How to Stop a Dachshund From Chewing Everything
Dachshunds are clever and lively dogs with a courageous spirit, but their stubbornness and high barking tendency can make destructive chewing particularly frustrating for owners. This breed's independent nature and moderate energy level (requiring about 45 minutes of daily exercise) mean they need mental stimulation as much as physical activity—and without it, they'll find their own entertainment, often at your furniture's expense. Destructive chewing in Dachshunds typically stems from boredom, anxiety, or simply their natural instinct to dig and burrow. The good news: with consistent positive reinforcement, clear boundaries, and appropriate outlets for their clever minds, you can redirect this behavior and teach your Dachshund what's safe to chew. This guide walks you through practical, home-friendly steps tailored to your breed's temperament.
Step-by-step
- 1
Identify triggers and manage the environment
Observe when your Dachshund chews most—often when bored, anxious, or lacking exercise. Since Dachshunds need 45 minutes of daily activity, ensure they're getting adequate physical exercise and mental stimulation. Remove tempting items from reach (shoes, pillows, electrical cords) and restrict unsupervised access to problem areas using baby gates or closed doors.
- 2
Provide appropriate chewing outlets
Stock your home with durable, breed-appropriate chew toys and puzzle toys that engage their clever minds. Rotate toys weekly to maintain novelty and interest. Stuff Kong toys with treats or freeze them with peanut butter to extend chewing time and make these outlets more rewarding than forbidden items.
- 3
Redirect and reward immediately
When you catch your Dachshund chewing something inappropriate, calmly redirect them to an approved toy without scolding—Dachshunds respond poorly to harsh corrections due to their stubborn nature. The instant they switch to the correct toy, reward heavily with praise and high-value treats to cement the association.
- 4
Exercise your Dachshund consistently
A tired Dachshund is less likely to engage in destructive behavior. Aim for 45 minutes of daily exercise split into multiple sessions—walks, fetch, or nose-work games that stimulate their hunting instincts. Mental exercise (training sessions, sniff games) is equally important for this intelligent breed.
- 5
Use positive reinforcement during unattended time
Before leaving, give your Dachshund a stuffed chew toy or puzzle feeder to keep them occupied. Crate-train if needed for safety and to prevent unsupervised destruction. When you return, reward calm behavior and appropriate chewing, reinforcing that good choices earn your attention.
- 6
Stay consistent and patient
Dachshunds are stubborn, so expect progress to take weeks, not days. Never punish after the fact, as they won't connect it to the behavior. Consistency across all household members is essential—everyone must enforce the same rules and reward the same desired behavior.
Pro tips
- Rotate chew toys every 5–7 days to combat your Dachshund's clever nature—novelty keeps them engaged and focused on approved outlets rather than furniture.
- Pair 45 minutes of daily exercise with indoor sniff games and training sessions; Dachshunds have working-dog ancestry and thrive on mental challenges that tire them out faster than physical activity alone.
- Never scold after the fact or engage in playful 'tug' games with forbidden items—your stubborn Dachshund may interpret either as a reward, making the behavior worse.
Frequently asked questions
My Dachshund only chews when I leave the house. Is this separation anxiety?+
Possibly, but not necessarily. Dachshunds may chew out of boredom or the simple fact that they have less supervision. Start by ensuring adequate pre-departure exercise, providing a stuffed puzzle toy, and gradually building alone-time tolerance. If chewing is accompanied by barking, howling, or pacing, consult your vet about anxiety strategies. Remember, Dachshunds are prone to barking anyway, so mild vocalizing may be normal.
Should I use a bitter-spray deterrent on furniture?+
Deterrent sprays can help, but they're secondary to redirecting to appropriate toys. Since Dachshunds are stubborn and clever, they may simply avoid the spray while still seeking chewing outlets. Instead, focus on managing the environment, providing better options, and rewarding good choices—positive reinforcement works better for this breed than punishment-based methods.
How long does it take to break this habit in Dachshunds?+
Most dogs show improvement within 3–4 weeks of consistent training, but Dachshunds' stubborn streak can extend this timeline. You may see significant progress in 6–8 weeks. Consistency and patience are crucial—don't expect overnight results, and reinforce appropriate chewing throughout your Dachshund's life.
Are some chew toys unsafe for Dachshunds?+
Yes. Avoid small toys that could be swallowed whole (Dachshunds' small size makes this risky), rawhide chews that splinter, and anything harder than a tooth to prevent dental damage. Stick with sized-appropriately durable rubber toys, rope toys under supervision, and edible chews designed for small breeds. Always supervise new toys initially.