Dachshunds are adorable, loyal, goofy, and full of personality — but they’re also one of the most anxiety-prone dog breeds in the world. If your Dachshund barks excessively, shakes, hides, follows you everywhere, or panics when left alone, you’re not alone.
According to multiple canine behavior studies (2022–2024), small hound breeds like Dachshunds experience anxiety 42% more than other breeds, mainly due to their genetic instincts, attachment style, and emotional sensitivity.
This 3500-word mega-guide explains:
- Why Dachshunds get anxious (11+ real psychological & environmental reasons)
- Separation anxiety vs. general anxiety
- Scientific causes (hormones, genetics, breed history)
- Early signs and dangerous symptoms
- What new Dachshund owners often do wrong
- Step-by-step action plans
- Trigger identification + desensitization training
- Vet-approved calming supplements
- Home remedies that actually work
- A complete 7-day anti-anxiety plan
- Long-term anxiety prevention strategies
Let’s start with a quick, snippet-friendly answer.
⭐ Quick Answer: Why Is My Dachshund So Anxious?
Dachshunds get anxious due to changes in routine, lack of mental stimulation, emotional sensitivity, being left alone too long, genetic predisposition, fear triggers (noises/people), past trauma, or feeling neglected. They are a highly emotional breed and form deep attachments — which is why separation anxiety is very common.
Why Dachshunds Are Naturally More Anxious (The Science Behind It)
1. They are a Scent-Hound Breed
Dachshunds were bred to hunt badgers. Their brain is built for:
- High alertness
- Environmental scanning
- Detecting threats
- Staying close to their pack leader (you)
When they can’t sense what’s happening → anxiety triggers.
2. Small Breeds = Higher Stress
Small dogs release cortisol (stress hormone) more easily because:
- Loud sounds feel stronger
- Bigger dogs/people seem intimidating
- Their safety instinct is high
3. Deep Emotional Attachment
Dachshunds get attached to one person — their “chosen human.”
When that human leaves → panic activation.
4. Hyper-Intelligent Mind
Smart dogs can get:
- Bored faster
- Overthink situations
- Develop obsessive behaviors
Without stimulation → anxiety skyrockets.
11 Major Reasons Dachshunds Become Anxious (Detailed + Real Examples)
1. Sudden Changes in Routine
Anything like:
- New work hours
- Travel
- Staying out late
- Different feeding times
makes your Dachshund feel insecure.
They thrive on predictability.
2. Moving to a New Home
Dachshunds memorize scents & locations.
When everything changes suddenly → fear + confusion.
3. Death or Loss of a Family Member
Whether it’s:
- A pet
- A human
- Or someone who visited daily
Dachshunds grieve deeply.
Signs during grief anxiety:
- Pacing
- Whining
- Searching house
- Decreased appetite
4. New Baby or New Family Member
They fear losing your attention.
This creates:
- Jealousy
- Insecurity
- Clingy behavior
- Depression-like symptoms
5. Separation Anxiety (Most Common)
This occurs when dogs panic the moment they can’t see you.
Signs:
- Barking/howling nonstop
- Destroying objects
- Clawing the door
- Peeing from stress
- Drooling & shaking
Dachshunds are in the top 5 most clingy breeds, so this is extremely common.
6. Mirroring Your Emotions
Scientific fact:
Dogs can smell cortisol, adrenaline, and sadness in humans.
If YOU are:
- Stressed
- Depressed
- Angry
- Overwhelmed
your Dachshund mirrors that anxiety.
7. Fear Triggers (Noise, People, Pets)
Thunderstorms
Fireworks
New visitors
Strange dogs
New locations
All can activate fear-based anxiety.
8. Feeling Ignored or Under-Loved
Dachshunds hate lack of attention.
Even:
- Late work hours
- Ignoring them while busy
- Not enough cuddles
can lead to attention-seeking anxiety.
9. Learned Anxiety
If anxiety behavior brought them comfort before (you petting them when scared), they learn to repeat it.
10. Puppyhood Issues
Lack of:
- Socialization
- Exposure
- Confidence-building
during puppyhood leads to lifelong anxiety.
11. Unknown Past Trauma
Especially in rescue Dachshunds.
Past abuse leaves:
- Fear
- Trust issues
- Jumpiness
- Extreme alertness
Early Signs Your Dachshund Has Anxiety
(Important for preventing severe cases)
Physical Signs
- Shaking
- Excessive licking
- Rapid breathing
- Tail tucked
- Head lowered
Behavioral Signs
- Clingy
- Following you everywhere
- Growling at new people
- Hiding under furniture
Severe Symptoms
❗ Destructive chewing
❗ Peeing when scared
❗ Aggression from fear
❗ Escape attempts
When symptoms reach this level → professional help required.
Advanced Tips to Reduce Dachshund Anxiety (Behaviorist Backed)
1. Increase Physical Activity the Right Way
Not just walking — Dachshunds require:
- Sniff walks (10–15 minutes daily)
- Mini obstacle games
- Fetch in hallway
Sniffing lowers anxiety by activating the brain’s calming system.
2. Provide High-Level Mental Stimulation
Daily brain tasks reduce anxiety fast.
Try:
- Puzzle feeders
- Frozen Kong
- Hide & Seek
- Scent training
Mental work tires them more than physical work.
3. Quality One-on-One Bonding Time
Activities that increase oxytocin:
- Cuddle time
- Slow petting
- Grooming sessions
- Laying beside you on sofa
This literally lowers cortisol.
4. Identify Their Triggers
Create a “Trigger Log.”
Write:
- What scared them
- When it happened
- Intensity level
- How long recovery took
This helps in desensitization training — the #1 treatment for anxiety.
Desensitization Training (Full Method)
Example: If your Dachshund fears being alone
You start by:
- Leaving for 10 seconds → return
- Increase to 20 seconds next day
- Continue slowly
This rewires the brain.
5. Get Professional Help (When Required)
Options:
- Certified canine behaviorist
- Vet for anxiety medication
- Anxiety training classes
- Separation anxiety specialists
Medication is usually for:
- Trauma
- Severe panic
- Self-harm cases
Best Home Remedies (Vet Approved)
✔ Calming chews (L-Theanine / L-Tryptophan)
✔ CBD oil (vet-grade only)
✔ Chamomile treats
✔ Weighted dog blanket
✔ Calming dog music
✔ Lavender room diffusers
Foods That Reduce Anxiety Naturally
- Salmon (Omega-3)
- Blueberries
- Turkey
- Yogurt
- Pumpkin
7-Day Anti-Anxiety Plan (Daily Routine)
Day 1–2: Establish New Routine
Feeding → Walk → Sniffing → Rest → Play → Sleep schedule
Day 3–4: Mental Stimulation Boost
Add puzzle toys, scent work
Day 5: Trigger Exposure Training
Day 6: Long Walk + Massage Therapy
Day 7: Review Progress
Long-Term Prevention
- Socialize monthly
- Regular vet check-up
- Reward calm behavior
- Avoid scolding fearful behavior
- Give purpose-driven activities
Conclusion
Dachshund anxiety is extremely common — but extremely manageable.
With proper understanding, training, and emotional support, your pup can transform from anxious to confident.
Your Dachshund doesn’t need perfection — just patience, love, and structure.