Dachshund-Friendly Backyard Games You Can DIY
Looking for fun ways to keep your dachshund happy and active at home? Creating dachshund-friendly backyard games you can DIY is a great way to do it! These playful activities not only give your pup some much-needed exercise but also strengthen your bond.
With a few simple materials and a little creativity, you can turn your backyard into a mini playground that suits your dachshund’s size and energy. Let’s explore some easy, budget-friendly ideas that will keep your furry friend entertained for hours.
Dachshund-Friendly Backyard Games You Can DIY – Short Answer
Dachshund-friendly backyard games you can DIY are simple, fun activities made for your dachshund’s size and energy. You can set up mini obstacle courses, treat hunts, or tunnels using easy materials. These games keep your pup active, happy, and entertained at home.
Understanding Your Dachshund’s Play Style
Before setting up any backyard game, it’s helpful to understand how dachshunds like to play. Bred for hunting small animals, dachshunds have strong instincts to dig, chase, and sniff around. They enjoy problem-solving and love games that involve rewards, like treats or toys.
Since they’re small with long backs, it’s important to create activities that are fun but don’t put too much strain on their spine. The goal is to keep their mind sharp and body moving without risking injury.
Building a Mini Obstacle Course
A mini obstacle course is one of the most enjoyable dachshund-friendly backyard games you can DIY. You can use household items like hula hoops, small boxes, and soft pool noodles to create tunnels, jumps, and weaving paths. Start by placing the objects a short distance apart and encourage your dachshund to move through them using treats or a favorite toy as motivation.
Keep the jumps very low to avoid back strain, and make sure all surfaces are soft and safe. As your dachshund gets used to the course, you can rearrange the obstacles to keep it exciting. This type of play strengthens muscles, improves balance, and keeps your pup mentally active. You can find more creative ideas in a detailed guide about keeping your Dachshund entertained with different fun activities.
Treasure Hunt with Treats
A treat treasure hunt is perfect for your dachshund’s curious nose. Simply hide small treats around the yard in easy-to-reach spots—under leaves, behind pots, or inside cardboard boxes. Then, let your dachshund sniff them out.
This game encourages their natural hunting instincts and gives them a great mental workout. You can adjust the difficulty based on your dog’s skill level by hiding treats deeper or using scent trails. Just remember to use healthy treats and keep track of where you’ve placed them to avoid leaving any behind.
DIY Tunnel Fun
Tunnels are another fantastic way to entertain your dachshund outdoors. Because of their long bodies, dachshunds love to crawl through spaces—it’s in their nature! You can create a tunnel using children’s play tunnels, large cardboard boxes, or flexible garden pipes.
Secure them well so they don’t collapse, and make sure the inside is smooth and safe. Toss a ball or treat through the tunnel to encourage your dachshund to move from one end to the other. This activity not only satisfies their burrowing instincts but also keeps them physically active in a safe and playful way.
Fetch with a Twist
Traditional fetch can be a bit tricky for dachshunds, especially if the throws are too long or involve jumping. Instead, you can adjust the game to suit their size and energy level. Roll a small ball or toss a soft toy a short distance across the yard.
You can even add simple obstacles, like weaving around cones or running through a short tunnel before retrieving the toy. This variation keeps fetch exciting while providing safe exercise. It’s also a great way to improve obedience commands like “fetch,” “come,” and “drop.”
Backyard Digging Zone
Dachshunds love to dig—it’s part of who they are. Instead of stopping this behavior completely, you can direct it into a controlled, fun activity. Create a digging zone in your backyard by filling a small sandbox or kiddie pool with soil or sand.
Bury toys or treats inside and let your dachshund dig them out. This game satisfies their natural instincts and keeps them from digging in unwanted areas like your flower beds. Make sure the digging area is easy to clean and shaded during hot weather to keep your pup comfortable.
Agility Hoops and Weaving Poles
If your dachshund enjoys challenges, setting up simple agility hoops or weaving poles can be an exciting backyard project. You can make weaving poles using PVC pipes or garden stakes spaced about a foot apart. For hoops, use lightweight materials like hula hoops or bendable rods that can be adjusted to a low height.
Lead your dachshund through the course slowly at first, using treats or encouragement. This type of activity helps improve coordination and focus while offering great physical exercise in a safe, low-impact way.
Water Play for Hot Days
On warm days, a little water play can help your dachshund cool off and have fun. You can use a shallow kiddie pool, sprinkler, or gentle hose spray. Drop some floating toys or treats in the water and let your dachshund paw and splash around.
Always supervise water play to ensure safety, and keep the water shallow since dachshunds are not naturally strong swimmers. This refreshing activity can be a wonderful way to combine exercise and cooling down during summer afternoons. You can also check a helpful post with tips on how to keep your Dachshund cool and comfortable during hot days.
Sniffing Trails and Tracking Games
Sniffing and tracking games are excellent for stimulating your dachshund’s sharp sense of smell. Create a scent trail by dragging a treat or toy along the ground and hiding it at the end of the path. Then, let your dachshund follow the trail to find the hidden reward.
You can make it more challenging by curving the path or mixing different scents. These kinds of games help improve focus, patience, and scent recognition while keeping your pup mentally engaged. It’s also a wonderful way to turn a normal backyard walk into an exciting adventure.
DIY Tug and Chase Toys
Tug and chase games are great for building strength and burning off energy. You can make simple tug toys from old t-shirts, ropes, or soft fabric braided together. Play gently to avoid putting too much pressure on your dachshund’s neck or back.
You can also tie a soft toy to a rope and drag it around for your dachshund to chase—this mimics the thrill of hunting and keeps them active. These homemade toys are inexpensive, fun to make, and perfect for interactive play that strengthens your bond.
Safe Play and Supervision
While backyard games are enjoyable, safety should always come first. Dachshunds have delicate spines, so avoid games that involve jumping from heights or running up and down stairs. Check your yard for hazards like sharp objects, small holes, or slippery areas. Always supervise playtime, especially when using new DIY equipment or tunnels.
Keep sessions short and positive, ending with praise or a small treat. Remember that mental stimulation can be just as tiring as physical activity, so balance both for a happy, well-rounded pup. For dogs who are less active, a related article offers advice on caring for an overweight Dachshund safely through balanced play.
Keeping Games Fresh and Fun
Just like people, dachshunds can get bored doing the same thing every day. Try rotating the games each week or changing the setup of your obstacle course to keep things new. You can even invite another small dog over for supervised playtime, giving your dachshund a chance to socialize.
Adding simple variations, like timing your dog’s run or hiding toys in different spots, helps maintain interest and excitement. You can read a useful piece on how to tell if your Dachshund needs more exercise to keep these activities perfectly balanced. With consistent creativity, your backyard can stay a fun and engaging space all year round.
Encouraging Positive Behavior Through Play
Backyard games aren’t just about fun—they also help shape your dachshund’s behavior. Regular play reduces boredom and destructive habits, like digging or barking excessively. These DIY games teach patience, focus, and obedience in a natural way.
For example, waiting for your signal before chasing a ball or navigating an obstacle course helps reinforce discipline. The joy of earning rewards and praise builds confidence and strengthens your dog’s connection with you. A few minutes of play each day can make a big difference in their happiness and overall well-being. You might also find a complete overview on how much exercise is just right for your Dachshund to help maintain this balance.
Conclusion
Designing dachshund-friendly backyard games you can DIY is a simple and rewarding way to keep your furry friend healthy, active, and entertained. Each game—whether it’s a treasure hunt, digging zone, or agility challenge—offers your dachshund a chance to use their instincts in a safe and playful way.
With a little imagination and care, your backyard can become a fun-filled space where your dachshund can play, learn, and thrive. These moments of joy and connection will not only keep your pet fit but also strengthen the special bond you share.
FAQs
What do Dachshunds like to play with?
Dachshunds enjoy toys that let them dig, chew, and chase, such as squeaky toys, small balls, and soft ropes. They also love puzzle toys that challenge their curious minds.
How do I make my backyard fun for my dog?
Add tunnels, low obstacles, digging spots, and shaded areas for play and rest. Rotate toys and include scent games or treat hunts to keep things exciting.
What is the 1/2/3 game for dogs?
The 1/2/3 game helps dogs focus and stay calm by teaching them to associate counting with rewards. You say “one, two, three,” then give a treat on “three,” reinforcing patience and attention.
How do I make homemade dog games?
Use simple materials like boxes, towels, and plastic cups to create sniffing puzzles or treat hunts. You can also build mini obstacle courses or DIY tug toys for fun and exercise.
