In a few forums, I discovered that a commonly asked question about Dachshunds is why they run in circles. As being a dog lover, I did some research on it in order to reduce your workload. This is what I figured.
Why Does Your Dachshund Run In Circles? The reason behind Dachshunds running in circles can be totally normal or related to health (Anal gland problem, medical issue etc) or psychological (boredom, excitement etc) or genetic issues. In these cases, it is best to note your dog’s diet, take her for exercise or take her to a good vet if that is needed.
I have found 9 possible reasons why a Dachshund may run in circles. Along with that, I have also provided 5 possible solutions that you can follow to prevent your dog from doing such activity. Keep reading to find out.
Related Reading: Why Do Border Collies Run Constantly Around In Circles?
Is It Natural For Dachshund Dogs To Run In Circles?
Does watching your Dachshund pup running around in circles give you headaches? Does it have anything to do with your dog being a Dachshund breed?
There are many dogs that tend to hunt their tails or run around and around, and that is not usually a matter of concern. However, if you see your fur baby doing this more often, it may be a warning that something is wrong with her health or wellbeing.
Keep reading to know what your dog might be facing and what steps to take in specific cases.
5 Possible Reasons: Why Do Dachshunds Run In Circles Frequently?
Many dogs run in circles to expend energy, align themselves in the optimal pooping position, or to chase their tails, but there are a few other explanations, especially in the case of Dachshunds. For example-
#1 Is Your Dachshund Prone To Anal Gland Problems?
It is a common Dachshund problem. Anal glands are two tiny sacs found underneath the surface of your dog’s anus that tighten when she has a bowel movement to enable a foul, fishy-smelling liquid to flow through.
Anal gland disorders are normal in Dachshunds and may lead your dog to run in circles attempting to nip at her bum. You may also note a foul odor emanating from her backside, and she may scoot around the floor after her circling routine.
The two anal sacs of most dogs work properly, allowing the smelly fluid to flow into tiny anal ducts as they poop, but Dachshunds have a problem with this more than other dog breeds.
#2 Is Your Dachshund Having Some Medical Causes?
Your dog’s running in circles may be caused due to medical conditions. Obsessive-compulsive disorder, or OCD, may be to blame if your dog has been a bit more hyperactive than normal.
Many dogs show symptoms of OCD in the same manner as some people do. This condition in Dachshunds can manifest itself in a variety of ways, including tail chasing.
A dog with OCD can become so obsessed with chasing their tail that they injure themselves.
Besides, the elongated bodies of Dachshunds put a lot of strain on their backs which can be the reason why she is behaving this way. So, when you find your Dachshund running its tail more often, talk to your vet as soon as possible.
#3 Is Your Dachshund Having Some Genetic Causes?
It is possible that Your Dachshund is not going through any physical issue and the reason behind her running around in cycle is completely a genetic issue.
Some dogs tend to be predisposed to the issue genetically. According to canine behaviorists, a dog’s need to follow the bedtime routine of spinning in circles before settling down is inherited. Domestic dogs inherited this genetic predisposition from their canine ancestors, such as wild wolves.
#4 Is Your Dachshund Dealing With Some Environment Facts?
Due to environmental facts, it is not unusual for dogs to circle or chase their tail. A number of factors can cause tension in your dog, including new people in the house and changes in their daily routine. This may lead them to run around in circles.
It is not always easy to work out what’s causing their discomfort, and you may have to make some improvements to help them feel less anxious. Behavioral therapies can also assist. It is also a safe idea to talk to the doctor if your Dachshund is behaving strangely and there is no physical reason behind it.
#5 Is Your Dachshund Burning Her Excess Energy?
Zoomies, also known as Frenetic Random Activity Periods (FRAPs), is the unmistakable bursts of intensity that dogs still exhibit. Zoomies are known for frantic, repetitive behavior, such as spinning around or moving in circles.
Certain times of day, such as first thing in the morning or after spending most of the day in a crate, can cause dogs to have more Zoomies than others. A surplus of energy that dogs store and then discharge in one large burst is a common cause of Zoomies.
Zoomies are a normal dog activity that is typically not causing concern, as long as your sausage dog has enough space to run around without hurting herself.
Read To Know: Why Does Your Border Collie Run Away?
4 Psychological Reasons: Why Do Dachshunds Run In Circles?
When dogs are exposed to such stimuli that cause tension, anger, or aggression, they can develop a habit of running in circles. Often the problem comes from boredom, inadequate activity, and lack of mental stimulation.
#1 Does Your Dachshund Get Excited?
When dogs get excited, they will often start running around. This may explain why your Dachshund is running in circles.
This would explain better if she does it when you are taking her for a stroll when you are playing with her, when you are giving her a special treat or when you get home after a long day of work.
#2 Is Your Dachshund Bored?
The majority of dog breeds are meant to get a lot of exercise on a regular basis. When they don’t get enough exercise, they can act strangely, which might explain why your Dachshund has been going in circles.
If your dog is still a puppy, this type of energy release will diminish as she grows older.
However, there is no denying that your wiener dog enjoys playing as much as she can. So, even if her puppy years are over and she isn’t spending enough time outside, the circle chase will continue to appear.
#3 Is Your Dachshund Nervous?
It is possible that your dog is releasing nervous energy by running around in circles. This is more obvious if she does it just after something that made her uncomfortable has passed.
For instance, if she does that right after you have friends over and she has to be well behaved, it might be a way for her to release nervous energy. Observe your Dachshund properly to figure out what is causing this odd behavior within her.
#4 Is Your Dachshund Craving for Attention?
Of course, seeing your Dachshund circle the carpet for what feels like hours on end is cute, but if she is only trying to attract your attention, it is better not to indulge her. It is because it will just inspire her to keep doing such behavior.
Dogs respond to all kinds of attention, positive or negative, so the next time you see that cute little tail being the focus of her affection, ignore it. Your Dachshund will likely no longer feel the urge to run around chasing it once she sees you are not paying any attention.
Related Reading: Why Does Your Dachshund Lay On Her Back?
Why Do Dachshunds Run In Circles On The Bed?
A dog may instinctively know that she needs to position herself in a certain way to ward off an attack in the wild, so turning in circles before lying down is an act of self-preservation.
Besides, another evolutionary explanation for this behavior is that turning in circles allows the dogs to check for potential predators one last time before bedtime.
However, the majority of domestic dogs are kept as pets in our homes or in other safe and controlled environments. Despite the fact that they are not threatened by wild animals, our canine companions have retained this evolutionary protective trait.
As a result, your Dachshund, like her ancestors, turns around a few times before lying down.
Why Do Dachshunds Run In Circles After Stealing Owner’s Socks?
From a few different forums and videos, I have come across the information that many Dachshunds playfully run in circles after stealing their owner’s socks.
The footage of a 12-week old Dachshund puppy stealing his owner’s socks went viral on Reddit. He races past his owner and out of sight into another room, only to sprint back into view and repeat the same path. The link of the video is given below-
According to the owner, the reason behind this kind of behavior is Zoomies, or Frenetic Random Activity Periods (FRAPs), which I discussed in section 3.6. Many Dachshund owners shared their similar experiences after seeing the video. Have a look at them yourself.
Why Do Dachshunds Run in Circles While In Harness?
If your Dachshund runs in circles while in harness, it may mean they do not like it. It can also mean that they are eagerly waiting for you to free them. As a result, they may show signs of aggression when you are near them as well.
Your dog is letting it be known that they despise their collar in whatever way they can and running in circles can be one of them. You can’t read their minds, so you have to get to the bottom of the matter for the sake of your sanity and your dog’s welfare.
Why Do Dachshunds Run In Circles To Upstairs?
Your four-legged dog will follow you around and engage in everything you do, including climbing stairs, which is a basic task for you but a huge task for a Dachshund’s tiny legs. This may injure and give rise to back problems to your Dachshund for their sausage-like structure.
Our fur babies communicate to us in many different ways as they cannot speak. Your Dachshund may run in circles upstairs to let you know that they face difficulties while climbing stairs, but still wants to go with you. In this case, it is better if you carry your dog upstairs.
Read To Know: Do Australian Shepherds Need To Run?
Things To Consider When Figuring Out The Main Reason Why Your Dachshund Has Been Doing It
There are a few things to consider when figuring out why your Dachshund has been behaving in such a way. Some explanations are given below.
#1 How Often Does Your Dachshund Run In Circles?
Notice how often your sausage dog walks around in circles even when she does such activities as catch her tail or chase shadows.
If she repeats such activities many times a day, it is a compulsive behavior, and you should seek the advice of a veterinarian. However, if she only runs in loops once in a while, it is more likely to be a natural activity.
#2 What Else Happened When Your Dachshund First Started Doing It?
If your dog has not always acted this way, think about what else was going on when such behavior started.
It may also be worth keeping in mind what may have shifted at the same time your dog began doing it. Some issues to think about are: If she began to get less exercise if you began to work longer hours, if you relocated, whether her diet was disturbed, and so on.
#3 What Is Different When Dachshund Tends To Do It?
It may also be beneficial to remember the timing of when she tends to run circles, as the timing may play a role.
If you find that she does that more on days when she did not get much practice, it is more likely that she is doing it to get some energy out. On the other hand, if she does it more when you get home, it may be due to enthusiasm.
What To Do If Your Dachshund Is Running In Circles Like Crazy?
You can take a few different steps depending on what is causing your Dachshund dog to run in circles like crazy. For example-
#1 Ensure Your Dachshund Is Getting The Right Diet
It would be helpful to ensure that your Dachshund is consuming the correct diet, particularly if the behavior began after a change in her diet or when she consumes particular foods.
Make sure to know what your dog should and should not eat. Make sure that she has not been fed by anyone else without your knowledge.
#2 Give Your Dachshund Sufficient Exercise
Always make sure your dog is getting enough exercise. You should take her for walks, play catch with her, or hire a dog walker to do it for you.
If she is already receiving the required amount of exercise, regular training will be another way to stimulate it.
#3 Avoid Encouraging The Behavior Of Your Dachshund
It is possible that she has discovered that running in loops brings her rewards. If this is the case, avoid rewarding her for the time being. Instead, discourage this behavior by not giving her any attention when she does this.
#4 Let Your Dachshund Do It If It Is Not Compulsive
It is not uncommon for dogs to run in circles, particularly after being inactive for a while. Unless your dog does such activity on a regular basis, it is unlikely to be a cause for alarm. In that case, you should let her do it.
#5 Take Your Dachshund To a Vet For Treatment
If your Dachshund has been doing such activity frequently or has been showing signs of serious problems, the safest course of action is to take her to a veterinarian. You should be able to rule out medical causes and offer specialist recommendations specific to your dog if you do so.
Over To You
Which part of the subject was the most beneficial to you? Did you have any prior knowledge of these facts? If not, which part of it was unfamiliar and maybe interesting to you?
Which method from the article do you want to use to figure out why your Dachshund has been running crazily in circles?
Please let me know if there is anything I missed that is important to the topic in this article. I will be glad to include them.
Please leave your insightful suggestions in the comment section. Do share this article with your friends if you find it helpful.
Further Readings:
Dachshunds Every Owner Should Know
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