It’s movie night in your house. The popcorn is popped, the soda is poured, and you’re ready to settle in for a cozy evening. As you curl up on the couch, you glance down at your feet and spot the curious eyes of your trusty Dachshund. Will he be as calm and serene as you during the grand movie marathon? Let’s find out!
Dachshunds, affectionately known as sausage dogs, are adored around the world for their unique elongated bodies and tiny, waddling strides. But don’t be fooled, behind those eye-catching features, lie many layers of fascinating traits to uncover. More than just their looks, it’s their distinctive personality that often leaves people wondering, “Are Dachshunds calm dogs?”
Before jumping right into answering your curiosity, let me whisk you away on a little journey into the origin of this breed. Acknowledging their roots can provide us with critical insights into their personality. The Dachshunds’ lineage can be traced all the way back to Germany in the 1600’s. They were initially bred to be hunting dogs, meant to track down small game like badgers and foxes. Their fearless nature and intelligence allowed them to dig into badger dens and confront the creatures in their own homes – sounds far from a calm demeanor, doesn’t it?
Interestingly, despite their initial hunting role, Dachshunds have established themselves as popular domestic pets over the years. But does the contemporary Dachshund live up to the typical image of a relaxed, laid-back house dog? Well, the answer isn’t quite a simple yes or no.
To your surprise, the boundless energy and vivacious personality of a Dachshund might not align with the conventional image of a calm, serene dog. Right from their puppy stages to adulthood, Dachshunds exhibit an energetic and lively nature. They love being involved in all household activities, crave attention, and would never pass up an opportunity for a game of fetch.
Their never-ending curiosity can sometimes lead them into mischief. A small cookie missing from the kitchen counter or a squeaky toy suddenly turning silent might hold testament to their playful antics. When it comes to expressing their emotions, Dachshunds do not shy away either. They aren’t afraid to voice their opinions, whether it’s using their expressive faces or their quite noticeable barking.
Now, you might be asking yourself, “Are all Dachshunds this vivacious and bubbly?” The truth of it is, much like humans, each Dachshund comes with its own unique personality. While one might enjoy a good romp around the house, another might prefer a calm evening, dozing off in its owner’s lap.
So where does this variation come from? Beyond genetics, the significant influence on their behaviour stems from their environment, training, and your approach to their needs. By fostering a serene and comforting surrounding, you guide your Dachshund towards adopting calmness. From the moment they step paw into their new home, you must infuse consistency and positive reinforcement in their training sessions.
Dachshunds are intelligent dogs, quick to learn and grasp new commands. By regular interaction and providing mentally stimulating toys, you can ensure that they tire themselves out, attributing to some much-needed calmness. Teach them that it’s okay to stay still, without constantly craving human attention or getting embroiled in high-spirited mischiefs.
Since Dachshunds are known for their stubborn streak, patience remains key in helping them realize the rewards of remaining calm. You’ll have to dress up as a patient trainer during their training sessions. Using gentle voice commands, rewarding their calm behavior, and socializing them early on can turn your lively Dachshund into a placid pet.
Also important are regular health checks and maintaining an appropriate diet. Since a healthy dog is often a happy, relaxed dog, make sure your Dachshund gets adequate exercise and a balanced diet to keep those little legs moving without any health issues.
All this brings us back to our question, “Is a Dachshund a calm dog?” The answer is that they can be if you instill a calm demeanor through consistent training, mental stimulation, and a nurturing environment. Their exuberant energy, intelligence, and occasionally loud demeanor might initially make them seem less than calm. But these traits also make Dachshunds charmingly unique and, to the right owner, an absolute joy to have around.
So the next time you settle down for a movie night, with your Dachshund looking at you with their eager, bright eyes, remember, they’re more than just an adorable, elongated bundle of joy. With the right environment, they can become the calm, loving companion you seek them to be. Make every moment count! The popcorn and soda can wait, but creating beautiful memories with your furry friend is an experience beyond comparison.
