3 Common Miniature Dachshund Behaviour Problems (And How To Fix Them)

Remember: Miniature Dachshunds are fearless, determined hunters in tiny packages. Train them like big dogs, protect their backs, and they'll become the bold, devoted companions they were bred to be.

Where Do Miniature Dachshunds Come From?

Miniature Dachshunds were developed in Germany in the 1800s by miniaturising standard Dachshunds to hunt smaller prey like rabbits in underground burrows.

"Dachshund" literally means "badger dog" in German - their original purpose. The miniaturisation was achieved by breeding the smallest standards together, later possibly introducing toy terrier blood. They needed to maintain the hunting ability of standards in a smaller package.

What were they bred to do?

Miniature Dachshunds had dangerous hunting work:

• Hunt rabbits, rats, and other small game in underground burrows
• Navigate spaces where larger dogs couldn't follow
• Be fearless enough to confront prey underground in complete darkness
• Be tenacious enough to fight when cornered
• Be small enough to navigate tight burrows
• Be tough enough to withstand bites

Their elongated body allowed them to navigate tunnels whilst short legs provided digging power.

Key breeding traits:

Miniature Dachshunds have elongated spines bred for burrow navigation (creating vulnerability to back problems). They have fearlessness disproportionate to size (they'll confront much larger dogs), intense prey drive toward small animals, and powerful bark volume (needed to bark underground so hunters could locate them).

They have stubborn independence (worked alone underground making own decisions) and surprising aggression potential when not properly trained. They're terriers in body type but hounds in classification.

Why Do Miniature Dachshunds Have These Behaviour Problems?

Your Miniature Dachshund isn't being difficult. They're now primarily companion dogs with some still used for hunting in Europe. Their hunting genetics remain completely intact - they still have the drive to dig, bark, and chase small animals.

The miniaturisation and extreme body shape (very long, very short legs) has created severe health problems, particularly intervertebral disc disease (IVDD) affecting 25% of the breed. Back pain directly causes behavioural changes.

Understanding their fearless hunting heritage and fragile backs is crucial.

Problem 1: Excessive Barking & Alert Behaviour

What's happening: Your Miniature Dachshund barks constantly, has a surprisingly loud bark for their size, or seems impossible to quiet down.

Why it happens: Miniature Dachshunds were bred to bark underground so hunters could locate them when they'd cornered prey in burrows - prolonged, persistent barking was essential to their job and is genetically hardwired. Despite miniaturisation, they retained full-sized dog bark volume and hunting dog alertness. Their bark was their communication lifeline when out of sight underground.

The fix: Teach "one bark rule" where they alert once then quiet on command. When they bark, acknowledge by looking toward the stimulus, say "quiet," and reward the first moment of silence.

Implement "selective alerting" where only specific triggers (doorbell, knock) earn acknowledgment whilst other stimuli (neighbours, cars, birds) are completely ignored.

Practice "settle" training heavily: have them lie on a designated mat and reward calmness. Gradually extend the calm period from 1 minute to 15-20 minutes.

Make sure they're aware it's not their job through calm owner behaviour. If you shout when they bark, you'll just reinforce the issues they're having.

Accept some vocalisation is hardwired for the breed - they're incompatible with strict quiet requirements. Their job was literally to bark persistently underground.

Constant barking driving you mad? Dachshunds were bred to bark underground for hours. Join our free Skool community for "one bark rule" training and get realistic expectations from other Dachshund owners during weekly Q&As.

Problem 2: Aggression & 'Napoleon Complex'

What's happening: Your Miniature Dachshund shows aggression toward other dogs, acts fearless despite their small size, or displays defensive behaviour.

Why it happens: Miniature Dachshunds were bred to fight badgers (dangerous prey with sharp claws and powerful bites) underground without backup - they needed fearlessness disproportionate to their size to survive. Owners often fail to train or socialise them properly due to size, creating under-socialised dogs with natural hunting aggression. Their small size makes them feel vulnerable, increasing defensive behaviour that goes uncorrected because they're "small and cute."

The fix: Train exactly as you would a large breed - set firm boundaries, extensive socialisation before 16 weeks, proper consequences when needed (never physical, but consistent).

Implement "big dog expectations" with formal training: proper heel work, sit-stays, impulse control. Their size doesn't excuse poor behaviour. Never pick them up to "save" them from situations as this reinforces fear and makes aggression worse.

Use "confidence building" through appropriate dog interactions: carefully select stable, calm dogs for socialisation. Avoid dog parks where they might be overwhelmed.

Address aggression immediately - don't excuse it due to size. Use removal of privileges and consistent consequences. If escalating to biting, consult a professional immediately.

When off lead, consider leaving a short line attached to catch them if they start to get over-animated during play time.

Napoleon complex getting dangerous? Small dog syndrome is owner-created. Inside our Skool community, you'll find "big dog training" protocols and socialisation strategies during weekly Q&As with experienced trainers.

Problem 3: Back Problems Leading to Behaviour Changes

What's happening: Your Miniature Dachshund shows behaviour changes, reluctance to move, sensitivity to touch, or sudden irritability.

Why it happens: Their elongated spine (bred for burrow navigation) creates extreme susceptibility to intervertebral disc disease (IVDD) - 25% will experience back problems in their lifetime. Back pain is common and leads to irritability, reluctance to move, housetraining issues (can't hold positions comfortably), and aggression when touched. Sudden behavioural changes often indicate undiagnosed pain.

The fix: Prevent jumping on/off furniture with ramps or stairs placed at all furniture they access - this is non-negotiable for spine health.

Maintain healthy weight as obesity exponentially increases back strain and disc pressure. They should have visible waist when viewed from above.

Watch for behaviour changes (reluctance to jump, sensitivity to touch especially around back, elimination accidents, reduced activity, yelping when moving) and consult your vet immediately - these are IVDD warning signs requiring urgent care.

Implement "core strengthening" through appropriate exercise: controlled lead walks, swimming (if available) which is low-impact. Avoid activities involving jumping, twisting, or stairs when possible.

Provide orthopaedic bedding reducing pressure on spine and joints - memory foam beds designed for senior dogs work well.

Back problems causing behaviour issues? IVDD affects 25% of Dachshunds. Join our Skool community for back-safe protocols and get advice on managing spinal health from other Dachshund owners who understand this breed's vulnerability.

Is a Miniature Dachshund Right for a New Owner?

A Miniature Dachshund might be perfect for you if you're looking for:

A bold, entertaining personality in a small package - Miniature Dachshunds are fearless, funny, and full of character. They're endlessly entertaining and bring big dog personality to a small body.

An ideal dog for apartment living - With 30-45 minutes of daily exercise needs, Miniature Dachshunds adapt well to smaller living spaces. They're manageable size-wise and perfect for urban living.

A loyal, devoted companion - Dachshunds bond deeply with their people and are incredibly loyal. They want to be by your side and make wonderful devoted companions.

A low-maintenance coat - Smooth-coated Miniature Dachshunds require minimal grooming. They're easy to care for in terms of coat maintenance.

A long-lived friend - With a lifespan of 12-16 years, Miniature Dachshunds are with you for the long haul. They're hardy little dogs who age well with proper back care.

If you can protect their backs (ramps, no jumping), handle their vocal nature, train them properly despite their size, and want a fearless little hunter with huge personality, a Miniature Dachshund will bring laughter, devotion, and endless entertainment to your life.

Get the Full Support System for Your Miniature Dachshund

This guide gives you real solutions you can start using today. But raising a well-behaved Miniature Dachshund is an ongoing journey, not a one-time fix.

That's why we created our free Skool community - to give you continuous support every step of the way.

Inside the community, you'll get:

• Weekly live Q&A sessions where you can ask about YOUR specific Miniature Dachshund and get personalised advice from experienced trainers
• Full breed-specific courses covering everything from puppy raising to advanced behaviour modification
• A supportive community of other Miniature Dachshund owners who understand exactly what you're going through
• Video demonstrations so you can see techniques in action, not just read about them
• Troubleshooting help when things don't go to plan (because they won't always!)
• Updated resources as we add new courses and training blueprints

Best part? It's completely free. No subscription. No catch. Just dog owners helping dog owners.

Join The Toe Beans Co community today and get the ongoing support you need to build the best relationship with your Miniature Dachshund.