Dachshund: The Best Exercise for Your Dachshund

Is your Dachshund getting enough exercise? These little wiener dogs need regular workout routines to stay strong and avoid health issues like IVDD. This blog will guide you on the best exercises for their unique bodies, from playful games to safe back-strengthening tips.

Keep reading—you don’t want to miss this!

Key Takeaways

• Dachshunds need at least 30 minutes of daily exercise; puppies require 5 minutes per month of age, twice a day.
• Activities like walks, fetch, agility training, and hide-and-seek keep them healthy while protecting their long backs.
• Avoid jumping off furniture, slippery surfaces, or stair climbing to prevent back injuries and IVDD risks.
• Watch for overexercise signs such as limping, excessive panting, shivering, or wobbly walking to protect their health.
• Regular exercise prevents boredom and lowers the risk of weight gain and IVDD in Dachshunds.

How Much Exercise Does Your Dachshund Need?

Adult Dachshunds thrive on at least 30 minutes of exercise every day. Some may enjoy walking or hiking for 1–2 hours if they’re up for it. Puppies, on the other hand, need five minutes of activity per month of age—twice a day works best.

A two-month-old puppy, for example, should have about 10 minutes of playtime twice daily.

Senior dogs also require movement. Split their 30-minute total into 2-3 slower sessions to match their needs. Fully grown Dachshunds love variety in workouts. Combine leash walks and off-leash activities to keep them happy and healthy!

Best Types of Exercise for Dachshunds

Dachshunds thrive on activities that keep them moving and engaged. Mix things up to match their energy and protect their long backs.

Daily Walks

Walking helps your Dachshund build strong muscles and stay in shape. Regular walks (on-lead or off-lead) improve their general body condition better than just playtime in the yard.

Dogs that only run freely are nearly twice as likely to develop IVDD, which can lead to back issues or even paralysis.

Begin with slow-paced strolls if your puppy is new to exercise. A 20-30 minute walk daily works for most adults, but adjust based on energy levels. Opt for flat paths instead of steep hills to protect their long backs.

Keep them safe by steering clear of slippery surfaces too! Proper walks are great for health—they prevent boredom and keep tails wagging joyfully.

Fetch and Chase Games

Dachshunds love fetch and chase games. These activities let them use their hunting instincts while burning off energy. Toss a soft toy or ball, and watch them bolt after it like tiny rockets! Keep sessions short—about 15 minutes—to avoid straining their long backs.

These games help meet the daily 45-60 minutes of exercise they need. They also improve speed, coordination, and happiness in your pup. Use lightweight toys to protect against injury.

As one owner said, “Nothing beats seeing those little legs fly!”.

Agility Training

After games of fetch, agility training can add excitement and build strength. It improves muscle coordination and reduces the risk of IVDD in Dachshunds. Simple setups like hurdles or tunnels work wonders for their spinal health.

Small jumps strengthen muscles along the back, creating a protective layer around their discs.

Use items at home to create courses. A broomstick on cans can act as a hurdle! Keep heights low since Dachshunds have long spines prone to injury. Start slow, with treats as motivation.

Regular practice makes your puppy exercise session fun while boosting confidence and focus!

Hide and Seek

Hide and seek keeps your Dachshund active. It’s perfect for mental stimulation, too. Use treats or their favorite toy as a reward. Let them sniff it first, then hide it in an easy spot.

Gradually pick harder hiding places to challenge them.

This game fits into their daily 30 to 60 minutes of exercise effortlessly. Puppies love the thrill of the hunt, making this fun for all ages! Plus, it helps burn energy safely indoors on rainy days.

Strengthening exercises are also important for your pup’s back muscles.

Exercises to Strengthen Your Dachshund’s Back

A strong back can help your dachshund stay healthy and avoid injuries. These exercises will build muscle and support their spine.

• Inclined Walking: Use a gentle hill or ramp. Walking uphill helps strengthen their core and back muscles.
• Cavaletti Poles: Place poles on the ground for your pup to step over. This boosts coordination and works their back safely.
• Controlled Jumping: Small jumps on soft surfaces can develop spinal strength. Keep it moderate to avoid strain.
• Swimming: Water supports their body while working their muscles. It’s gentle but effective for the back.
• Balance Exercises: Teach your dog to sit or stand on an unstable surface, like a wobble board. It improves stability and strengthens the lower back.
• Playful Tug-of-War: A light game with proper form can engage their core and back muscles. Stop if they twist too much.

Regular movement keeps dachshunds active, reducing IVDD risks as they age past 3 years.https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Kr6gkkEtMDE

Activities to Avoid for Dachshund Safety

Dachshunds are active, curious, and need care while playing or exercising. Certain activities can harm their backs or increase the risk of IVDD.

1. Avoid letting them jump off high furniture like couches or beds. Their long spines make jumps risky and could lead to injuries.
2. Do not use stairs frequently for exercise, especially for puppies under 12 months old. Stair climbing strains their backs and growing bones.
3. Skip rough tug-of-war games that involve pulling hard on toys. The sudden jerks can stress their necks and spines.
4. Never let your dachshund run on slippery surfaces, such as laminate floors or wet tiles. They can easily slip, hurting their legs or back.
5. Keep them away from strenuous fetch sessions where they stop suddenly or twist sharply. These moves can damage their delicate spinal discs.
6. Don’t allow overweight dachshunds to engage in intense physical activity without consulting a vet first. Extra weight adds more pressure on their backs during movement.

Taking these precautions helps protect your dachshund’s health and keeps them safe while staying active!

Signs of Overexercising Your Dachshund

Too much exercise can harm your dachshund’s health. Watch for these warning signs to keep your pup safe.

1. Limping or Stiffness
   Your dog may limp after play if their muscles are overworked. Stiffness in the morning is another red flag.
2. Excessive Panting
   Panting is normal, but if it doesn’t stop after rest, they may be overexerted.
3. Lack of Interest in Exercise
   If they avoid walks or games, they might be exhausted. This behavior signals a need for rest.
4. Shivering or Hiding
   These can point to pain or fatigue after physical activity. Shaking or hiding might also hint at underlying issues like IVDD.
5. Rapid Breathing While Resting
   Heavy breathing when calm can signal overexercising. It shows their body isn’t recovering properly.
6. Loss of Appetite
   If your dachshund refuses food, stress from too much activity could be the cause.
7. Wobbly Walking
   This signals possible muscle strain or early signs of IVDD. Take action right away if you notice this.
8. Sleeping More Than Normal
   Rest is important, but excessive sleep after activities means they’re overtired.

Watch for these signs during puppy exercise to protect their health and prevent serious conditions like IVDD.

Tips for Keeping Exercise Fun and Safe

Exercise should be fun and safe for your Dachshund. Keeping them active boosts their health and prevents issues like IVDD.

1. Mix up activities daily to avoid boredom. Add games like fetch or hide and seek along with walks.
2. Stick to the 5-minute rule for puppy exercise. Allow free play too, so they don’t tire quickly.
3. Use soft toys for indoor games to protect their tiny teeth and back.
4. Limit jumping on furniture to prevent stress on their spine, which reduces the chance of IVDD.
5. Watch their energy levels during playtime. If they slow down, it’s time for a break.
6. Play on grass or soft surfaces instead of hard pavements to be gentle on joints.
7. Always have water nearby during sessions, especially in warm weather, for hydration.
8. Avoid prolonged running or chasing bikes—this can strain their long bodies more than needed.
9. Encourage interaction with other dogs at parks or playdates, as living with others helps lower risks of back problems over time!

Benefits of Regular Exercise for Dachshunds

Regular exercise keeps Dachshunds fit and happy. Active pups are less likely to gain extra weight, which helps protect their short legs and long spines. Staying active also lowers the risk of IVDD, a common health issue in this breed.

Research shows moderately or highly active Dachshunds suffer fewer IVDD-related injuries compared to lazy ones. A daily 30-minute walk or play session can work wonders for their bodies and minds.

Exercise stops boredom from creeping in, too. A bored dog may chew furniture or bark non-stop out of frustration. Physical activity keeps them busy and mentally sharp, reducing bad behavior at home.

Dogs that live with other breeds often stay healthier since they move more during playtime. Regular movement lets your pup feel strong while staying safe from preventable problems like muscle weakness or joint pain!

Conclusion

A happy Dachshund is an active one. Exercise keeps their body strong, their back safe, and their tail wagging. Whether it’s a walk or a game of fetch, movement matters. Keep activities fun but gentle.

Your pup will thank you with love and energy!

FAQs

1. How much exercise does a Dachshund puppy need daily?

A Dachshund puppy needs about 5 minutes of gentle exercise for every month of age, twice a day. Avoid overdoing it to protect their developing joints and prevent strain.

2. What exercises are safe for Dachshunds with IVDD?

For dogs with IVDD, low-impact activities like short walks on flat surfaces are best. Avoid stairs, jumping, or rough play to reduce stress on their spine.

3. Can I buy toys or tools online to help my Dachshund stay active?

Yes! You can find plenty of options on websites like Amazon.com that offer interactive toys and tools designed for small breeds like Dachshunds.

4. Why is proper exercise important for a Dachshund’s health?

Exercise keeps them fit, prevents obesity, and reduces the risk of back problems like IVDD by strengthening their muscles without overloading their spine.