How to Make Your Dachshund Happy?

Richard Thomas
Over 15 years handling, testing, and restoring pocket, fixed-blade, and Damascus steel knives across hunting and everyday-carry disciplines.

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“How to make your dachshund happy?” For some, this question might seem trivial. But for fans of this adorable dog breed, it is a relevant question, and the answers will especially help those planning to adopt a magnificent dachshund. Future dachshund owners wanting to meet all the conditions to provide their pup with an ideal life.

Here are a few tips in this new blog post to help you make your dachshund happy. 🥰

Of course, each tip should be adapted according to your furry friend’s habits and personality.

How to make my dachshund happy?

The answer to this question is simple:

You must know how to meet the needs of your dachshund. In other words, it is mainly about identifying the specific needs of this particular dog breed.

Get plenty of activity

First of all, it must be remembered that the dachshund belongs to the hunting dog family. In this sense, it is a lively and playful breed that has energy to spare!

It therefore needs to burn off energy constantly, otherwise watch out for little outbursts which will be its way of releasing pent-up energy (frequent barking, disobedience, running away…).

So, being cooped up in an apartment is not for them! Even the short outings in the garden that they surely already know by heart won’t change much. 😅

To remedy this, have them do plenty of canine activities in the fresh air that stimulate both their body and mind (3 times a day or at least 30 minutes per day).

And since the goal here is to make your dachshund happy, the most accurate phrase would certainly be: “do activities with your bundle of love.”

Indeed, what better way for your faithful four-legged companion than to engage in games and activities they love while sharing quality time with the person they adore. A great way to strengthen the emotional bond while burning off energy! 😊

Share with other dogs

To be fulfilled, note that your sausage dog needs to develop relationships with other dogs. Just like for us humans, socialization is an excellent way to learn how to live in society.

Encouraging interactions and building bonds with other dachshunds, other dog breeds, or even other types of pets allows your dachshund to know how to behave in their presence: not being aggressive or, conversely, not becoming fearful at every contact.

🐶 Join the “l’Amour du Teckel” Facebook Community.

Not to mention that although they love playing with you, it’s always more fun to have fun with friends who know the secret codes of the doggy world 😉

Give lots of affection to your Doxie

All pets need affection. Besides the fact that cuddles and petting are signs of affection, they have the gift of soothing and calming.

But above all, they provide a sense of security and belonging for your pup. To be happy, a dachshund truly needs to feel that they belong to someone who cares about them and will always be there for them. 😊

Therefore, give cuddles without moderation to your dachshund!!!

They will tend to ask for a lot throughout the day. And even if they don’t ask, give them some so they can feel that with you, the only watchword is “affection and tenderness.”

Feed your dachshund well

Beyond meeting their emotional needs, it is just as important to satisfy your dog’s physical needs. A dachshund is happy when they are well-fed.

But be careful, however!

👉 Feeding your dachshund well does not mean stuffing them with food.

You should know that dachshunds are greedy by nature. So they can gobble up (almost) everything you offer them.

Give them a balanced diet that can keep them in perfect health.

For dachshunds, there is a certain ideal weight to respect. If you have a heavy hand with kibble and treats, know that you risk exposing your dachshund to obesity problems. Due to their small size, obesity can cause serious pathologies such as disc disease, back problems, and many others.

You now know that a good diet is a guarantee of your four-legged sausage’s well-being. And a healthy dachshund means a happy dachshund! 🥳

Bonus info for your dachshund’s happiness

Before closing this guide on “how to make a dachshund happy,” let’s learn to detect the different signs that indicate your dachshund is happy.

Dogs express themselves most of the time through body language that is often apparent:

✅ The tail wags:

When your dachshund wags their tail with the rest of their body in motion, there is no doubt! Your pup is happy and glad to be in your presence.

✅ A good appetite:

If your pet finishes everything you offer them to eat, it means your beloved dachshund is happy and in good shape.

✅ Always ready to play:

Your four-legged sausage is always enthusiastic every time you suggest a little walk or an activity.

✅ Often asks for petting:

It’s their way of expressing their affection and trust in you.

Final paw

There are certainly other signs that reveal a happy dachshund. Most of the time, they manifest in subtle ways, depending on your dog’s character.

In any case, making your dachshund happy is not that difficult. You just need to know their needs and, above all, consider them as a being in their own right, gifted with feelings!

And you? What are your secrets to making your dachshund the happiest in the world? Tell us in the comments!

The DoxieLife team 💚 – Last modified on 01/10/2026