Why Do Dachshunds Dig?

Why Do Dachshunds Dig?

There’s no mystery as to why dachshunds like to dig. It’s in their genes! These dogs were bred specifically to hunt badgers, so they have the instinct to burrow and dig around in the ground. While this behavior can be frustrating for their owners, it’s quite entertaining to watch your furry friend go into “badger mode.” So why do dachshunds like to dig? Let’s take a closer look at this fascinating trait and some of the reasons behind it.

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Why do dachshunds like to dig?

There are two common reasons why dachshunds dig. The first is instinctual. You have to remember that before these dogs were companions, they were hunting animals. They would dig down into the ground to flush out badgers and drive them toward the hunters. That is why the “badger dog” has such a long body and big feet. Today, there isn’t any practical need for them to dig if they are family pets. But, that doesn’t always curb their need to follow this desire to dig.

Related Post: Are Dachshunds Hunting Dogs?

Then some dogs simply dig out of boredom. Dogs that don’t have anything better to do with their time will entertain themselves. They are smart animals and need to keep themselves busy somehow. Some dogs resort to chewing or other destructive behavior in the home. For dachshunds, it’s digging. For the most part, these dogs may use digging as a way to cope with boredom or anxiety.

In any case, you have to be careful when dachshunds are digging in the yard, if they start digging next to the fence there is a risk of them getting out under the fence. But, this isn’t always the case.

Related post: How To Dachshund Proof Your Home & Garden

Why do dachshunds dig holes in the yard?

Dachshunds dig in the yard because they have the instinct to do it. If they are in the yard and they feel a smell or see something that catches their attention in the dirt, their “badger dog” instinct will kick in and they will start digging until they are done. This can be bad news for your garden because dachshunds can dig for a long time and make pretty big holes.

Why do dachshunds dig in bed?

This is a curious trait that these dogs exhibit that doesn’t make a lot of sense to us as owners. Digging holes in the ground seems logical by comparison. However, there are two theories here. The first is that the act of digging at a dog bed mimics the action of digging a safe hole to sleep in. This might raise some questions about their feelings of security at home.

Then some dogs dig as a way of fluffing up the bed and nesting to get more comfortable. If they do this regularly, it might be a sign that they could use a different bed. A new dog bed might be the answer here. You can find some soft, plush options with raised sides that may provide a more secure feel as though they were in a den.

Related post: Why Do Dachshunds Like to Burrow Under Blankets?

Will my dachshund grow out of digging?

There are new dachshund owners that assume that this behavior is just a puppyhood thing and that adult dachshunds won’t dig. This isn’t necessarily true. While the desire to dig and the energy behind the actions may decrease as dogs get older, they might not disappear entirely. That is why it is important to train dogs early and make it clear what sort of behavior you tolerate.

Related post: Can dachshunds live outside?

How do I stop my dachshund from digging?

There are a few different tricks that you can use to stop your pet from digging. The best approach is to start training your pet that digging is undesirable behavior. You can use positive corrective training to stop them when they start to dig and praise them when they stop. It can take some time to overcome this desire because of those genetic instincts. However, these dogs will eventually get the idea.

Then there are those dogs that dig out of boredom. In this case, it is your responsibility to make sure that your pet isn’t ever in that state of mind. Your dog might go into the garden and dig holes, or dig at their bed because they have no better option. So, give them that option. Provide them with enough toys and mental stimulation where digging isn’t so desirable, especially if they are home alone for long periods.

Another great idea is to form a sort of compromise with your dachshund and allow them to dig only in designated areas. This is a great idea if you don’t want to deny them their fun but also don’t want a mess in your yard. A sandbox is perfect. You can train them to contain their digging in this sandy area, and maybe even make a game of it with buried treats. This also means that there are fewer mixed signals if they can dig holes at the beach but not in the yard.

Also, you may want to take a look at how much exercise your dog gets. Digging could be a sign that they have too much energy to burn because they didn’t get a long enough walk. Tire them out with exercise and playtime so that they want to rest or sleep when they get back. Also, give them that walk before leaving them alone at home.

Related Post: How to Keep a Dachshund Busy

How to stop a dachshund from digging under the fence?

If your pet does have the habit of digging under the fence, the best thing that you can do is make the prospect much less attractive, or even impossible. The latter is the most difficult, it will require a lot of hard work to get the fence into a more impenetrable state. You can bury rocks in the ground by the fence as a barrier to stop them from getting through the soil and under the fence. You could plant shrubs around the perimeter that are unappealing and maybe a bit thorny. Or, you could even get a new fence that you can partially bury so they can’t get through.

Related Post: How To Dachshund Proof Your Home & Garden

Dachshund digging doesn’t have to be a big issue.

This instinctual behavior does have the potential to get out of hand without the right training and modifications from an early age. But, there are still lots of tricks to stop dachshunds digging, or at least limit it to playtime in designated areas. Be consistent with any rules your make, be patient when it comes to their genetic instincts, and remember that you can make a difference with the right effort.

Related post: Unveiling the Temperament of Dachshunds

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Conclusion

In conclusion, understanding why dachshunds dig is rooted in acknowledging their ancestral instincts, their need for stimulation, and their unique characteristics. By recognizing the underlying reasons, dachshund owners can address this behavior effectively and provide a happy, healthy, and enriched life for their beloved pets.

Research Sources:

Dachshund Central Team

We are a team of dachshund owners who have raised many dachshunds and other dogs. Our love for dachshunds is immense, and we want to share our experience with other owners. We provide tips based on our experience with these wonderful dogs.

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Why Do Dachshunds Dig?Why Do Dachshunds Dig?