Dachshunds are often regarded as a potential breed for apartment living due to their small stature. Many dog parents think “small dogs must be great in a small space.”
But is this necessarily true?
Let’s take a closer look at the miniature Dachshund to discuss if they really make good apartment dogs.
Miniature Dachshunds and Apartment Living
Barking
Dachshunds were originally bred to hunt, which means they have a lot of energy in a tiny body and they have a strong prey drive.
When your Dachshund sees a squirrel out the window, their instincts may kick in – and that means barking. Often, a lot of it!
You may want to consider how much your Dachshund barks before moving into an apartment.
A propensity for barking could be a turnoff for apartment living. You might end up as the subject of noise complaints if your mini Dachshund constantly barks.
A solution to a vocal Dachshund would be doggy daycare while you’re at work.
Exercise
Miniature Dachshunds have a playful, energetic temperament. While the breed is small, they do need plenty of exercise to remain happy.
Dachshunds who receive inadequate mental and physical stimulation may end up digging up your carpet or house plants to stay busy.
An apartment can be large enough for your Dachshund to exercise indoors, but it all comes down to your dog’s personality and needs.
Most will also need regular walks, or a significant play session, outside in addition to any activity they get indoors.
A typical apartment won’t likely have a yard, but some apartment communities have dog parks, or walking trails, so that is a possible perk to apartment living!
Potty training
Dachshunds can be difficult to housebreak. They require a consistent routine, and may need to be crate trained, to become potty trained.
Even then they can be prone to accidents. Some people don’t consider their Miniature Dachshund 100% potty trained for a couple of years.
Dachshunds can also be prone to seasonal lapses in where-to-potty judgement.
It can take several years to potty-train a Dachshund (although there are some that do pick it up right away).
Most don’t like to go out in the wet and cold so they may refuse to go out in certain seasons and opt to go potty inside a nice warm house instead.
You may need to work with your Dachshund to make sure they know they must go potty outside no matter the weather.
A dog jacket to make them more comfortable, extra patience, and a supply of pet stain remover may come in handy during these times.
You may also want to consider purchasing a portable potty area to place on the patio in the event that you cannot take your Dachshund on a walk.
Extra fees
You will most likely be required to pay a pet deposit if you rent an apartment.
Many of these “deposits” are non-refundable. Especially don’t count on getting it back at the end of your lease if your pup isn’t potty trained or damages the apartment.
Keep in mind that if you rent a house instead of an apartment, you will probably still be subject to paying a pet deposit.
Pros and Cons to Apartment Living With a Miniature Dachshund
We discussed in detail the pros and cons of apartment living with a Miniature Dachshund, but here we break it down for you one more time.
There are several pros and cons to consider before living in an apartment with a Dachshund.
Pros:
- Dachshunds are small so it is possible they can get adequate mental and physical stimulation using a mix of indoor activities and walks around the apartment complex.
- Some apartment communities have dog parks where you can exercise your Dachshund.
- Even if your apartment complex has a dog weight limit, your Dachshund will likely fit within those guidelines (miniature Dachshunds are under 11 lbs).
- Mini Dachshunds can be entertained indoors in times of extreme heat or cold weather conditions.
Cons:
- Dachshunds love to bark, and that can create some very unhappy neighbors.
- A pet deposit will be necessary, but you will likely need to pay one if you rent a house as well.
- Dachshunds can be particularly difficult to potty train, and a home without a yard means you’ll need to take your dog outside for a walk at least a few times a day.
Keeping Your Mini Dachshund Happy in an Apartment
Offering your mini Dachshund plenty of physical and mental stimulation is imperative for successful apartment living.
Here are some tips for ensuring that your Dachshund stays entertained and out of trouble in your home:
Give treat puzzles a try
Treat puzzles and games are excellent tools for keeping your Dachshunds mentally and physically stimulated in an apartment.
While presenting your Dachshund with a treat puzzle or snuffle mat may not seem too effective, your furry friend will become tired from working their nose and brain.
Giving
Since Dachshunds are scent hounds, they will appreciate the task of sniffing out treats!
They also have to exert physical effort to get to the goodies.
Daily walks
Since you won’t have a yard living in an apartment, daily walks are crucial.
Long walks in the morning and evening will help tire your Dachshund out before you go to work and sleep.
A consistent routine will help keep your dog’s bladder empty and your carpets clean.
Dogs also thrive on routine, so regular walks are definitely not a bad thing no matter what your living situation is.
Crate training
Training your Miniature Dachshund to be comfortable in a dog crate is an important part of any dog’s wellbeing.
Crate training your Dachshund can help to potty train them, plus the kennel will become a safe place for your dog to rest.
Crate confinement is also a common treatment if a Dachshund has had surgery or is injured.
The crate can double as a place to potty train your Dachshund and gives them somewhere to rest.
Ultimately you’ll want to teach your Dachshund that their crate is a happy place.
Undivided, focused attention
Spend one-on-one time with your Dachshund at least once a day. Put your phone down, get down on their level, and spend 10-15 minutes playing with your dog.
It’s amazing what a short period of your undivided attention can do for your pup’s heart and mind.
Rent an apartment with an outdoor space
It would be ideal to rent an apartment with a secure, enclosed outdoor space so your mini Dachshund can get some sun and fresh air when they please.
Having an outdoor area in your apartment for your dachshund to run around is beneficial.
Some pet friendly apartments also have an enclosed off leash area or walking paths on the grounds.
Others may be located adjacent to parks or green spaces.
Hire a dog walker
If you have long days away from your Dachshund, you may want to consider hiring a trustworthy dog walker or pet sitter.
This person can take your pup out to go potty during the day and give them the exercise they need to remain happy.
They will also be more likely to relax with you when you walk in the door after work.
It’s a lot less stressful, and you feel less guilty, if you know your Dachshund is being taken care of while you’re at work.
The Bottom Line
When it comes to apartment vs. house living with a Miniature Dachshund, the main differences will be having to put your pup on a leash for multiple potty breaks per day and potentially disturbing neighbors with barking.
Apartment living also requires any dog parent to be considerate of neighbors and complex rules and regulations. It simply comes down to your Dachshund’s needs, habits and lifestyle preferences.
If you are moving into an apartment from a house, remember that it can take time for dogs to adjust to a different space but the transition is temporary.
Plenty of exercise, attention,indoor puzzles, and a consistent potty routine will ensure that your Miniature Dachshund remains happy and healthy in your apartment.
Living in an apartment with a mini Dachshund is absolutely doable with a proper routine, tools
About the Author: Through her 17 years of owning and caring for Dachshunds, and almost 10 years researching and writing about them, JW has become a respected expert in the Dachshund community. Read more about her here.
Are Dachshunds Aggressive Dogs?
