Dachshunds come hardwired to dig and burrow, thanks to their roots as badger hunters. Sometimes, that means your garden gets a little too much attention or your couch cushions turn into a makeshift den.
Understanding and managing your dachshund’s burrowing behavior is essential. Effective dachshund burrowing solutions help keep your home safe and your pup happy.
Plenty of dachshund owners get frustrated by digging without realizing there are simple fixes. Your pup isn’t out to destroy things—they’re just following instincts that run deep.
With the right approach, you can give them healthy outlets for this urge and still keep your belongings safe.
Key Takeaways
- Offer designated digging spots and burrowing blankets to satisfy your dachshund’s natural instincts.
- Try positive reinforcement training to redirect unwanted digging to better places.
- Balance your dachshund’s need to burrow with home protection by giving them enough exercise and enrichment.
Understanding the Dachshund Burrowing Instinct
Dachshunds are born diggers. Their urge to burrow comes straight from their hunting background—it’s just in their DNA.
Origins of Burrowing Behavior
Back in 15th-century Germany, people bred dachshunds to chase badgers and other burrowing animals. Their name literally means “badger dog.”
That long body and those strong paws? They were made for digging into tunnels and flushing out prey.
Even today, dachshunds carry those instincts, whether they’ve ever seen a badger or not. Centuries of breeding have left them with a powerful urge to dig, tunnel, and make little dens.
They don’t really get that your flowerbed isn’t a hunting ground, or that your blankets aren’t dirt. Instinct just takes over sometimes.
Signs Your Dachshund Wants to Burrow
Physical indicators your dachshund’s in the mood to dig include:
- Pawing or scratching at blankets, pillows, or soil
- Circling in one spot, almost obsessively
- Nudging things with their nose to make a space
You might catch them doing this before settling down for a nap. They’ll burrow under blankets or couch cushions, trying to make a cozy little spot.
Some dachshunds get visibly excited when they find soft dirt or sand. Their body language shifts—a low chest, wagging tail, and that classic focused digging.
They dig more if they’re stressed or cold. Burrowing helps them feel safe and warm.
Benefits and Challenges of Instinctual Digging
Letting them burrow in the right places pays off:
- Gives them mental stimulation and exercise
- Helps reduce stress and anxiety
- Satisfies instincts, so they’re not frustrated
- Makes them feel secure
But if you don’t manage it, you might end up with destroyed gardens or scratched-up furniture. Some dachshunds get so into digging, they start ignoring commands or get possessive about their digging spots.
It’s all about finding that sweet spot—give them healthy ways to burrow, and you won’t have to sacrifice your home or yard.
Managing Burrowing Behavior at Home
To handle your dachshund’s digging instincts, you’ll need consistency and some well-placed outlets. Mix positive reinforcement, safe digging spots, and gentle redirection for best results.
Positive Reinforcement Techniques
When your dachshund skips digging where they shouldn’t, reward them. Toss a treat, give some praise, or hand over their favorite toy right after the good behavior.
Command training helps a lot. Teach “leave it” or “no dig” with clear cues, and always reward them fast when they listen.
More exercise means less boredom digging. Shoot for 30-45 minutes of activity a day—walks, playtime, whatever gets them moving.
Don’t forget mental workouts. Puzzle toys, snuffle mats, and training games scratch that hunting itch without wrecking your stuff.
Designating Safe Burrowing Zones
Set up a digging box. A kid’s sandbox or a big plastic tub with loose soil or sand does the trick. Bury a few toys or treats to make it interesting.
Put the box somewhere shady outside, especially if that’s where your dog already tries to dig. Show them it’s their new digging spot by hiding treats and letting them see you do it.
Inside, try deep blankets, special burrowing beds, or even a blanket box. These give them a place to nest without trashing the furniture.
Make your designated area the most fun spot by adding new scents or toys now and then. Keep it fresh so they keep coming back.
Discouraging Unwanted Behaviors
If you catch them digging somewhere off-limits, interrupt with a calm “no” and guide them to the right spot. Punishing them after the fact won’t work—they won’t get why you’re upset.
Block off favorite forbidden zones with barriers like rocks, small fences, or big planters.
Use pet-safe deterrents on problem areas. Bitter sprays, citrus peels, or a little vinegar-water can make those places less appealing.
Try textured mats or grids in the garden to make digging uncomfortable but safe. They’re especially handy around fences if you’re worried about escapes.
Protecting Your Home From Damage
Dachshunds adore digging and burrowing, but that can spell trouble for your home and garden. With a few smart tricks, you can keep your place looking good and your dog satisfied.
Home-Proofing Tips for Doxie Owners
First, figure out where your dachshund loves to dig most. Couches, beds, and carpet corners are common hotspots. Block these off when you can’t keep an eye on them.
Try deterrent sprays on furniture edges. They smell bad to dogs but won’t hurt them.
Baby gates work wonders for keeping your dog out of rooms with breakables or fancy furniture. It’s a relief not having to worry every time you leave the room.
Give them alternatives. Toss designated blankets in their favorite corners for nesting. Swap out the blankets now and then to keep things interesting.
Pick up furniture covers that you can wash easily. Your furniture stays protected, and your dachshund still gets to burrow.
Common Household Risks to Watch
Dachshunds target certain things when they’re in a burrowing mood:
- Cushions and pillows – often torn up for nesting
- Carpets and rugs – corners get pulled and frayed
- Bedding – sheets and comforters are prime burrowing real estate
- Garden areas – outdoor digging can ruin landscaping
Check your stuff regularly for early signs of damage. Scratches, loose threads, or tiny tears can get worse fast.
Watch spots where your dachshund hangs out alone. Sometimes, separation anxiety makes them dig more.
If nothing else works, consider temporary crating when you’re gone. It keeps both your dog and your home safe.
Choosing Durable Home Furnishings
Pick furniture that can handle a dachshund’s energy. Leather and microfiber hold up better than delicate fabrics like silk.
Look for couches and chairs with removable, washable covers. You’ll thank yourself the first time there’s a mess.
Some solid options for dachshund homes:
| Item | Recommended Materials | Why It Works |
|---|---|---|
| Couch | Microfiber, leather | Scratch-resistant, easy to clean |
| Carpet | Low-pile, indoor/outdoor | Resists digging, easy to vacuum |
| Bedding | Denim, canvas | Strong materials resist tearing |
Darker colors help hide fur and dirt between cleanings. Your home stays looking decent, even when life gets busy.
Throw blankets on favorite furniture spots. They protect the surface and give your dachshund a place to burrow without any drama.
Creative Dachshund Burrowing Solutions
Dachshunds really do need a way to work out those digging instincts. The right setup lets them burrow to their heart’s content and keeps your home safe from their little excavations.
Specialized Burrowing Beds and Blankets
Several pet companies now make beds just for burrowing dogs. Look for “burrow beds” or “cave beds” with built-in covers so your dachshund can tunnel inside.
These beds usually have a soft, plush opening and a covered area that feels like a cozy den. Snuggle sacks and burrowing blankets work well for dachshunds too.
These blankets have pocket-like openings where your dog can crawl in and get comfy. Many are machine washable and come in all sorts of sizes.
Think about temperature when picking out beds. Some models use cooling materials for hot days, while others add extra warmth for winter.
For even more comfort, try beds with orthopedic foam bases. These support your dachshund’s long back while they burrow and snooze.
DIY Burrowing Spaces
Homemade burrowing spots can save money and still work great. Start with a sturdy box and cut an entry hole just big enough for your dachshund.
Line the box with soft blankets or towels to make it inviting. You can also make a “blanket nest” by piling up blankets in a basket or a corner.
Fold the blankets to create natural tunnels and pockets for your dog to explore. Old pillowcases partly filled with soft materials make fun tunnel systems too.
Lay out several pillowcases together and connect them for a longer burrowing adventure. The “towel mountain” trick works as well—stack towels or small blankets and let your dachshund rearrange them however they like.
Innovative Indoor and Outdoor Setups
Indoor tunnel systems made for kids can double as dachshund play spaces. Collapsible play tunnels are easy to set up during playtime and stash away later.
Set up a digging area in your yard with a sandbox full of clean play sand. Hide toys or treats to encourage digging in the right place.
Some people build “burrow zones” under decks or porches with loose, safe materials for digging. Just make sure these spots are escape-proof.
“Snuffle mats” are worth a try too—these textured mats have fabric strips where you can hide treats. They let your dachshund forage without making a mess.
If you want flexibility, use portable dig boxes that move between indoors and outdoors depending on weather or your mood.
Accessorizing for Comfort and Safety
Giving your dachshund the right accessories can help manage their burrowing and keep them comfy and safe. Plus, who doesn’t want their pup looking stylish?
Best Cute Doxie Accessories for Burrowing
Dachshund-specific accessories can satisfy your dog’s urge to burrow and protect your home at the same time. Try a dachshund burrow bed with attached blanket flaps so your pup can tunnel inside.
These beds mimic the cozy dens doxies love. Snuggle sacks are another great pick—these soft, pouch-like beds let your dachshund crawl in completely.
Go for machine-washable versions with non-slip bottoms for easy cleaning and safety. If your dog is an active burrower, puzzle toys can redirect their energy in a fun way.
Toys with hidden treat compartments offer mental stimulation as your pup digs for rewards. Dachshund-specific tunnels are also a hit—these fabric tubes give your dog a safe spot to dig and play.
Choose tunnels with reinforced sides so they don’t collapse mid-play.
Choosing the Right Dachshund Sweaters and Coats
Dachshunds have short coats and long bodies, so they get cold easily. Good outerwear is a must for chilly walks or outdoor digging.
Pick sweaters that cover the belly area completely. This keeps your doxie warm when they’re close to the ground or rooting around outside.
Measurements matter more than size labels. Measure your dog’s:
- Length (neck to tail base)
- Chest circumference
- Neck circumference
Pick materials based on how active your dog is. Lightweight fleece works indoors, while waterproof coats are better for wet or muddy digging sessions outside.
Avoid clothes with loose parts that could snag while burrowing. Go for secure fasteners like Velcro that stay put even during wild play.
Training Tips for Lasting Results
Breaking a dachshund’s burrowing habit takes consistent training and a bit of patience. The right approach respects your dog’s instincts while helping them adapt to your home.
Consistency and Patience
Training your dachshund to stop unwanted burrowing isn’t instant. Stay consistent with your commands and corrections every time you spot the behavior.
Use a firm but gentle “no” if you catch them digging where they shouldn’t. Right away, guide them to an approved activity or digging spot.
This kind of positive redirection works much better than punishment. Here’s a quick rundown for rewards:
- Praise your dog right away when they dig in the right spot
- Give small treats when they follow your lead
- Stick with the same verbal cues so your dog knows what you mean
Keep training sessions short—about 5-10 minutes is plenty for most dachshunds. Their attention spans are pretty short, so a few quick sessions a day beat one long one.
Progress can be slow. Some dachshunds might need weeks or even months before the habit fades, so hang in there.
When to Seek Professional Help
If your dachshund’s burrowing turns destructive or obsessive, and training doesn’t help, it might be time for outside help. Watch for frantic digging that you can’t stop or damage to your stuff.
A certified dog trainer who knows hunting breeds can create a custom plan for your doxie. They get the unique challenges dachshunds bring.
Consider professional help when:
- Your dachshund keeps damaging furniture
- The digging gets worse even with training
- Your dog looks anxious or stressed while digging
- Burrowing starts affecting your pup’s quality of life
Behavioral pros might suggest desensitization or counter-conditioning. These methods go after the root causes of all that digging.
Ask your vet for trainer recommendations. Sometimes, medical issues cause burrowing problems, and you’ll want to address those first.
Maintaining a Happy, Healthy Doxie
Dachshunds do best when you respect their instincts but set boundaries that work for your home. It’s a balancing act, but it keeps your doxie happy and out of trouble.
Balancing Instinct and Household Harmony
Set up digging areas where your dachshund can safely let loose. A sandbox in the yard or a dig box with soil and hidden toys works for these little hunters.
When you catch your doxie digging where they shouldn’t, calmly interrupt and guide them to their own digging spot. Clear boundaries help everyone.
Make sure your dog gets enough physical exercise—aim for at least 30-60 minutes a day. Walks, playtime, and supervised yard time burn off energy that might otherwise fuel destructive digging.
Don’t forget mental workouts. Puzzle toys, snuffle mats, and training sessions keep your dachshund’s brain busy, which helps with behavior, too.
Monitoring Mental and Physical Health
Watch out for excessive digging—it can mean your dog’s bored, anxious, or stressed. If digging suddenly ramps up, think about any recent changes at home.
Protect their long backs by stopping them from jumping on and off furniture. Ramps for beds and couches can really help prevent back injuries.
Book regular vet check-ups to monitor weight and back health. Obesity is a big risk for dachshunds and can make digging worse if they’re uncomfortable.
Check their paws often for injuries from digging—look for cracked pads, broken nails, or anything stuck that could hurt. Give lots of praise and treats when your dachshund behaves well. It really does help strengthen your bond.
Frequently Asked Questions
Dachshund owners often wrestle with their pet’s digging habits. Here are some common questions and practical solutions to help you and your dog live happily together.
How can I prevent my Dachshund from digging in the house?
Offer plenty of appropriate toys to redirect your dachshund’s energy. Puzzle toys and treat-dispensing options keep their minds working and paws busy.
Make sure your dog gets enough exercise. A tired dachshund is way less likely to dig up your carpet or furniture.
Create digging zones with blankets or special beds in quiet corners where your dog feels safe. If you need extra help, try bitter apple spray on areas you want to protect—the taste is unpleasant but harmless.
What are the best ways to satisfy a Dachshund’s burrowing instincts?
Get a cave-style bed so your dachshund can burrow safely. These beds have covers or hoods that let them tunnel just like they want.
Make a blanket nest for your dog to dig and arrange to their liking. Soft fleece blankets are a favorite for this.
Try a sandbox in a contained part of your yard for a dedicated digging spot. Rotate new toys often to keep your dachshund interested—stuffed toys they can “hunt” and burrow with are always a hit.
Are there effective training methods to curb a Dachshund’s digging behavior?
Use positive reinforcement when your dachshund chooses the right digging spots. Treats and praise right after good behavior go a long way.
Try the “redirect and reward” method. When you catch your dog digging where they shouldn’t, calmly move them to a better spot.
Clicker training helps mark the exact behaviors you want. Consistency is key—everyone in the house should use the same rules to avoid mixed signals.
What are safe alternatives to outdoor digging for Dachshunds?
Snuffle mats offer mental stimulation and satisfy foraging instincts. These mats have fabric pockets to hide treats for your dog to find.
Set up a simple indoor agility course with tunnels and low jumps. Dachshunds love the activity, and it burns off excess energy.
Hide treats around your home for your dachshund to “hunt.” Food puzzle toys that require problem-solving also keep them busy and happy.
How can I protect my yard and garden from my Dachshund’s burrowing habits?
Set up a digging spot just for your dog in one part of the yard. You could use a child’s sandbox or build a little area with landscape timbers and fill it with soft, loose dirt.
Put up some physical barriers around your flower beds or vegetable gardens. Low decorative fencing helps, or you can try lining the edges with big rocks—they’re surprisingly effective.
Try using pet-safe deterrents where you don’t want your Dachshund to dig. Some folks go for commercial repellents, but honestly, tossing down some citrus peels might do the trick too.
Keep an eye on your pup during outdoor time, at least until they pick up better habits. That way, you can step in and redirect them right away if they’re about to start digging where they shouldn’t.
What products are available to manage a Dachshund’s natural burrowing tendencies?
Burrow beds with hoods or covers give Dachshunds a safe place to tunnel. Many of these beds use soft, washable fabrics that dogs seem to love.
Dig boxes made just for dogs create a contained space for digging. You can set them up indoors or even on a patio if you live in an apartment.
Treat-dispensing toys offer mental stimulation. Choose ones that make your dog work a little to get the treats out, so their paws and brain stay busy.
Some Dachshunds dig because they’re stressed, which is tough to watch. Anti-anxiety wraps apply gentle pressure that can help soothe nervous pups and sometimes cut down on that compulsive digging.
