For Dachshunds, digging isn’t just a quirk, it’s a calling rooted in their long history as hunting dogs. While this energetic drive is appealing, it can lead to a bit of chaos in the backyard! By channeling this instinct constructively, you can keep your Dachshund engaged, mentally stimulated, and happy without sacrificing your landscaping. From digging boxes to scent trails, these creative solutions help satisfy your dog’s desire to dig while bringing you both closer together in purposeful ways:

DIY Digging Box

A digging box offers a perfect outlet for Dachshunds, whose love for burrowing goes back to their roots as small-game hunters in Germany. Creating a sand or soil-filled box in your yard or an unused corner can give your dog a dedicated space to unleash their digging desires without harming your garden or yard. Start by using old crates or loosening the top layer of soil in a secluded yard spot. To reinforce the idea, hide toys or treats in this digging area, giving your dog mental stimulation and helping them understand this is their designated digging spot.

Snuffle Mats for Indoors

For rainy days or indoor play, snuffle mats are an ideal way to satisfy your Dachshund’s need to “hunt” through digging. Snuffle mats are designed with fabric strips where treats can be hidden, mimicking the experience of sniffing and pawing through grass or dirt. This activity keeps them busy while feeding their natural curiosity and drive to dig, especially useful in an indoor setting where outdoor options may be limited. Incorporating snuffle mats a few times a week can become a ritual that not only channels their digging impulse but also exercises their minds. This activity is particularly beneficial if you happen to live in an apartment, where you may not have access to a backyard.

Obstacle Courses with Digging Spots

If your Dachshund has an endless supply of energy, which they normally do, try creating a mini obstacle course with safe digging spots. By using tunnels, ramps, and designated digging areas, you can recreate the sense of hunting that Dachshunds find so rewarding. It may sound a bit complex but this physical exercise not only helps them burn off energy but also keeps their minds engaged as they move from one task to the next. Doing so not only allows them to channel their instincts constructively but also grants you control over when and where they dig. If you’re in no mood to DIY an obstacle course yourself, you can get a ready-made one online, albeit at a hefty fee.

Blanket Burrow Games

One crucial reason why Dachshunds are drawn to digging is because of the warmth and security they find in doing so. Hence, making a pile of blankets can mimic their hunting instinct without making a mess. Do so by laying out worn-out or unused blankets in layers, and hiding small treats or toys between them. This satisfies their urge to dig and burrow, giving them a chance to “hunt” in a controlled space. The softness and warmth also appeal to their love of cozy, enclosed spaces. These games are easy to set up and maintain, making them a versatile option for every Dachshund owner.

Training with “Dig” and “Stop” Commands

Channeling a Dachshund’s love of digging can also be achieved through basic commands. Teaching them commands like “dig” and “stop” helps manage their behavior by giving them control over this primal urge. Start by allowing digging in an approved area, like a sandbox as mentioned earlier, while using the “dig” command. When they dig elsewhere, use the “stop” command to redirect them. Commands like these help set boundaries, allowing your Dachshund to enjoy digging when appropriate while learning not to dig in restricted spaces. More importantly, do not forget to treat them for their good deeds.

Interactive Toys and Treat Puzzles

Daschunds, like most other dogs that have a liking to dig, do so out of pure boredom. And what better way to keep their minds active than interactive toys and puzzles? Toys like Kong dispensers or puzzles that require pawing and pushing give them an engaging, indoor digging experience, at the same time providing the required adulations in the form of chewy treats. These toys are particularly useful for days when outdoor play isn’t feasible, offering your Dachshund a satisfying and productive way to spend their time without resorting to digging.

Daily Walks and Playtime

Dachshunds often dig due to pent-up energy, so keeping them physically active with regular walks can help curb this behavior. Daily exercise burns off excess energy and reduces their likelihood of engaging in destructive digging. Incorporate sniffing trails or games along your walks to engage their sense of smell and curiosity. Moreover, these long walks help replicate the hunting experiences their ancestors had, fulfilling their need to explore, dig, and chase. Playing fetch or other interactive games on a walk can further satisfy their active minds and minimize boredom.

Scent Trails in the Yard

Creating scent trails around your yard taps into a Dachshund’s powerful sense of smell and love for tracking. Lay down treats or small scent markers (safe animal scents or toys) around your yard and let your Dachshund follow the trail. This creates an environment where they can explore, sniff, and dig without causing damage. You can even introduce some soft soil patches or hidden toys along the trail for them to dig up. This activity gives them a sense of purpose, allowing them to enjoy “hunting” within the safe boundaries of your yard.