Are Dachshunds Good With Kids? Vet-Reviewed Facts & Considerations
If you’ve ever met a Dachshund, you probably know that they are little dogs with big personalities. If they are properly trained, Dachshunds make great family pets and do great with kids. Dachshunds make wonderful companions and can be excellent family pets.
If you have the time and patience to train a Dachshund, getting one can be a good idea. We’ll talk about the Dachshund, what kind of pet they make, and more below.
Are Dachshunds Good Family Pets?
Yes, Dachshunds can make great family pets if they are socialized and trained as puppies. They are fun-loving, loyal, and have no problems lying on the couch with you and watching television all day long.
They are often described as stubborn dogs, meaning they might not take to training as quickly as you'd like. They need a consistent, patient, and reward-based approach, so sometimes professional training or guidance from a trainer is required. They are considered hard to train by some owners because they are independent and intelligent; it’s something you’ll love about your Dachshund, but may be aggravated by at the same time.
When training them, you never want to yell at or be mean to your Dachshund, or any dog for that matter, as this can increase fear, stress, and avoidance behaviors, which may interfere with learning and trust.
Are Dachshunds Good With Kids?
While Dachshunds can be good with kids, how they behave around children depends largely on early socialization, training, individual temperament, and the behavior of the children. Not only is it essential for your dog to learn how to act around and socialize with children, but it’s also vital for children in your home to be taught how to interact and socialize with your pets.
If you train and socialize your children and canine pal from a young age, they’ll be more likely to get along as they grow up together.
However, if you don’t, you increase the risk of fear, stress, or defensive behaviors, which can lead to injury for both the dog and the children, especially during rough or unsupervised interactions. Because Dachshunds are prone to intervertebral disc disease (IVDD), children should also be taught to handle them gently and avoid jumping, rough play, or improper lifting. It is also best to make sure not to leave your Dachshund alone with children unsupervised, especially with children who aren’t your own and might not be used to being around and interacting with pets.
Conclusion
Dachshunds are an adorable breed that goes by many names. They can be great family pets and are loyal, loving, and energetic. They love to play but will lie up on the couch with you to cuddle if that’s what you want.
They may do well with kids, as long as they are socialized, trained, and interactions are appropriately supervised. If you’re considering giving a Dachshund a forever home, ensure you’re ready for the responsibility. Your love will be returned in spades; we promise.
See also:
Featured Image Credit: Roman Samborskyi, Shutterstock
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Patricia is an experienced pet writer and lifelong animal lover. When she isn’t writing, Patricia enjoys spending time with her pets, cats Binx and Link and dog Mystery. Mystery and Link have been with her since birth. Binx was found under her house as a kitten and promptly welcomed into the family. Patricia enjoys volunteering at her local rescue shelter and sharing her extensive knowledge of pets.
