Why Do Dachshunds Dig: 11 Digging Causes & Controls

Dachshunds are known to be one of the hounds that enjoy digging but why do dachshunds dig up their beds or backyard? Let’s take a look together!

Digging is a normal thing for hounds, but excessive digging is not normal, so in this post, we will look at some common reasons why dachshunds will engage in excessive digging.

We will also be looking at some common ways to control excessive digging in dachshunds, firstly, let me try to answer your question why do dachshunds dig in a simple summary!

Why Do Dachshunds Dig

Separation anxiety, curiosity nature of hounds, hunting instincts, a lot of energy, loneliness, and finding a cool area to relax are all reasons why Dachshunds dig.

You must ascertain the cause of your dachshund’s excessive digging and take measures as soon as feasible.

The most simple solution is to keep your dachshund busy and never leave him alone for more than a few hours at a period.

No matter how you see it, digging is one of the most common Dachshund behavior problems most owners face.

The following are some of the most typical reasons why dachshunds may excavate your fence or their sleeping bed:

1. Hounds dig naturally

Dachshunds were developed specifically to be hunting dogs in the past, thus they may dig more than other dogs trained specifically to be human companions.

During badger hunting sessions, dachshunds dig tunnels with the aid of other pack members and their human owners to hunt badgers from their current position by digging them out 

As time passes, these dogs have been raised to be pet dogs, but their digging abilities have been diminished, however they may still be seen digging when bored.

As a result, dachshunds are wired to dig as hunting dogs, but with appropriate training, you can educate them that digging is harmful.

2. Dachshunds dig due to separation anxiety

Separation anxiety develops in dachshunds when they are away from their owners for a lengthy period of time, or even when they are not left alone unsupervised for an extended period of time.

Separation anxiety in dachshunds manifests itself in digging, nipping, barking, self-isolation, and destructive chewing.

Separation anxiety is caused by leaving a dachshund alone at home, which may be avoided by providing a companion or using effective crate training.

When you arrive home, don’t ignore your dachshund digging up your fence or backyard; try to fix it.

3. Dachshunds dig out of curiosity

Dachshunds have an instinctive inclination to dig for a number of reasons, including curiosity.

Dachshunds are curious, little dog breeds who are always interested in what is going on around them.

Your dachshund might be digging to find out what’s in the hole in your fence or to figure out what it symbolizes.

Your dachshund will dig up any mouse attempting to enter or exit the area.

As a result, while considering why do dachshunds dig, don’t discount out the inquisitive character of dachshunds.

4. Dachshunds dig due to too much energy

Dachshunds are a petite, energetic canine breed that is always looking for something to occupy their time.

Your dachshund may dig up your yard to release tension if he or she doesn’t receive enough walks, activities, or cerebral stimulation.

You’ll need to design and stick to a regular routine that works for both you and your dachshund to keep your dachshund interested.

If you don’t find a method to keep your dachshund entertained or burn off some of his energy, he may dig.

5. Dachshunds dig when lonely or bored

When it comes to weeping or finding something to occupy their time when they are lonely, bored, or hungry, little dog breeds like dachshunds are no exception.

When bored, lonely, or hungry, a dachshund can become aggressive and bite or attack its owners.

If no one is around to keep them engaged, they may begin excavating your fence as a means of escape or to keep themselves busy.

To protect your dachshund from being bored or lonely, provide plenty of mental stimulation.

6. Dachshunds dig for fun

Dachshunds will dig up cool soil and roll on it calling fun, even though their owners are not happy with it. Training them is the way out.

Dachshunds aren’t known for scratching or destroying objects, but they do like digging and may bark excessively.

Excavating the fence or backyard may appear challenging to you, but it is the polar opposite for your dachshund, who is having a blast.

Dachshunds like digging all day because it is fun for them to dig in the soil and roll about in it.

Digging will not be an issue for you and your dachshund if you provide adequate training and mental stimulation; simply tell them what to do.

7. Frustrated dachshunds dig a lot

Frustration and depression are the most typical causes of unwanted behaviors in small dogs like dachshunds, which might include obsessive digging.

Your dachshund may become dissatisfied and unhappy due to a lack of mental stimulation, resulting in unwanted behaviors.

Changing meal times or diets can irritate and depress your dachshund unnecessarily, and a dissatisfied and unhappy dachshund may bite.

8. Dachshunds dig due to lack of care by owner

Another strong reason for dachshunds to dig is the need to obtain their owners’ undivided attention at any cost.

Your dachshund likes you and craves your undivided attention at all times; they never want to be ignored.

To obtain your undivided attention, your dachshund will participate in a variety of behaviors, such as digging.

Your dachshund may try to get your attention by excavating its bed, barking, whining, or howling.

When a dachshund is bored or feels ignored, he or she may act out to attract the attention of their owners.

9. Dachshunds dig when overly stressed

Dachshunds are little canines that may become nervous or worried easily. This might be due to their size or the breed’s function.

Knowing how to tell whether your dog is fearful, worried, or depressed may help you prevent negative behavior and give your dog a happy, healthy life.

Although the majority of stress indications are obvious, your dog’s stress communication might be subtle and unexpected at times.

When a dachshund is anxious or worried, it may dig up your garden or fence to demonstrate its dissatisfaction to the owner.

10. Dachshunds dig due to play aggression

Play aggressiveness in dachshunds is manifested by nipping, growling, snoozing, lunging, and soft biting, as well as excessive digging off the fence or in the backyard.

It’s fairly prevalent among dachshunds because their owners always accept or encourage it as normal behavior.

Play aggressiveness in Dachshunds develops over time and, if not properly managed, can cause severe problems with your children and dog.

You may see your dachshund digging in his bed or elsewhere as a result of his increased play aggression over time.

11. Dachshunds dig to cool off

Your dachshund may dig a cool and nice area to relax while it’s hot outside, indicating that your backyard temperature isn’t safe.

It’s possible that a dachshund digging holes in your fence or yard is looking for a place to cool down since it’s too hot outside.

As a result, make sure your dachshund has access to a cool, shaded location if it’s hot outside and the air is oppressive.

Ways to control dachshund digging

The following are some methods for avoiding or managing dachshund digging:

1. Provide a variety of exciting and amusing toys

If your dachshund like to bury his toys, make sure he doesn’t take them outside.

When you’re done playing with them outside with a toy, bring it in.

Giving your dachshund chew toys is another technique to redirect his or her focus away from digging.

Provide a variety of exciting and amusing toys, such as chewable, to keep your dachshund occupied.

2. Try to avoid separation anxiety

Getting a second pet will alleviate the majority of your dachshund’s problems.

Because dachshunds are prone to separation anxiety and discomfort when their owners are gone for an extended period of time, getting a second pet is never a bad idea.

3. Make sure to give lots of mental stimulation activities

Because there aren’t enough things to do throughout the day, Dachshunds become bored and begin digging in your garden or cellar.

Why not use a variety of brain stimulation exercises to keep your dachshund busy during the day?

By hiding goodies, you may create a treasure hunt for your dachshund, and you can keep them amused with a variety of unique and amusing toys.

4. Provide more exercise

Walking or exercising your dachshund on a regular basis to burn off excess energy is the greatest method to keep him from digging.

A fatigued dachshund will lack the energy to engage in undesirable behavior like digging.

In dachshunds and other dogs, lack of exercise is the major cause of destructive behavior like digging.

At least two to three times a day, take your dachshund outside for a 10- to 15-minute walk or run.

5. Make the digging areas unappealing

Rather than yelling and screaming at your dachshund for digging up the fence, make it difficult for him to do so.

Keep things out of reach of your dachshund so he doesn’t come too close to the digging regions.

You may use pine cones as a deterrent or spray the area where your dachshund is digging with repellent.

One of the most frequent strategies to keep your dachshund from digging is to distract them.

Instead of yelling and punishing them, divert their focus away from digging.

6. Get rid of all kinds of curiosity

Dachshunds dig to satiate their curiosity, and rodents may pique a dachshund’s interest and prompt them to dig out their hole.

Because Dachshund dogs enjoy following after things, you may expect him to dig in your house if he discovers a mouse.

Rats will keep your dachshund digging if they are let into your home. Therefore, eliminate all sort of curiosity from your home. 

7. Positive reinforcement

When it comes to training your dachshund, positive reinforcement is more effective than negative reinforcement.

To educate your dachshund that digging is not a good habit, you must utilize positive reinforcement.

It’s always a good idea to desensitize and counter-condition your dachshund.

Finally

Make sure your dog has adequate mental and physical stimulation every day. This will alleviate boredom and anxiety while also providing more acceptable forms of entertainment. 

Provide puzzle toys for your dog to play with outside to make the backyard more fascinating. 

Another technique to keep your dog occupied and exercised is to have training sessions in the backyard. 

Furthermore, they have the added benefit of altering your dog’s impression of what the backyard is for, namely, engaging with you rather than getting into mischief.

With all the above information provided on this page, I strongly hope your question why do dachshunds dig was answered!