In general, we recommend that a Dachshund should be left alone for a maximum of 4 hours. This applies to an adult dog. Of course, he must have access to fresh drinking water at all times during the time he is left alone.
Puppies and young dogs must be socialized before they can be left alone. Otherwise, there is an increased risk of separation anxiety, destructive behavior and excessive barking. During the first three months, your Dachshund should never be left home alone for extended periods of time. Approximately from the fifth month of life, in our experience, the targeted habituation to being left alone can be started.
Help to overcome separation anxiety
- Give the puppy something to do, for example a chew toy, and then calmly leave the room for a minute or two. Then come back in, but ignore the dog. Repeat this again half an hour later. Don’t make a big deal about going or coming.
- Stay calm, but always give your dog something to do when you leave. Gradually increase the time you are away BUT ONLY come into the room when the puppy is calm. Never when he is crying. It is important to only slowly increase the time you are away and don’t make a fuss when you re-enter the room, but only after you have sat down quietly yourself. Always stroke the dog calmly and not in a squeaky voice to avoid increasing excitement and anxiety.
- If you do this over a few weeks, you can gradually extend the time you are gone. Always stay calm and give the dog an interesting task when you leave so that your departure means something good.
Link Tip:
- 5 ways to tell if your dog has separation anxiety [Dachshund Health UK]