Dachshunds, also known as ‘weiner dogs’, are a breed of short-legged, long-bodied hounds that are often found in households across the world. Generally, they are friendly, lovable, and loyal pups that make excellent pets. But one particular trait that is often associated with them is their tendency to howl.
Do Dachshunds howl a lot? The answer to this question is not a simple yes or no. It depends on the individual pup and their personality, as well as the environment they are in. Some Dachshunds are known to howl more than others. Generally, these pups are known for being more vocal than their counterparts and may even bark, yelp, and whine in addition to howling. Let’s learn more in this article.
Why Do Dachshunds Howl?
When it comes to Dachshunds and howling, there are several possible causes. For example, some Dachshunds may be reacting to something they hear in the environment, such as a car horn, a doorbell, or another dog barking. They may also be trying to get attention from their owners or expressing excitement. Dachshunds may also howl when they are feeling anxious or lonely. Let’s take a look at the most common reasons for their howling and how to minimize the noise.
Separation Anxiety
Dachshunds are highly bonded with their humans, meaning they often become anxious when separated from their owners. If your Dachshund is excessively howling when separated from you, it may be due to separation anxiety. There are a few things you can do to deal with separation anxiety, like breaking routines and not taking your Dachshund everywhere with you, especially when you don’t have to.
You can also try anti-anxiety medications from your veterinarian, having a friend pet sit, and taking your dog to doggie daycare. These tactics can help keep your pup’s anxiety levels at a reasonable level, which can potentially reduce the amount of howling. And note that sometimes you simply need to try a phased approach with spending long periods of time away from your dog. Young puppies can be especially prone to separation anxiety, as they’re used to being around other dogs.
Boredom
Dachshunds are extremely active dogs, so it’s entirely possible for them to get bored. When a Dachshund is bored, it may howl to find new ways to entertain itself. This is especially likely if your Dachshund is getting older and less interested in active play. Additionally, a bored Dachshund may howl to express any level of anxiety.
Try giving your Dachshund some interactive playtime to keep her busy or add some toys to your home that your Dachshund can explore and chew. You can also try switching up your Dachshund’s daily routine to add a little variety to its schedule. Taking your dog to agility courses or even building your own agility toys in your backyard can help to keep your dog active and entertained.
Attention Seeking
And sometimes howling can simply be a way for your Dachshund to say “Hey, pay attention to me”. Your attention is the one thing your dog loves most. They may exhibit certain behaviors, such as whining, barking, and howling, to try to get your attention or to ask for food, toys, and treats. You can teach your dog that this behavior isn’t acceptable by rewarding good behavior and ignoring them during outbursts.
Health Issues
Dogs communicate with sound, especially if they’re in pain. Like other canines, these dogs can be susceptible to a variety of health issues, including obesity, joint diseases, and heart problems. If your Dachshund is howling due to a health issue, you may notice that it does it when it performs certain activities or actions. For example, you may notice that your dog howls a bit when it jumps off the couch or the bed, which can indicate joint issues.
But sometimes this can be a difficult thing to diagnose, so it’s best to observe your dog to see if you see any physical signs of an ailment such as limping, excessive drooling, heavy panting, vomiting, diarrhea, etc. It also wouldn’t hurt to take your dog in for a checkup if you can’t get to the source of the howling, just to ensure that there are no underlying health issues present.
Canine Instinct
Keep in mind that howling is a natural instinct that dogs have inherited from their ancestors, the wolf. It’s how wolves communicate with each other over long distances. Wolves howl in order to communicate with their pack about their whereabouts, and to build a relationship with them. So, in some cases, your dog may howl simply because it’s around other dogs, or when it hears other dogs in the neighborhood or park – something that can be pretty interesting to witness.
Danger Alerts
Dachshunds will also howl when they feel pain or are in danger. If they feel threatened or scared for some reason, they may howl as a result. For example, your dog may hear a knock or turn of the door handle while you’re in the house, awakening its guardian instincts. So always be sure to pay attention to what they’re trying to communicate to you.
FAQs About the Dachshund Dog Breed
Are Dachshunds Playful Family Dogs?
Yes. Dachshunds are incredibly friendly, outgoing, and energetic dogs with a long, deep affection for their owners. They are devoted companions who are eager to please and learn. These intelligent dogs are incredibly loyal and have a high level of self-esteem, which means they have a tendency to be protective and wary of strangers.
Dachshunds are very social and friendly dogs with a zest for life. They’re very curious, active, and courageous, and enjoy getting into small spaces and chasing objects. This can make them a little excitable around other dogs and cats, so it’s important to socialize them early. Overall, these dogs are very patient dogs and take well to training, making them an excellent choice for families with kids.
Do They Require a Lot of Maintenance?
Dachshunds require a fair amount of maintenance to keep them healthy and happy. They need regular brushing and combing since their coats can become matted and tangled easily. Their coats can be smooth, wirehaired, or longhaired, and generally will require brushing throughout the week to reduce dander. They’ll typically be due for a bath about every 2 to 4 weeks and you’ll want to ensure that you clean their long floppy ears, as they are easily susceptible to infections and pests.
Are Dachshunds More Active or Lapdogs?
Dachshunds are an active breed that needs regular exercise to keep them happy and healthy. Daily walks are an excellent option for this, as well as a few play sessions to keep them interested. Although they make great lap dogs, they also need some form of regular physical activity (at least 30 minutes a day) to stay healthy.
Taking them out for daily walks or letting them play in the backyard will help keep them in shape. It is also important to provide them with appropriate chew toys to satisfy their need to gnaw – or you may find that this is your favorite pair of shoes on the bottom of your furniture.
How Long Do Dachshunds Live?
Dachshunds have an average lifespan of between 12 and 16 years. They tend to have a good health record and are very rarely prone to major health issues, with the exception of back, hip, and leg joint issues due to their long shape and short legs. It’s important to regularly check for signs of back or joint problems (particularly as they reach those older years) and get your Dachshund checked by a veterinarian if he starts to show signs of any joint pain or discomfort.
Are Dachshunds Easy to Train?
Dachshunds are an intelligent breed that thrive on learning, so it’s important to provide plenty of positive reinforcement for training. They are very eager to please their owners and learn quickly, so it’s important to socialize them as puppies and teach them good manners around other pets and people. They are a very outgoing breed that need regular exercise and mental stimulation to stay happy and healthy. Dachshunds are excellent at teaching their owners about canine body language and will be a useful tool for training your children. They are fast learners and don’t have a strong guarding instinct, making them a great choice for introduction to a new pet or child.
Conclusion
Dachshunds are known to howl, but this can be minimized if you find the source of the howling. Common reasons include separation anxiety, physical discomfort, attention seeking, boredom, and danger alerts. You can also train your dog not to howl if it becomes a problem with neighbors or young children.
Featured Image Credit: Grisha Bruev, Shutterstock
