Dachshund Exercise Guide: Safe Activities for a Long-Backed Breed

Dachshunds were bred to hunt badgers. That single fact tells you almost everything you need to know about their exercise needs: these small, low-slung dogs possess a level of stamina, determination, and energy that often surprises first-time owners. A dachshund that does not receive adequate physical and mental stimulation will quickly channel that pent-up energy into destructive behaviors, excessive barking, or weight gain — all of which compound the health risks already inherent in the breed.

At the same time, no discussion of dachshund exercise can ignore the elephant in the room: intervertebral disc disease (IVDD). A large-scale study published in Canine Genetics and Epidemiology found that dachshunds have the highest incidence of IVDD of any breed, with approximately 19 to 24 percent developing clinically significant disc disease during their lifetime. Their elongated spines and short legs create biomechanical forces that place disproportionate stress on the intervertebral discs, making certain types of movement genuinely dangerous.

The central challenge for every dachshund owner is therefore to provide enough exercise for physical fitness and mental health while minimizing activities that threaten the spine. This guide offers evidence-based recommendations for achieving that balance across every stage of your dachshund's life.

How Much Exercise Does a Dachshund Need?

The general guideline for a healthy adult dachshund is 30 to 60 minutes of exercise per day. This does not need to happen in a single session. In fact, splitting the daily exercise into two shorter walks plus some indoor play is better for the dachshund's back than one prolonged outing.

Both too little and too much exercise present real problems for this breed.

Consequences of insufficient exercise include obesity (dachshunds are among the breeds most prone to weight gain), loss of the core muscle mass that helps stabilize the spine, and behavioral problems such as excessive barking, digging, chewing, and general restlessness.

Consequences of excessive or inappropriate exercise include acute spinal injuries from high-impact activities, cumulative stress on intervertebral discs, joint strain, and fatigue-related injuries. A tired dachshund is more likely to stumble, twist, or land awkwardly.

The goal is moderate, consistent, spine-safe exercise — every day, without exception.

Age-Specific Exercise Guidelines

Puppies (Up to 12 Months)

A dachshund puppy's skeletal system is still developing, with growth plates that do not fully close until approximately 12 months of age. Over-exercising a puppy can damage these growth plates and lead to developmental orthopedic problems.

The widely cited "five minutes per month of age" guideline from the UK Kennel Club provides a useful framework. A three-month-old puppy should receive about 15 minutes of structured walking per session, while a five-month-old can handle 25 minutes. Two sessions per day at this duration is appropriate.

Key considerations for puppies:

• Allow free play in a safe, enclosed area but prevent jumping from furniture.
• Prioritize socialization over physical exercise. Walks should expose the puppy to different environments, sounds, surfaces, people, and other dogs.
• Avoid stairs. Carry your dachshund puppy up and down stairs to protect the developing spine.
• Enforce rest periods. Puppies often do not recognize their own limits and will play until they are exhausted. Structured nap times prevent overexertion.

Adult Dogs (1 to 7 Years)

This is the stage when dachshunds are at their most energetic and physically capable.

• Walking: Two walks per day of 20 to 30 minutes each is the standard recommendation. Allow sniffing time during walks. Scent investigation is mentally enriching and constitutes an important part of the overall exercise experience for dogs.
• Play: Supplement walks with controlled play sessions such as low-trajectory fetch, tug-of-war (gentle), and scent games. Avoid high-impact play like frisbee.
• Weight monitoring: Adult dachshunds are at peak risk for weight gain, especially after spaying or neutering. Use a body condition score (BCS) chart to assess your dog's physique regularly, and adjust exercise and food portions accordingly.

Senior Dogs (7 Years and Older)

As dachshunds age, they experience reduced muscle mass, decreased joint flexibility, and a higher likelihood of existing disc degeneration becoming symptomatic.

• Walking: Reduce walks to 15 to 20 minutes each, twice daily. Let the dog set the pace and offer rest breaks.
• Surface selection: Choose flat, even terrain. Avoid hills, uneven ground, and slippery surfaces.
• Warm-up: On cold mornings, let your senior dachshund move around indoors for a few minutes before heading outside. Cold muscles and joints are more prone to injury.
• Monitoring: Watch for signs of discomfort during or after exercise, including limping, reluctance to walk, hunching of the back, or whimpering. Report any changes to your veterinarian promptly.

Walking Safety Tips for Dachshunds

Heat precautions

Dachshunds walk just inches above the ground, placing them in the hottest zone of air radiating from sun-baked pavement. Asphalt surface temperatures can exceed 140°F (60°C) on a sunny day even when the air temperature feels moderate.

• Walk during the coolest parts of the day: early morning and after sunset in summer.
• Test the pavement by pressing the back of your hand against it for five seconds. If it is too hot for your skin, it is too hot for paw pads.
• Carry water and a collapsible bowl on every walk.
• Watch for signs of overheating: excessive panting, drooling, bright red gums, and unsteadiness.

Terrain considerations

• Grass and dirt paths absorb impact better than concrete and are gentler on joints. Seek these out when possible.
• Avoid curbs and steps. Repeated hopping on and off curbs sends shock through the spine. Lift your dachshund over obstacles or find a gradual slope.
• Watch for slippery surfaces. Wet tile, metal grates, and polished stone can cause a dachshund to splay out or twist, risking spinal injury.

Use a harness, not a collar

A collar concentrates leash pressure on the neck and cervical spine, which is especially problematic for a breed already predisposed to spinal issues. A well-fitted harness distributes force across the chest and ribcage, dramatically reducing strain on the neck and back. Every dachshund should walk on a harness rather than a collar.

Spine-Safe Exercises for Dachshunds

The following activities provide excellent physical and mental stimulation while keeping spinal stress to a minimum.

Leashed walking on flat ground

The simplest and safest exercise. A steady, rhythmic walking pace engages the core muscles that support the spine, builds cardiovascular fitness, and satisfies the dachshund's instinct to explore. Avoid allowing sudden sprints or abrupt direction changes on leash, as these can jolt the spine.

Nose work and scent games

Scent work is one of the most underutilized forms of exercise for pet dogs. When a dog engages its olfactory system intensely, it burns significant mental energy. Fifteen minutes of focused nose work can tire a dachshund as effectively as a 30-minute walk, with virtually zero physical impact on the spine. Hide treats or favorite toys around the house or yard and let your dachshund sniff them out. You can also enroll in organized nose work classes, which provide structured scent detection challenges.

Swimming and hydrotherapy

Swimming is widely regarded as one of the best exercises for dachshunds. Water provides buoyancy that supports the dog's body weight, eliminating gravitational stress on the spine and joints while engaging all major muscle groups. Veterinary rehabilitation specialists frequently prescribe hydrotherapy (underwater treadmill walking or swimming) for dachshunds recovering from IVDD episodes.

However, dachshunds are not natural swimmers. Their short legs and long, heavy bodies make them inefficient in water, and many are initially apprehensive. Always introduce swimming gradually, starting in shallow water. A canine life jacket is essential — it provides buoyancy, keeps the body in a horizontal position, and has a handle on the back for quick retrieval.

Controlled fetch

Rolling a ball along the ground at a low trajectory gives your dachshund a short burst of running followed by a return trot. This is good exercise as long as you keep the throws low and short. Never throw a ball high enough that your dog jumps to catch it, and avoid throwing it so far that the dog builds up excessive speed and must brake abruptly.

Exercises and Activities to Avoid

Certain movements are biomechanically dangerous for the dachshund spine and should be eliminated or minimized from your dog's routine.

Jumping. Leaping on and off furniture, jumping up to greet people, and catching airborne objects all generate compressive forces on the intervertebral discs upon landing. Install pet ramps or steps next to beds, sofas, and car seats to eliminate the need to jump.

Stair climbing. Stairs force the spine into repeated flexion and extension under load. Occasional stair use is unavoidable for many households, but carrying your dachshund up and down stairs when possible is a worthwhile precaution. At minimum, discourage your dog from racing up and down stairs multiple times a day.

Frisbee. The combination of a running leap, mid-air body twist, and hard landing makes frisbee one of the highest-risk activities for any long-backed breed. This is not a safe game for dachshunds.

Aggressive tug-of-war. Gentle tug play is fine, but intense tugging that causes the dog to shake its head violently or pull hard with its neck can strain the cervical spine. If the game gets too rough, stop and redirect to a calmer activity.

Long-distance running. Dachshund legs are short, and their stride is correspondingly small. Sustained running over long distances subjects the spine to thousands of repetitive impact cycles. Dachshunds are not jogging partners.

Indoor Exercise Ideas

Bad weather does not have to mean a bored, under-exercised dachshund. Indoor activities can provide both physical and mental stimulation.

Puzzle toys and food dispensers

Interactive toys that require your dog to manipulate, push, roll, or chew to release food inside are outstanding mental exercise. A stuffed KONG, for example, can keep a dachshund occupied and mentally engaged for 20 to 30 minutes. Freeze the stuffed KONG for an even longer-lasting challenge. Rotate different puzzle toys to prevent boredom.

Indoor scent trails

Drag a treat along the floor through several rooms to leave a scent trail, then place the treat at the end. Release your dachshund to follow the trail using its nose. You can increase the complexity by adding turns, going around furniture, and using surfaces that hold scent differently. This is essentially a simplified version of tracking, a discipline at which dachshunds historically excel.

Trick training

Teaching new behaviors provides intense mental engagement. Beyond the basic sit, down, and stay commands, dachshunds can learn spin, bow, high-five, weave through legs, and many other tricks. Keep sessions to five to ten minutes to maintain focus and enthusiasm. Always use positive reinforcement — treats, praise, and play — rather than correction.

Gentle tug-of-war

A soft rope toy or rubber tug toy provides a brief workout for the jaw, neck, and forelimbs. Keep the game controlled: hold the toy at your dog's head height so the spine stays level, and stop the game before the dog becomes overly aroused.

Managing Exercise on Rainy Days and During Bad Weather

Extended periods of bad weather can lead to a restless, frustrated dachshund. Here are strategies to keep your dog physically and mentally satisfied without leaving the house.

Rotate enrichment activities. Rather than relying on a single puzzle toy, prepare three or four different enrichment options and cycle through them. A lick mat spread with peanut butter, a snuffle mat with hidden kibble, a frozen KONG, and a muffin-tin puzzle (place treats in the cups and cover with tennis balls) can each occupy 15 to 20 minutes.

Use mealtime as exercise. Instead of feeding from a bowl, scatter your dachshund's entire meal across the floor or hide portions around the house. This transforms a two-minute meal into a 15-minute foraging session.

Indoor obstacle course. Set up a simple course using household items: a blanket draped over two chairs creates a tunnel, cushions arranged in a line create a slalom, and a broomstick balanced on two low stacks of books creates a low bar to walk under. Crucially, keep everything low and ground-based — no jumps.

Visit indoor dog-friendly spaces. Pet-friendly stores, indoor dog parks, and dog-friendly cafes can provide a change of scenery and mild physical activity on days when outdoor walks are not practical.

Post-Exercise Care and Monitoring

A few minutes of attention after each exercise session can help you catch problems early and keep your dachshund in peak condition.

Check the gait. After every walk, observe your dog walking across a flat surface. Limping, favoring one leg, a hunched back, or reluctance to move may indicate pain or injury. Persistent gait abnormalities warrant a veterinary visit.

Inspect the paws. Examine the paw pads for cuts, abrasions, embedded debris, or signs of thermal injury (blistering from hot pavement or cracking from ice and salt).

Offer water. Ensure your dog drinks water after exercise, especially during warm weather. Dehydration can cause muscle cramping and fatigue.

Allow recovery time. Dachshunds can maintain a state of arousal well after exercise ends. Provide a calm environment and a comfortable bed so your dog can rest and allow muscles and joints to recover. Adequate rest between exercise sessions is just as important as the exercise itself.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many walks per day does a dachshund need?

Two walks per day is the standard recommendation for adult dachshunds, typically 20 to 30 minutes each. Splitting exercise into two sessions rather than one long outing reduces continuous spinal loading and provides mental enrichment at two different points in the day. In addition to walks, incorporate mental exercise such as nose work, puzzle toys, or short training sessions to meet your dachshund's total stimulation needs.

Can a dachshund with IVDD still exercise?

Yes, but only under veterinary guidance. After an IVDD episode, a period of strict rest is typically prescribed, often four to six weeks of crate rest or very limited movement. Once the acute phase has passed, the veterinarian or a certified canine rehabilitation therapist will design a graduated return-to-activity program. Hydrotherapy is frequently recommended because it builds muscle and improves mobility without loading the spine. Gentle leash walks on flat ground are usually the next step. Never resume exercise on your own schedule without veterinary approval — premature activity is one of the most common causes of IVDD relapse.

Is it safe to take my dachshund to a dog park?

Dog parks can be enjoyable for dachshunds, but they carry specific risks for the breed. The main dangers are collisions with larger dogs, overexcitement leading to high-impact running and sudden stops, and the inability to control the environment. If you choose to visit a dog park, look for one with a separate area for small dogs. Supervise closely and intervene if your dachshund starts sprinting, jumping, or wrestling aggressively. Having a reliable recall command is essential so you can bring your dog back to you before the play becomes too intense.

What are the signs that my dachshund is not getting enough exercise?

Common signs of exercise deprivation include increased barking or whining, destructive behavior (chewing furniture, shoes, or household items), restlessness and inability to settle, attention-seeking behavior, weight gain, and repetitive behaviors such as tail chasing or excessive licking. If you notice these patterns, increase your dog's daily exercise and enrichment gradually. Remember that mental stimulation through scent work, training, and puzzle toys counts toward your dachshund's overall exercise needs and can be especially helpful during periods when outdoor activity is limited.

Summary

Exercising a dachshund requires a thoughtful approach that balances the breed's genuine need for physical and mental activity against the reality of a spine that is uniquely vulnerable to injury. The foundation of a good exercise plan is two daily walks on flat terrain, supplemented with scent work, puzzle toys, and other low-impact activities that keep the mind and body engaged.

Avoid high-impact movements that threaten the spine: jumping, frequent stair use, frisbee, and sustained running. Create an environment at home that minimizes spinal risk by installing ramps and eliminating the need to jump on or off furniture. Adjust exercise intensity and duration according to your dog's age, fitness level, and health status, paying special attention to puppies (whose skeletons are still developing) and seniors (whose joints and discs may have accumulated wear).

Consistent, moderate, spine-conscious exercise does more than keep your dachshund fit. It prevents obesity, strengthens the core muscles that protect the back, provides mental enrichment that curbs behavioral problems, and ultimately contributes to a longer, healthier, more comfortable life. The effort you invest in a daily exercise routine is one of the best gifts you can give your dachshund.