Why Do Dachshunds Attach To One Person

Sometimes a dog gets protective and very close to the people in his family. Oftentimes a special bond is established with a single member of the household. This is true for all breeds, but it is most especially true of Dachshunds. While this is usually the person who provides the dog the most time and attention, it is not always the case. There are some dogs that just make a strong connection with a certain person and form a bond that is very different from that of others. If your Dachshund has a bond with one member of the family, he is the happiest when he sees that person. He shows a different body language when around that person such as flattened ears and a wiggling body. 

The Dachshund will steal your heart with their silly devotion, love, and playfulness. It is difficult not to lose your heart to these cuties. Dachshunds are classified as scent hounds. They were bred to cover ground and sniff out small game, such as badgers. They want their way and they will do things when they want it. Training these small but strong-willed dogs takes a lot of patience and consistency. So, what makes a Dachshund very attached to one particular person? Just like in humans, there is sometimes a bond that cannot be explained between a dog and a human. There is something about that person, his mannerism and tone of voice that makes the dog feel very comfortable. Every dog is different but there are generalizations that apply to all. Some of the reasons why dogs seem to bond with one person are if he sleeps alongside one person, spends a majority of his time with him, or if that person is the one responsible for his care. If a Dachshund has previously been in an abusive environment and is removed from that place by a caretaker for recovery, a special bond may develop between them.

Most dogs bond the hardest to people who cared for them during what is referred to as the key socialization period which happens between birth and 6 months. During this time, their brains are very receptive and their experience at such a young age will influence them for the rest of their lives. This is why it is of utmost importance for your puppy to have positive interactions with different people, pets, and places. it is a must to remember that continued socialization also matters. Physical affection solidifies the bond between your Dachshund and you. If you give him plenty of massages, attention, grooming sessions, fills his bowl every morning, and takes him for a walk every morning, he will most likely seek you out more compared to other people.

It is a great feeling to have your Dachshund lovingly attached to you. However, you would not want him to be overly attached up to the point that he gets separation anxiety every time you are out of his sight. There are two types of separation anxiety in dogs. There are dogs that are stressed when you are away from them but they can cope if they are with somebody else. There are also other dogs who get so attached to only one person and it does not matter who they are with, they will still be stressed and will not be able to cope with the situation. In order to reduce stress from over-attachment and help make his life less miserable when you are not around, the first step is to acknowledge the problem. Attachment becomes dysfunctional when your Dachshund displays signs of stress whenever you are away. They feel lost without your presence. 

Rule out medical conditions because excessive clingy behaviors are sometimes caused by loss of hearing or eyesight and this will cause your Dachshund to depend on you. Ignore their attention-seeking behavior. This does not mean that you should stop cuddling them or loving them, it means that you should do so but on your terms. Call your Dachshund and pet him and then signal that the interaction is done. Become less valuable by letting your beloved canine bond with other people in the household. Lastly, prevent excessive monitoring by not running to him when he is whining. Encourage your dog to sleep at a distance and employ the use of baby gates to teach him that even if he does not follow, you will be back for him. 

Calming aids may also be beneficial in calming your dog when you are gone and preventing over attachment. There are DAP diffusers which may be purchased over the counter. However, there are some which may need your veterinarian’s prescription. However, these drugs alone are not effective. They must go along with behavior modification from a behavior consultant or a knowledgeable trainer. Consult a behavior expert as they have proven to be knowledgeable in these cases and they can help increase your chances of success with your canine. Separation anxiety is a cause for great concern so you should ensure that you attend to it immediately.

Having a Dachshund in your home is one of life’s greatest gifts. With the right training, care, and attention, they will grow to be fun-loving and well-adjusted dogs that are able to cope well even if you are gone for long periods of time. They will be able to manage on their own without needing excessive amounts of attention.