17 Games for Dachshunds (Enrichment & Fun Activities)

Dachshunds may be small in size, but they have big personalities, boundless curiosity, and a strong instinct to explore. Originally bred for hunting, these little hounds thrive when given activities that challenge both their bodies and their minds.

Without enough stimulation, they can become bored and boredom in a dachshund often leads to mischief! The good news is that there are plenty of fun and enriching games you can play to keep your dachshund happy, healthy, and mentally sharp.

In this guide, we’ll explore 17 exciting activities ranging from brain-teasing puzzles to energy-burning outdoor adventures that are perfectly suited for your playful pup.

17 Games for Dachshunds (Enrichment & Fun Activities) – Short Answer

Dachshunds are active, intelligent dogs who thrive on both exercise and mental challenges. From scent games and puzzle toys to fetch and obstacle courses, these 17 activities keep them entertained, healthy, and happy.

1. Why Enrichment Matters for Dachshunds

When I brought home my dachshund, I quickly learned that enrichment is more than play—it’s a way to meet their instinctual needs rooted in their hunting heritage. Without it, boredom and anxiety can lead to unwanted behavior. Games and activities that challenge their mental, physical, and emotional health offer lasting benefits while preventing destructive habits.

From scent trails to puzzle toys, I’ve seen how the right activities channel their energy, boost their health, and honor their natural instincts. A well-stimulated dachshund is happier, calmer, and more connected to you—and to their clever, determined heritage.

2. Understanding Dachshund Instincts

My dachshund’s playful nature isn’t random—it’s rooted in a deep predatory sequence that runs from orient to chase, grab-bite, kill-bite, dissect, and even consume. The right games can satisfy parts of this instinct without harming anything, giving them an outlet for their energy and focus.

I’ve found that activities like scent trails or tug-of-war tap into specific stages, allowing them to express their hunting drive in safe, fun ways. There’s also a strong social aspect to hunting that many forget—the need for human and dog interaction.

When we play together, it’s more than exercise; it’s teamwork. By engaging with them in these instinct-driven games, you strengthen trust, build communication, and connect with them on a level that honors their nature as loyal, determined hunters. Many Dachshunds even love burrowing under blankets or pillows, which ties back to their hunting roots.

3. Best Games and Activities for Dachshunds

A. Nosework & Foraging Games

• Use a snuffle mat or set up DIY snuffle activities by hiding treats in fabric folds, towels, or egg cartons.
  
• Encourages natural sniffing instincts and provides mental stimulation.
  
• Try a treat scatter in the yard or home by tossing treats into grass or around a room.
  
• Encourages scent tracking and turns snack time into a fun hunting game.
  
• Use scent work kits or join classes for structured nose training.
  
• Options include formal AKC scent training or at-home starter kits to build focus and confidence.
  
• Provide food puzzles—either commercial puzzles or DIY towel-roll puzzles.
  
• Helps challenge their problem-solving skills and keeps them busy indoors.

B. Interactive Hunting & Chase Games

• A flirt pole is perfect for simulating prey movement and satisfies your dog’s natural chase and kill-bite instincts in a safe way.
  
• Play hide & seek by having the owner hide, or hide toys and treats for your dog to find.
  
• Games like fetch and flyball encourage running, retrieving, and teamwork through cooperation.
  
• Activities such as earthdog and barn hunt are organized sports that mimic dachshund hunting heritage and provide an exciting, instinct-driven challenge.

C. Destructive Play Outlets (Safe)

• Offer killing stuffed toys for controlled toy destruction to satisfy their dissect instinct without causing damage to household items.
  
• Use stuffed treat toys like Kong or Toppl, fill them with food, and freeze for an extra challenge that keeps them occupied longer.

D. Physical & Outdoor Activities

• Take your dog on hiking or sniff walks to combine exercise with sensory enrichment, letting them explore the world through sight, sound, and smell.
  
• Create a digging pit with a sandbox or safe digging area to satisfy their natural burrowing instinct.
  
• Try bobbing for treats or toys in water—a great summer cooling play activity that’s both fun and refreshing.

E. Fun & Social Games

• Play tug of war to build your bond and satisfy their grab-bite instinct in a safe, controlled way.
  
• Try bubble chasing with pet-safe bubbles for light exercise and fun prey-drive play.
  
• Incorporate training sessions as play to teach new tricks or commands and mentally stimulate your dog. Teaching them fun tricks at home not only entertains but also sharpens obedience skills.
  
• Practice watch the world calm observation for social enrichment and desensitization practice, helping them stay relaxed in different environments.

4. Safety Tips for Playtime

When it comes to safe play, I always supervise any destructive or chew-based play to make sure my dachshund doesn’t get hurt or accidentally swallow something. It’s important to choose dachshund-safe toys and avoid hard balls or anything that could strain their neck or spine, since their long backs are especially delicate. 

I also make a point to limit high-impact jumping in games to protect their back, focusing instead on activities that keep them active without putting unnecessary stress on their body. Safe play doesn’t mean boring—it just means being mindful so the fun can last for years.

Final Thoughts

I’ve learned that mixing mental and physical games is the key to keeping a happy, well-behaved dachshund. The balance keeps them sharp in mind and fit in body, making playtime more satisfying for both of us.

Some Dachshunds even develop quirky habits, like digging before settling down to sleep, which makes them endlessly fascinating.

That’s why I like to rotate activities—it helps prevent boredom and stops the overuse of certain muscles, keeping my pup engaged, healthy, and eager for the next round of fun.

FAQ’s

How do you entertain a Dachshund?

One of my dog’s favorite activities is to play hide and seek using favorite toys or treats. I show them the object, leave them in another room, and pick a hiding spot for them to sniff out. The trickier the spot, the more time before the next round, keeping them engaged and happy.

What is the indoor game for Dachshunds?

You can give fetch a twist by taking the classic game and incorporating interactive toys that provide both mental stimulation and physical activity. A tug of war challenge is another friendly game that helps build strength and engage your dachshund’s natural instinct to pull and play, making it both fun and beneficial.

What do Dachshunds like to play with?

Dachshunds enjoy a variety of toys, especially ones that engage their natural hunting instincts and provide mental stimulation. They love toys that squeak, have textures to chew, and can be chased or hidden for a game of hide-and-seek.

How do I mentally stimulate my Dachshund?

Dachshunds thrive on mental stimulation to prevent boredom, reduce destructive behavior, and strengthen their bond with owners. Games like fetch, hide-and-seek, and puzzle toys engage their hunting instincts. You can use snuffle mats or try the treat cup game to keep them mentally engaged.