much milder than out and out anxiety.
You may be able to offset something like separation anxiety by surrounding your dachshund with a friendly face or two. Daycare for dogs is one such option, or you can have a friend or family member check in on them for a few minutes during the day. If neither of these options are possible, you will also have to resign yourself to the fact that they will simply need to be alone sometimes.
You can also start training your dog, especially if they are puppies, to get used to being alone. Practice this for periods starting at 30 minutes, before eventually increasing the time to an hour. Make sure they have plenty of toys, water, and food. Some find it helpful to leave music playing or something else that doesn’t make your dachshund feel quite so alone.
You can even leave something behind with your scent or take them for a walk just before you leave the house!
Don’t Worry About Your Dachshund’s Anxiety Too Much!
Why are dachshunds so clingy? With everything covered above, you should have a much better idea of what you can do. A dog behaviorist may also prove necessary.
Another measure you can take is to not make too big a deal of leaving your dachshund behind. You can say goodbye, of course, but if you leave with a lot of energy and fanfare, the departure is going to feel very abrupt to your dachshund!
Your dachshund loves you, but that doesn’t mean they can run all over you with that!
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