Are Dachshund Puppies Good with Kids?

Bringing a dachshund puppy into a home with children can be a wonderful experience, but it requires some planning and realistic expectations. Dachshund puppies are adorable, playful, and full of energy, which makes them appealing to families. But their unique physical characteristics and bold temperament mean there are specific things families need to know.

Are Dachshund Puppies a Good Fit for Families?

Dachshund puppies can be great with kids when the right boundaries are in place. They’re playful, energetic, and love engaging with their family members. Their small size makes them less intimidating than larger breed puppies, and their goofy personality is endlessly entertaining for children.

That said, dachshund puppies are more fragile than they look. Their long backs make them vulnerable to injury from rough handling, drops, or being sat on. This means families with very young children (under five) need to be especially careful and should always supervise interactions between the puppy and small kids.

The best matches tend to be families with children who are old enough to understand how to be gentle. Kids aged six and up can usually learn proper handling techniques and follow rules about interacting with the puppy.

Teaching Kids to Handle Dachshund Puppies Safely

The most important thing to teach children is how to pick up and hold a dachshund correctly. Always support both the chest and the rear end simultaneously. Never pick up a dachshund by their front legs, scruff, or middle, as this puts dangerous stress on their spine.

Teach kids to sit on the floor when holding the puppy rather than standing or walking around with it. This way, if the puppy wiggles free, it doesn’t have far to fall. A drop from even a few feet can cause back injuries in a dachshund.

Set clear rules about what activities are and aren’t appropriate. Gentle petting, supervised floor play, and calm interactions are great. Rough housing, chasing the puppy, pulling ears or tails, and picking the puppy up without permission are off limits.

Make sure children understand that puppies need rest. Dachshund puppies sleep a lot (up to 18 hours a day), and interrupting their sleep can make them cranky and more likely to nip. Give the puppy a safe space, like a crate or bed, where they can rest undisturbed.

Nipping and Mouthing

All puppies go through a nipping phase, and dachshund puppies are no exception. Their sharp baby teeth and playful nature mean they’ll mouth hands, feet, and anything else within reach. This is normal puppy behavior, not aggression, but it needs to be addressed early.

Teach children to freeze and say “ouch” when the puppy nips, then redirect the puppy to a toy. Running away or squealing can actually encourage nipping because the puppy sees it as a fun game.

Consistent redirection from skin to toys teaches the puppy what’s appropriate to chew on. Most dachshund puppies grow out of the intense nipping phase by four to six months, though some need reminders well into their first year.

Socialization with Children

Early positive experiences with children help your dachshund puppy grow into an adult that’s comfortable and gentle around kids. Expose your puppy to children of different ages in controlled, positive settings during the critical socialization period (8 to 14 weeks).

Make interactions rewarding for the puppy. Have children offer treats gently, practice calm petting, and play appropriate games. The goal is for the puppy to associate children with good things.

Watch for signs of stress in your puppy during interactions: yawning, lip licking, turning away, tucked tail, or whale eye (showing the whites of the eyes). If you notice these signs, give the puppy a break. Pushing a stressed puppy to continue interacting can create negative associations with children. For more details on adult dachshunds with children, read our guide on whether dachshunds are good with kids.

Protecting Your Puppy’s Back

Back protection should be a family priority from day one. Dachshunds were bred for their elongated bodies, but that same body shape makes them prone to intervertebral disc disease (IVDD). Starting good habits during puppyhood helps protect their spine for life.

Set up ramps to any furniture the puppy is allowed on. Teach the whole family that the puppy should use the ramp rather than jumping. This applies to couches, beds, and even low steps.

Keep the puppy at a healthy weight from the start. Extra pounds on a growing dachshund put added stress on developing bones and joints. Follow your veterinarian’s feeding guidelines and resist the urge to overfeed, no matter how convincing those puppy eyes are.

Setting the Family Up for Success

Before the puppy comes home, establish house rules that everyone agrees on. Where will the puppy sleep? What furniture is the puppy allowed on? Who is responsible for feeding, walking, and training? Getting everyone on the same page prevents confusion for both the puppy and the kids.

Involve children in age appropriate puppy care. Older kids can help with feeding (measured portions), basic training practice, and gentle grooming. Younger children can help by picking up toys and keeping their belongings out of the puppy’s reach.

Be prepared for the housetraining process, which takes longer with dachshunds than many other breeds. Children need to understand that accidents happen and the puppy isn’t being “bad.” Patience and consistency from the whole family makes housetraining go more smoothly.

Finally, remember that a dachshund puppy is a 12 to 16 year commitment. Make sure the whole family is ready for the long haul, not just excited about the cute puppy phase.