Destructive No More: Stopping Your Dachshund’s Digging and Chewing Habits
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Struggling with a destructive Dachshund?
You’re not alone. Many Doxie parents watch their furniture, shoes, and garden fall victim to those sharp little teeth and busy paws.
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Dachshunds are clever, energetic, and oh-so-curious—it’s what makes them so lovable…and a little mischievous. Their digging and chewing often stem from boredom, anxiety, or sheer instinct. Left unchecked, these habits can cause serious damage to your home and even pose risks to your pup’s health. That’s why it’s essential to channel their energy into healthier behaviors. Solving this isn’t just about saving your sofa—it’s about helping your Doxie feel calm, stimulated, and happy.
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1. Provide Mental Stimulation with Enrichment Toys
Dachshunds are famously clever and curious—traits that can get them into trouble when boredom strikes. If your pup isn’t mentally challenged throughout the day, that extra brainpower might go toward more destructive “projects,” like shredding couch cushions or unearthing your potted plants. The good news? You can outsmart the mischief with enrichment toys that encourage problem-solving and play.
Puzzle toys, snuffle mats, and treat-dispensing games turn snack time into brain time. These toys simulate the mental stimulation your Doxie would get in the wild from foraging and hunting. Not only does this keep their mind busy, but it also wears them out in the best way—without chewing up your favorite sneakers.
Enrichment toys are especially important for dogs left home alone. Instead of anxiously waiting by the door, your pup has something to do—something rewarding and engaging. Try rotating different types of puzzles to keep things fresh and exciting.
🎁 Pro Tip: Check out our Dachshund Puzzle Toy – Treat Slow Feed Play Wheel Toy – keeps curious minds busy while rewarding good behavior!
2. Create a Dig Zone or Dig Box
Digging is more than a messy habit for Dachshunds—it’s practically part of their DNA. Originally bred to chase burrowing animals underground, these dogs have strong instincts to dig. That’s why simply scolding your pup when they dig up the yard often doesn’t work. Instead, offer them a better, dog-approved alternative: a designated dig zone.
A dig box is like a sandbox, but made just for your pup. You can fill it with soft soil, sand, or even shredded newspaper indoors if you're short on outdoor space. Then, bury treats, toys, or chews inside to encourage healthy digging behavior. When your Doxie digs in their box instead of your garden, celebrate it with praise or a treat—they’ll quickly get the message!
The beauty of a dig zone is that it allows your pup to express their natural behavior in a way that doesn’t cause damage. It's also a great physical and mental workout. And over time, it can reduce their desire to dig in unwanted areas because they know they have their own little “construction site.”
Just remember to keep it engaging—switch up the buried items and location occasionally to spark curiosity and excitement again.
3. Use Chew Alternatives That Satisfy Their Instincts
If your Dachshund is chewing everything in sight, from table legs to charging cables, it’s not mischief—it’s instinct. Dogs chew to relieve anxiety, boredom, teething discomfort, or even just for fun. Instead of trying to stop the chewing altogether (which rarely works), give your pup appropriate alternatives that meet their chewing needs and keep their teeth healthy.
Offer a variety of chew-friendly toys—look for durable materials like rubber, rope, or BPA-free silicone. Having a rotation of different textures and shapes keeps things interesting and prevents your Doxie from returning to your favorite chair leg for excitement. You can also freeze certain chews for teething relief or add a little peanut butter (xylitol-free!) to make them extra enticing.
In some cases, a muzzle can help break the habit temporarily—especially when training a persistent chewer or preventing them from biting furniture or other dogs during high-energy moments.
🎁 Pro Tip: Try our Dachshund Silicone Muzzle – Duck-Shaped Anti-Bite No-Bark Mouth Cover– great for training sessions and breaking the chewing cycle gently.
4. Stick to a Daily Routine with Exercise
A tired Doxie is a well-behaved Doxie. Without adequate daily exercise, all that pent-up energy can quickly turn into destructive behavior—like excessive barking, digging, or chewing. Regular physical activity helps burn off that energy in a positive way and reduces anxiety, especially for dogs left alone for extended periods.
Dachshunds don’t need marathon runs, but they do thrive on consistent activity. Aim for two brisk 20–30 minute walks per day. Supplement with indoor play sessions—tug-of-war, fetch, or a game of hide and seek can work wonders. Training games that involve movement and obedience are even better, as they combine mental and physical stimulation.
Keeping a routine matters, too. Dogs love knowing what to expect. A set walk time, followed by rest, then dinner or puzzle play, creates a predictable rhythm that boosts your dog’s confidence and makes them less likely to act out. Plus, bonding through daily walks deepens your relationship and helps build trust.
If your Doxie is still bouncing off the walls at night, try adding a short evening walk or calming activity before bedtime to help them unwind.
Alt text: “Active Dachshund walking outdoors – regular exercise prevents destructive behavior.”
5. Reinforce Good Behavior Consistently
Dogs don’t come pre-programmed—they learn from repetition, routine, and clear feedback. When it comes to stopping digging and chewing, your consistency is key. If your Dachshund doesn’t get clear messages about what’s OK and what’s not, they’ll keep testing boundaries (and your patience!).
Whenever your Doxie chooses the “right” thing—like chewing a toy instead of your shoe or digging in their designated box instead of the flowerbed—shower them with praise. Use treats, verbal encouragement, or their favorite game as a reward. Positive reinforcement makes them much more likely to repeat that behavior.
But it’s not just about rewarding the good—it’s also about redirecting the bad. If you catch your pup mid-dig or chew, calmly interrupt them and offer an approved alternative. Avoid punishment or yelling, which can create fear or confusion. Instead, be the guide your pup needs by reinforcing good choices and calmly managing the bad ones.
With consistency, your dog will begin to understand what’s expected—and destructive habits will start to fade. It takes patience, but every small win adds up to long-term behavior change.
Conclusion
Taming your Dachshund’s digging and chewing isn’t about punishment—it’s about understanding, redirecting, and staying consistent. With time, patience, and the right tools, your pup will trade destructive habits for healthier ones. Keep the routine going, and soon you’ll see a calmer, happier, less-chaotic Doxie on the other end of the leash.
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