Can Dachshunds Live in Apartments? A Complete Guide

Dachshunds and apartments can be a great match. Their small size, moderate exercise needs, and love of cuddling make them well suited for smaller living spaces. But there are a few things to consider before bringing a dachshund into your apartment to make sure both you and your dog are happy with the arrangement.

Why Dachshunds Are Good Apartment Dogs

Dachshunds are one of the better breeds for apartment living, and a lot of that comes down to their size. Standard dachshunds typically weigh between 16 and 32 pounds, and miniatures weigh 11 pounds or less. That compact body doesn’t need a lot of room to be comfortable.

Their exercise needs are moderate compared to many breeds. About 30 to 60 minutes of daily activity keeps most dachshunds healthy and content. You don’t need a big backyard to meet those needs. Regular walks, indoor play, and some mental stimulation do the job nicely.

Dachshunds are also homebodies at heart. They love nothing more than burrowing under blankets and snuggling on the couch with their favorite person. A cozy apartment with a warm lap is basically a dachshund’s dream home.

The Barking Challenge

Here’s where apartment living with a dachshund gets tricky. Dachshunds can be barkers. They vocalize for many reasons: alerting you to noises, expressing excitement, demanding attention, or simply because they’re bored. In an apartment with thin walls and close neighbors, this can become a real issue.

The good news is that barking can be managed with consistent training. Teaching a “quiet” command, providing adequate exercise and mental stimulation, and addressing the root cause of barking all help reduce the noise. A tired, well exercised dachshund is generally a quieter dachshund.

Desensitization to common apartment sounds helps too. If your dachshund barks at every footstep in the hallway or door slam, gradually exposing them to these sounds (while rewarding calm behavior) can reduce the reaction over time.

Being proactive with neighbors goes a long way. Introduce yourself, let them know about your dog, and give them your number in case the noise becomes a problem. Most people are understanding when they feel their concerns are being taken seriously.

Housetraining in an Apartment

Housetraining a dachshund in an apartment can be more challenging than in a house with a yard. Dachshunds are already one of the trickier breeds to housetrain, and the added step of getting outside through hallways and elevators complicates things further.

A strict schedule is your best tool. Take your dachshund out first thing in the morning, after meals, after naps, and before bed. Puppies need to go out even more frequently, sometimes every hour or two.

Indoor potty options like grass patches or pee pads can be helpful for apartment dwellers, especially during bad weather or for those on higher floors. Some dachshund owners train their dogs to use both indoor and outdoor options, providing flexibility.

Cold and wet weather creates extra challenges because many dachshunds flat out refuse to go outside in unpleasant conditions. Having an indoor backup option prevents accidents during those standoffs.

Exercise in a Small Space

Meeting your dachshund’s exercise needs in an apartment requires some creativity, but it’s very doable. Daily walks are the foundation. Two walks of 15 to 20 minutes each covers the basics for most adult dachshunds.

Indoor play fills in the gaps. Fetch down a hallway, tug of war, and hide and seek with treats are all apartment friendly activities. Puzzle toys and food dispensing toys provide mental exercise that tires your dachshund out without needing much space.

On weekends or when weather allows, longer outings to dog parks, pet friendly stores, or nature trails give your dachshund variety and extra stimulation. These adventures make up for the more limited daily routine during the work week.

Understanding what dachshunds were bred for helps explain their need for both physical and mental activity. These dogs were hunters, and their brains need engagement just as much as their bodies need movement.

Back Safety in Apartments

Dachshunds are prone to back problems due to their long spines, and apartment living requires some specific considerations. Stairs are a major concern. If your apartment involves stairs, carry your dachshund up and down them rather than letting them climb on their own. The repetitive stress of daily stair use can contribute to disc problems over time.

Furniture jumping is another risk. Use pet ramps or stairs to help your dachshund get on and off couches and beds safely. This is especially important because dachshunds love being on furniture, and they’ll attempt the jump whether it’s safe or not.

Slippery floors common in apartments (hardwood, laminate, tile) can cause dachshunds to slip and injure their backs. Area rugs and runners in high traffic areas provide better traction and reduce the risk of falls.

Keeping Your Dachshund Happy Alone

Most apartment dwellers work during the day, and dachshunds don’t love being left alone. Their loyal temperament means they bond closely with their people and can develop separation anxiety when left for long periods.

Enrichment activities help fill the hours. Frozen Kongs, puzzle toys, and snuffle mats give your dachshund something to focus on after you leave. Rotating toys regularly keeps things interesting.

A midday dog walker or pet sitter can break up a long day and provide much needed companionship and exercise. Some dachshund owners find that having a second pet, even a calm cat, reduces their dog’s loneliness.

Crate training provides a safe, den like space where your dachshund can rest comfortably while you’re away. Dachshunds naturally love enclosed, cozy spaces, so most take to crate training well.