Dachshund-Proofing Your Space: Home Safety Tips for Curious Little Noses

If there’s one thing Dachshund owners know, it’s that these pint-sized pups come with big personalities and even bigger curiosity. 

With their long bodies, short legs, and adventurous spirits, Dachshunds have a knack for squeezing into tight spaces, tunneling under furniture, or discovering that one electrical cord you swore was out of reach. From nosing around the pantry to testing the limits of gravity on your couch cushions, your little doxie’s boldness can sometimes outpace their common sense. 

That’s why Dachshund-proofing your home isn’t just about keeping your house intact. It’s about keeping your pup safe, happy, and healthy, while also maintaining a little law and order around your household.  

If you’re in the midst of puppy-prepping your home for your new furry friend, let’s dig into the ultimate guide to creating a safe, doxie-friendly home for those curious little noses and wagging tails!

1. Low to the Ground, High on Trouble: Doxie Height Advantages 

Dachshunds may be short, but that doesn’t stop them from reaching what they shouldn’t. Their low-slung bodies give them easy access to anything near the floor — think cords, shoes, socks, and snacks that accidentally tumble off the counter. 

Here are a few height-related safety tips to keep in mind around the house: 

• Keep small items up and out of reach. Anything that fits in their mouth can quickly become a choking hazard.

• Watch your wires. Electrical cords are irresistible to curious chewers. Use cord covers, cable boxes, or even bitter-tasting sprays to deter them.

• Block off “danger zones.” Baby gates work wonders for keeping your Dachshund out of areas like laundry rooms, kitchens, or stairwells where hazards are plentiful. 

Remember: If it’s within snout distance, it’s fair game to a doxie.

2. Stair Safety: Protecting Those Precious Spines 

Because of their long backs, Dachshunds are especially prone to back injuries and spinal issues such as IVDD (Intervertebral Disc Disease). One wrong leap from the stairs, couch, or bed can lead to a lifetime of discomfort, or worse. 

Here’s how you can make stairs safer for your doxie: 

• Install ramps or pet steps. Give your pup a safe way to get on and off furniture or up and down stairs. Ramps with gentle slopes and non-slip surfaces are best.

• Use baby gates at the top and bottom of stairs. This prevents unsupervised stair adventures (and accidental tumbles).

• Discourage jumping. As tempting as it is to see them leap for joy, train your Dachshund to wait for help getting on and off elevated surfaces. 

Keeping things level, literally, goes a long way toward keeping your Dachshund’s back strong and healthy.

3. Furniture & Floor Hazards: Doxie-Proof Décor Decisions 

Your décor might look perfect to you, but to a Dachshund, it’s a jungle gym. From slipping on hardwood floors to burrowing under recliners, your little explorer can find trouble in the most stylish spaces. 

Here are some essential doxie-friendly home décor tips: 

• Lay down rugs or runners. Hardwood and tile floors can be slippery for little paws. Area rugs help prevent slips and protect your pup’s joints.

• Secure reclining furniture. Always check before closing a recliner or moving furniture, as Dachshunds love to nap in hidden nooks.

• Use pet covers or blankets. If your doxie loves to snuggle on the couch (and let’s be real, they all do), cover cushions to protect against fur, nails, and the occasional muddy paw print. 

With a few small tweaks, your home can stay stylish and Dachshund-safe.

4. Outdoor Adventures: A Yard Built for Little Legs 

Dachshunds were bred as burrowers, so digging is literally in their DNA! While that makes them excellent gardeners (sort of), it also means your backyard can turn into a mini excavation site if left unchecked. 

Follow these tips to keep your yard secure and safe: 

• Reinforce your fence. Doxies can squeeze through surprisingly small gaps or dig right under fences. Make sure fencing extends below ground level or use landscaping stones to deter digging.

• Check for toxic plants. Common yard plants like azaleas, tulips, and daffodils can be harmful if ingested.

• Provide a “dig zone.” Give your doxie a designated digging area, like a sandbox or patch of loose soil. They’ll love having their own safe space to indulge their instincts. 

Outdoor time should be fun, not stressful, which is why these steps help keep your pup’s playtime protected.

5. Kitchen & Bathroom Caution: The Hidden Hazards 

Ah, the kitchen, the land of good smells and even better snacks. But what’s delicious to us can be dangerous for Dachshunds, and elsewhere around the house, even a private sanctuary like the bathroom can also offer plenty of mischievous opportunities for your pup.  

Be sure to keep these kitchen and bathroom doxie-hazards in mind: 

• Secure trash cans. Use lids or cabinets to keep curious noses out of leftovers or harmful foods like chocolate, onions, and grapes.

• Store cleaning supplies safely. Even a small leak from a chemical bottle can be toxic. Always store these high up or in locked cabinets.

• Mind the bathroom. Keep toilet lids down and small items (like hair ties or cotton swabs) off the floor. Dachshunds are notorious for turning “non-toys” into toys. 

It only takes one wag of the tail to knock over something dangerous, so keep those spaces tidy and secure.

6. Mental & Physical Safety: A Tired Doxie Is a Safe Doxie 

Many safety risks come from simple boredom. Dachshunds are clever, mischievous little dogs who thrive on stimulation. If they’re not given enough mental or physical outlets, they’ll invent their own adventures, usually involving your shoes. 

Here’s how you can keep them entertained: 

• Rotate toys regularly to keep things fresh. Puzzle feeders and treat-dispensing toys are fantastic for mental stimulation.

• Establish a play routine. A short walk or play session twice a day helps burn off energy and reduce destructive curiosity.

• Socialize early. Confident, well-socialized Dachshunds are less likely to develop anxiety-driven behaviors like chewing or digging. 

A good rule of thumb to remember is that a tired Dachshund is a happy Dachshund, not to mention a safer one, too!

Creating a Doxie-Safe Home: Love, Patience, & Preparation 

At the end of the day, Dachshund-proofing your space is about more than preventing accidents. It’s about creating an environment where your little companion can explore, play, and thrive safely, and you can also get a little more peace of mind in the process! 

From ramps and rugs to secure fences and toy boxes, every adjustment you make helps your Dachshund live their happiest, healthiest life right alongside you.

Start Your Dachshund Journey With Dapper Doxies 

At Dapper Doxies, we believe every Dachshund deserves a home that’s full of love, comfort, and care. That’s why all of our puppies are raised in safe, nurturing environments before joining their forever families. 

If you’re ready to experience the joy, charm, and quirky personality of a Dachshund, we’d love to help you find your perfect match. Contact Dapper Doxies today to learn more about our upcoming litters and begin your adoption journey with one of these delightful, doxie-approved companions!