Why Are Dachshunds So Clingy and How to Help Them Feel Secure

Dachshunds are notorious for their clingy nature, often following their owners everywhere and becoming anxious when separated. This behavior is rooted in their history as hunting companions, where they relied on their owners for protection and survival.

Their small size and long bodies made them vulnerable to predators, so they developed a strong attachment to their pack. In fact, Dachshunds were bred to be part of a pack, not to be alone.

As a result, Dachshunds often thrive on attention and interaction, which can make them seem clingy. They may become anxious or destructive if left alone for too long, leading to separation anxiety.

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Dachshunds are naturally social creatures that thrive on attention and affection from their owners.

They tend to gravitate towards one person in the family, often bonding with the person who feeds, walks, and plays with them on a frequent basis.

This strong bond can be influenced by the puppy socialization period, which lasts from birth to about six months old.

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During this time, anything that happens around your Dachshund can shape their behavior and personality traits.

Dachshunds are very loyal dogs, and this loyalty can sometimes be misinterpreted as clinginess.

However, it's essential to consider other factors that might be contributing to your Dachshund's clinginess.

One possible reason is separation anxiety, which can cause your Dachshund to become super attached when you return home.

Changes in their routine can also lead to clinginess, as dogs thrive on consistency and predictability.

If you notice your Dachshund is clingy when you get home, it might be a sign that they're experiencing separation anxiety.

Pay attention to signs that your Dachshund might not be feeling well, such as changes in their eating habits or problems with bowel movements.

Dachshunds may also follow you to certain places, like the kitchen, because they associate those areas with food or rewards.

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Dachshunds are pack animals, originally bred to live and work in packs. This means they have a strong instinct to be close to their human family.

Their historical background and genetics have ingrained a need for human companionship in their breed. They were bred in Germany over 300 years ago for hunting badgers and were required to be bold and close to their human handlers.

Stress can also cause Dachshunds to become needy. They experience stress just like humans do, and may turn to their owners for comfort and guidance. Many things can stress them out, including fear, anxiety, and strangers.

Dachshunds have a strong pack instinct, which makes them want to stay close to their human family at all times. This behavior is especially evident when they follow you around the house, earning them the nickname "velcro dogs."

Their emotional sensitivity is another reason why Dachshunds are so needy. They're very attuned to the feelings and moods of their owners, which can make them appear particularly needy. If you're having a bad day, your Dachshund will likely notice and stay even closer to provide comfort.

We can inadvertently encourage needy behavior in our Dachshunds by showering them in attention all the time. This can lead to them becoming very dependent on us and causing issues with separation anxiety when we need to go out.

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Dachshunds are prone to separation anxiety, which can cause them to become very anxious and distressed when you're out of sight, even if it's just in another room.

This can manifest in destructive behavior like chewing, barking, or weeing when you're away. A needy Dachshund is a sign that they might be struggling with separation anxiety.

Gently introducing separation training can help nip the problem in the bud. Start by having scheduled time away from your Dachshund, beginning with a few minutes at first and building up to a few hours a day.

Separation anxiety can cause Dachshunds to become aggressive, especially if they're used to being surrounded by others from birth. In fact, a good majority of Dachshunds suffer from separation anxiety.

If your Dachshund is excessively needy, they may grow out of it as they get older. However, if it seems to be getting out of control, it's essential to contact your local vet for more information on how to help your Dachshund.

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Dachshunds are prone to being clingy due to their pack nature and need for social contact. They thrive on attention and affection from their owners.

Establishing a regular routine can provide a sense of security for your dachshund, reducing anxiety and clinginess. Regular feeding, walking, and playtimes help them know what to expect.

Positive reinforcement training can teach your dachshund to be more independent. Commands like "stay" or "wait" can be very effective in managing their neediness.

Dachshunds are notorious for wanting to follow their owners into the bathroom, which could be due to straightforward affection or separation anxiety. They may also be seeking a positive reward, such as treats or playtime.

Here are some tips to help manage your dachshund's clinginess:

Remember, a dachshund's neediness can be a sign of separation anxiety or an underlying medical condition. If you notice a sudden change in behavior, consult with a veterinarian to rule out any health issues.

Training and calming aids like CBD oil can assist with separation anxiety, but it's essential to address the root cause of the behavior.

Dachshunds can benefit greatly from socialization. The more you get your Dachshund used to being around other sights, sounds, smells, people and dogs, the more confident and independent he’ll become (and the less he’ll rely on you!).

Socialization can start as early as 8 weeks old, and it's essential to expose your Dachshund to various environments and situations. This will help him become a calm and well-adjusted adult dog.

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Socialization is key to raising a confident and independent pup. The more your Dachshund is exposed to new sights, sounds, smells, people, and dogs, the better equipped they'll be to handle unexpected situations.

Exposing your Dachshund to various environments and experiences can help desensitize them to potential triggers. This can be as simple as taking them on a walk around the block or to a nearby park.

Socialization also helps your Dachshund become less reliant on you. The more confident they become, the less they'll need you to intervene in every situation.

Getting your Dachshund used to being around other dogs is particularly important. This can help prevent fear-based behaviors and aggression issues down the line.

By prioritizing socialization, you'll be setting your Dachshund up for a lifetime of good behavior and a strong bond with you.

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Your Dachshund has no boundaries, so you need to decide what the boundaries are and teach him to stick to them. This is especially true for things like not following you into the bathroom.

If you don't want your Dachshund to follow you into the bathroom, work on that with training from day one. It's a good idea to establish clear rules and boundaries early on in your dog's life.

Your Dachshund needs to learn that some areas are off-limits, and that means setting boundaries and being consistent. This will help prevent unwanted behavior and keep your dog safe.

Dachshunds can become clingy due to their strong instinct to protect their pack, as they were originally bred to hunt badgers and other burrowing animals. This pack mentality can make them fiercely loyal and attached to their family members.

Their relatively small size and history of being a beloved companion animal also contribute to their clingy nature. Dachshunds often form strong bonds with their owners, which can lead to separation anxiety and clinginess.

Some dachshunds may be more prone to clinginess due to their genetic predisposition to anxiety and fear-based behaviors, which can be influenced by their breeding and upbringing.

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Dachshunds can become super needy when they're feeling unwell, just like children do when they're sick.

They want to be close to their owners, seeking comfort and reassurance that everything will be alright.

This neediness is actually helpful because it allows owners to provide extra care and attention, which can help identify any underlying health issues.

If your Dachshund is clingy and wants to be by your side all the time, it may be a sign that they're not feeling well.

The more you socialize with your Dachshund during this time, the better you'll understand their needs and whether they require a vet trip or just some extra cuddles.

If your Dachshund is female, she may be experiencing her heat cycle or a phantom pregnancy, causing her to be more needy.

Hormone changes can be very confusing for younger Dachshunds, leading to clingy or needy behaviours.

Female Dachshunds in heat may exhibit increased affection-seeking due to hormonal fluctuations.

Younger Dachshunds are more prone to hormone-related confusion, making them more needy during their heat cycle.

A phantom pregnancy can also cause a female Dachshund to be more clingy, as if she's expecting a litter.

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