Bringing home a Miniature Dachshund puppy is exciting. Although “miniature” definitely refers to their size and not their opinions. These small dogs arrive with big personalities, soaring confidence and a tendency to behave like they’re 10 feet tall. Between the burrowing, the barking at invisible ‘threats’ and the determined chewing, life’s going to get pretty lively, pretty quickly. Not surprisingly, one of the biggest questions new owners ask is: How much exercise, sleep and stimulation does my Miniature Dachshund actually need?

Getting this balance right matters. Dachshunds are smart, energetic, stubborn and famously accident-prone if overtired. Too much activity can stress their longer backs and developing joints. Too little stimulation opens the door to boredom barking and creative methods of household destruction. Let’s break down what your puppy really needs - this article is written by our expert vets, so you can rely on clear, trustworthy advice.

How much exercise does your Dachshund puppy need?

Despite their fearless attitude, Mini Dachshund puppies need exercise to be carefully controlled. Their long spines, short legs and delicate growth plates mean more is definitely not better when it comes to activity.

The general rule of thumb is:

5 minutes of structured exercise per month of age, twice a day

Meaning:

• 2-month-old = 10 minutes twice daily

• 6-month-old = 30 minutes twice daily

“Structured exercise” means planned, steady activity; lead walks, short training sessions, and playing calmly with other dogs.

It does not mean launching themselves off furniture, sprinting up the stairs, or attempting their own personal ‘parkour’ routine!

What type of exercise is best?

• Short, gentle walks on flat, soft surfaces

• Sniffing and exploring at their own pace

• Play in the garden that avoids jumping

• Short training sessions: sit, recall, familiarising with touch

• Calm encounters with vaccinated, friendly dogs

Activities to delay

Dachshunds have a high risk of spinal problems (IVDD), so hold off on:

• Climbing stairs

• Long hikes

• Rough play with larger dogs (their ‘soul mates’ or ‘rivals’)

• High-impact games of fetch or repeatedly chasing a ball (definitely no ball launchers!)

• Running with humans

Protecting your Dachshund’s back early on reduces the risk of injuries later on. And ideally discourage your dachshund from jumping on or off furniture - ever!

Mental exercise matters

Mini Dachshunds are clever, curious and excellent problem-solvers - especially where food is involved!

• Sniffing, searching, and puzzle games provide safe stimulation without overloading small growing bodies.

• A short scent game is more satisfying (and safer) than long, energetic walks.

How much sleep does a Dachshund puppy need?

Most puppies sleep: 18–20 hours per day

Sleep supports their growth, memory, emotional stability and immunity.

Why sleep is so important for puppies

Mini Dachshunds tackle life with determination, but they also need a surprising amount of sleep. Many owners assume their puppy should be constantly active, but overtired Dachshunds are often grumpy, vocal and (even) more opinionated than usual.

Signs your puppy is overtired

• Zoomies becoming frantic zoomies

• Barking at anything (or nothing)

• Nippy behaviour

• Having difficulty settling

• Overreacting to any small changes

• Sudden stubbornness (well… more stubbornness)

Owners often misinterpret this as a need for more exercise. But with Dachshunds, it usually means: “mandatory nap time before human ankles get targeted again.”

Create a safe place for naps

Good sleep spots include:

• A crate with familiar bedding

• A puppy pen

• A cosy bed they can burrow in (a favourite Dachshund activity)

• A quiet corner away from household chaos

Encourage naps after meals, training or play. Dachshunds love to burrow and sleep in warm little piles. Let them choose their preferred cosy setup.

Safe toys for Miniature Dachshund puppies

Dachshunds are persistent chewers with needle-sharp puppy teeth. Providing safe chewing options is essential for their teething comfort and sparing your belongings.

Toy safety checklist

Choose toys that are:

• Tough enough to withstand determined chewing

• Size-appropriate (not swallowable)

• Made from puppy-safe materials

• Free from small detachable parts

• Easy to wash

Avoid:

• Sticks (splinter risk)

• Soft toys with removable eyes/stuffing

• Very hard chews that risk breaking teeth

• Small items that can be swallowed whole

• Cheap rubber toys that tear quickly

Ideal toys:

• Puppy Kongs

• Soft but durable puppy squeak toys (if your nerves can take it!)

• Rope toys (supervised)

• Textured teething toys - chilled to soothe teething pain

• Soft rubber balls suitable for small breeds

Change toys regularly. Mini Dachshunds love novelty almost as much as they enjoy exploiting the weak-points in any toy.

Enrichment Activities: Beyond Walks and Chew Toys

Miniature Dachshunds also need mental and sensory stimulation to keep them confident, relaxed and less inclined to re-design your chair legs.

1. Sniffing games

Hide treats around a safe room and encourage your Dachshund to hunt. Dachshunds were bred to track and tunnel. Let them use those instincts.

2. Food puzzles

Great options include:

• Treat-dispensing toys

• Lick mats

• Slow-feeder bowls

• Small-breed puzzle feeders

These slow down dogs who gulp food and provide problem-solving opportunities.

3. Safe socialisation

Introduce your puppy to:

• Different surfaces (grass, carpet, tiles)

• Calm dogs of a similar size to them

• New people

• Gentler household sounds

• Car rides and veterinary clinics

Miniature Dachshunds can become wary unless they are well socialised, so work on this gradually and positively.

4. Short training sessions

Dachshunds are smart but easily bored. Teach:

• Sit!

• Down!

• Familiarity with touch/handling

• Recall

• Settling on a mat

2–5 minute-long sessions are ideal.

Finding the right balance

Miniature Dachshunds thrive on routines that include:

• Short, age-appropriate exercise sessions

• Getting plenty of uninterrupted sleep

• Safe, supervised play

• Mental enrichment

• Gentle socialisation

• Calm downtime

Every Mini Dachshund is different. Some are cuddly lounge-lizards, others are tiny tornadoes with strong opinions. Watch your puppy, get to know them and adjust routines where necessary. Meeting their needs thoughtfully sets your Dachshund up to become a confident, affectionate companion who doesn’t treat your skirting boards as their personal woodworking project.

Miniature Dachshund Puppy Q&A

Q: When can I take my Dachshund puppy for a walk?

A: Most puppies can go for short walks 2 weeks after completing the first course of vaccinations, usually when they’re around 12 weeks old. Follow your vet's advice to keep your pup safe.

Q: Can I over-exercise my Dachshund puppy?

A: Yes, it’s easier than you might think. For Dachshund puppies, too much exercise can place strain on their growing bones, joints, and long backs. Stick to age-appropriate, low-impact activities and watch closely for signs your puppy is tiring, such as lying down, slowing significantly, or losing interest in play.

Q: How much exercise does my Dachshund puppy need?

A: A general rule is 5 minutes of exercise per month of age, twice a day. Because of their long backs and developing joints, short, frequent play sessions and gentle activities are far more suitable than long walks at this age.

Join us next month as we discuss anxiety in puppies - the early signs to watch for, what can trigger it, and practical ways to prevent it.