Are Dachshunds Friendly
Thinking of getting a dachshund? Do you have young children and want to know more about the breed? Wondering how a dachshund might behave around family, friends, or visitors? In this guide, we’ll answer all your questions about dachshund temperament to help you decide if this lovable little dog is the right fit for your home.
Are dachshunds friendly?
Yes, most dachshunds are friendly—especially once they feel comfortable in their environment. They are affectionate, loyal dogs with a sweet and gentle nature, provided they’re properly socialised and trained from an early age. Like many breeds, they can be cautious around unfamiliar people, but this can be managed with patience, consistency, and positive introductions.
Read on to discover whether dachshunds can be prone to aggression, whether they’re likely to bite, how to address any unwanted behaviours, and how to ensure your dachshund feels calm, secure, and well-behaved around children, guests, and new experiences.
Table of Contents
What temperament do dachshunds have?
Can dachshunds be aggressive?
Do dachshunds bite?
Are dachshunds good family pets?
How do you discipline a dachshund?
What do I do if my dachshund bites?
Note: Research and my own experience as a Dachshund owner of over ten years served as the foundation for this post. I’m not a certified dog behaviorist or veterinarian.
Dachshunds are generally very friendly once they become familiar with someone.
They are affectionate, gentle dogs that typically get along well with people and children, provided they’ve been properly socialized and trained from an early age. However, dachshunds that have not had adequate socialization or training may exhibit behaviors such as barking or growling, particularly if they feel frightened or anxious in unfamiliar situations.
Dachshunds often form a particularly strong bond with one person, showering them with affection and offering fierce loyalty and protection. Even if you’re not their “chosen” person, as long as you’re part of their family unit, they’ll generally be affectionate, playful, and happy to engage with you. Dachshunds are known for their loyalty and protective nature, and with proper handling, they’re typically very good with children—especially when treated gently and respectfully.
By nature, dachshunds are bold, independent, and strong-willed dogs who like to feel in control. If your dachshund displays signs of aggression or possessiveness toward others in the household, it may stem from jealousy or over-attachment to their favourite person. In such cases, it’s important to reinforce boundaries through consistent training, making it clear that you are the one in charge—not your dachshund.
Dachshunds can also be quite territorial and are often wary of unfamiliar people or situations. They’re known for their tendency to bark at anything that seems unusual or new. Early socialisation is key to helping your dachshund feel more confident and relaxed. Introducing them to a variety of people, environments, and other dogs will reduce anxiety and excessive barking, making for a calmer, more adaptable companion.
Yes, dachshunds can display signs of aggression, but with proper training and early socialisation, this behaviour can typically be prevented or managed. It’s important to establish clear boundaries and ensure your dachshund understands that you are the leader. Helping your dog feel safe and confident around new people and environments will reduce fear-based behaviours such as barking, growling, or snapping. With consistent guidance, most dachshunds become well-mannered, friendly companions.
Dachshunds tend to be more cautious around strangers than some other breeds, but this doesn’t necessarily mean they’ll bark or react negatively to everyone they meet. With proper training and early socialisation, your dachshund should be able to walk calmly past people in public and welcome visitors into your home without issue.
To ensure a smooth introduction, it’s helpful to make new encounters as relaxed as possible. Have your guests sit at your dachshund’s level and allow him to approach them in his own time. If he seems comfortable, encourage your guest to gently stroke his back or belly. Once reassured, most dachshunds will warm up quickly and may even initiate play.
If your dachshund barks or growls at people, it’s important to focus on improving his socialisation skills. Consider asking friends or family members to visit regularly so he can become more comfortable around unfamiliar faces in a safe and familiar environment. Gradual, positive exposure is key to reducing fear and reactivity.
Once he’s more confident at home, try taking him on short walks where he’s likely to encounter other people. When someone approaches, gently redirect his attention to you using a treat or toy. If he remains calm and doesn’t react, reward him with praise, a treat, or a gentle fuss. Over time, he’ll begin to associate strangers with positive experiences and should learn to walk calmly by your side without reacting.
Yes, like all dog breeds, dachshunds can bite—but this largely depends on their training, socialisation, and individual temperament. While some studies have suggested that dachshunds may be more prone to snapping than other breeds, many owners report that their dachshunds have never bitten or shown aggressive behaviour.
In general, dachshunds are affectionate, loyal, and gentle companions. Biting or nipping is typically a response to fear, anxiety, or feeling threatened or territorial. These behaviours are rarely unprovoked and can usually be addressed with consistent training, early socialisation, and a calm, structured environment. Understanding the cause behind the behaviour is key to managing and preventing it.
If your dachshund is showing signs of excessive aggression, it may be the result of a negative experience or lack of proper socialisation, which has made him overly cautious or defensive. In such cases, it’s advisable to consult your veterinarian. They may recommend working with a qualified dog behaviourist to help manage and correct the behaviour through tailored training.
Dachshund puppies often nip or play-bite as part of their natural development, particularly during teething. While this behaviour is typically playful and not intended to cause harm, their sharp puppy teeth can be painful. It’s important to address this early on to prevent it from becoming a habit in adulthood.
Avoid overreacting, as raising your voice or sudden movements can be misinterpreted as play. Instead, calmly stop interaction by saying a firm “Ow!” or simply withdrawing attention. This teaches your puppy that biting ends the fun. It’s also beneficial to introduce the “gently” command early, encouraging your dachshund to play softly and take food carefully from your hand.
With consistency and patience, your dachshund will learn appropriate behaviour and develop into a well-mannered companion.
Yes, dachshunds can make excellent family pets. As natural pack animals, they thrive on companionship and enjoy being around people. When properly socialised and trained, they tend to get along well with children—particularly when children are taught to interact with them gently and respectfully.
Dachshunds are intelligent, loyal, affectionate, and often have a playful sense of humour. With their charming personalities and strong bonds with family members, they can be wonderful companions in the right household environment.
How do you discipline a dachshund?
Never shout at, intimidate, or physically punish your dachshund for unwanted behaviour. These responses can damage your bond and increase anxiety or fear. If your dachshund nips, respond with a firm “Ow!” to signal that the behaviour is unacceptable, then calmly disengage or remove him from the situation. A short time-out in his crate—no more than 30 seconds—is often enough to interrupt the behaviour.
Many behavioural issues stem from a dachshund believing he’s in charge. If he nips to avoid doing something, or snaps out of jealousy when you give attention to someone else, it’s often because he sees himself as the leader of the household.
To correct this, it’s important to consistently reinforce your role—and your family’s role—as leaders. When your dachshund exhibits unwanted behaviour, avoid reacting emotionally. Instead, withhold attention and wait for him to calm down. At the same time, actively reward good behaviour with praise, treats, or affection.
Involve all family members in his training, so he learns to respect everyone equally. With consistent, positive reinforcement, he’ll begin to understand acceptable behaviours and where he fits within the family dynamic.
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If your dachshund displays biting behaviour beyond typical playful nipping, it’s essential to separate him from young children immediately and seek professional guidance. Consult your veterinarian to rule out any underlying medical issues and consider working with a qualified dog behaviorist to identify and address the root cause of the aggression. Early intervention and consistent training are key to managing the behavior effectively and ensuring a safe environment for both your dog and your family.
In summary, dachshunds are typically friendly, affectionate, and gentle companions once they’ve had time to bond with you. Most adapt well to family life and thrive in a loving home environment. However, without proper training and socialisation, they can display signs of possessiveness or occasional aggression—especially if they become overly attached to one person. Consistent training, early socialisation, and clear boundaries are essential to shaping a well-mannered and confident dog. With the right guidance, your dachshund will become a loyal, delightful member of the family.
