If you spent time cooped up at home during the past year, you might have considered getting a small dog, such as a dachshund, for companionship. Maybe you live in an apartment instead of a house. Before you rush out to buy a dog, you probably want to know, are dachshunds good for apartments?
Dachshunds’ small size makes them a perfect, compact pet for apartment living. Unlike larger dogs that might make you feel crowded, dachshunds don’t take up too much space. They can eat, sleep, play, and hang out in just a few rooms.
Just because a dachshund is small doesn’t mean that it can fit seamlessly into apartment living without adjustments. Dachshunds aren’t the type of dog to lie in a basket all day. They have a ton of energy. They are independent yet need a lot of attention to thrive. If you want to bring a dachshund home, there are 5 things to consider about living with a dachshund in an apartment.
Can Dachshunds Live in Apartments?
Due to their small size and adaptable nature, dachshunds can make good apartment dogs. They are people-oriented, independent, quirky, and playful, with a wickedly mischievous sense of humor. Unlike some dog breeds such as Basset Hounds, dachshunds are not low-maintenance dogs.
It’s important to consider if your lifestyle fits in with a dachshund’s needs and personality. Are you typically at work all day and like to spend your evenings out? Or do you work from home and spend most evenings cozied up on the couch?
Here are the five things that can pose potential issues for dachshunds living in apartments. At the same time, dachshunds are positive and adaptable as long as you give them attention, routine, and a safe space.
What are the Pros and Cons of Having a Dachshund in an Apartment?
1. Size
A dachshund’s petite body is probably the top thing that makes it a good apartment dog. If your apartment has weight requirements, it is likely that a standard dachshund, weighing between 16-32 pounds, will fit within the limit.
Since dachshunds are small, they don’t take up a lot of space and fit well into apartment layouts. Unlike a bigger dog, letting a well-behaved dachshund loose in your home won’t feel like you released a bull in a china shop.
2. Exercise
Dachshunds are little balls of energy. They love walks and need 30-60 minutes of exercise to burn off energy each day. Dachshunds are natural diggers and chasers. If your dachshund doesn’t get enough exercise, he might start digging and racing around your apartment.
3. Loneliness
A lonely dachshund can develop behavioral and attachment issues. Dachshunds adore people and need to be around them. Dachshunds who do not get enough attention become nervous and fidgety.
Lonely dachshunds might also start digging in unwanted places or chew at clothes, couches, or shoes. You can lure your dachshund away from your furniture and create a safe and comforting space by providing a doggy playpen. Add some blankets and throw in some chew toys.
You can help resolve separation issues by checking in on your dog throughout the day or arranging for someone else to do it. Give your dog adequate attention but don’t overdo it. If a dachshund gets used to basking in your attention for every minute, then he can develop separation anxiety when you leave. Exercise and proper attention give your dog security, stability, and a sense that they matter.
4. Barking
Cooped-up dachshunds that are bursting with energy and itching for exercise bark incessantly. Barking can become a real problem since it will likely irritate your neighbors. Work on training and helping your dog feel more secure if you can’t be with them at the moment.
5. Bathroom Breaks
Living with a small dog in an apartment means that their tiny bladder might fill up faster. It also takes more steps to take your dog outside. Since dachshunds have super short legs, they can’t up and downstairs safely so you will need to carry them. Hopefully, your apartment complex has a yard or a community dog park.
The alternative is to train your dog to go on puppy pads in the apartment, but chances are that you will want to take your dog outside for other functions.
Can a Dachshund Puppy Live in an Apartment?
Yes, a dachshund puppy can live in an apartment. You will need to make some adjustments to welcome a puppy there. Puppies pee a lot. If you live in an apartment, you can’t just let her out the back door. You have to pick up the dog, walk downstairs or use the elevator, and find an appropriate bathroom spot.
Accidents can happen on the way down. It’s a good idea to keep puppy pads, wipes, or poop bags near the door in case you have to make a quick exit.
Can Dachshunds be Left Alone in an Apartment?
Dachshunds should not be left alone for more than a four-hour stretch. Dachshunds have a lot of energy and need regular activity during the day to burn off some steam.
If you work from home, take breaks to give take your dog outside. If you work outside your home, try to check in on your dog during lunch break, hire a dog walker or sitter, or consider doggy daycare options in your city.
Dachshunds that are left alone for more than four hours at a time may respond with barking or incontinence issues if they have not been trained or are too excited to use their pee pad.
Conclusion
If you want to buy a dachshund for your apartment, it’s a good idea to develop ways to keep your dachshund happy and well-behaved in a confined space. Although dachshunds make wonderful pets that adapt well to small areas, they also react to boredom, inactivity, or abundant energy.
Dachshunds are people dogs. Consider your lifestyle and if you have the time and attention to give to keep a small, eager dog balanced and happy.
If you think that getting a dachshund is the way to go, set a daily routine, create check-in times, and offer plenty of exercises to give your dog the security that he or she needs.
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