Miniature Dachshunds, often called “Sausage Dogs” because of their long, wiener-shaped bodies, may be small, but they have big personalities! They’re super loyal and love being part of the family. Even though they have short legs, they make great watchdogs. That also means they can be a little wary of strangers and other dogs at first, but once they know you’re a friend, get ready for endless love and affection!
When fully grown, a Dachshund needs about 50 minutes of exercise each day to stay fit, healthy, and happy. But because of their tiny legs, they’re not the biggest fans of long walks. Splitting their exercise into two shorter walks can make things easier for them.
Of course, every dog is different, so their exercise routine should be too! That’s why we created PitPat—to give your pup a personalized activity goal. It tracks how much running, walking, resting, and exploring they do, so you’ll always know if they’re getting just the right amount of exercise.
How much exercise does a Miniature Dachshund puppy need?
Figuring out how much exercise a puppy needs can be tricky. With all that energy, it might seem like they need to run around all day! But in reality, just five minutes of proper exercise per day is enough for a young pup.

And exercise isn’t just about walks! Playing games that keep their minds and bodies active is a great way to make sure your little Dachshund stays happy and healthy.
Need some ideas? Check out how Xanthe and Dan managed with their new Dachshund puppy—and how PitPat helped them along the way!
Dogs can become “seniors” as early as 7 or 8 years old, so around this time, you might start noticing your dog slowing down a bit. They might not be as interested in that toy they used to love or may seem less motivated to go on walks. But don’t worry—this is totally normal! In fact, reducing their exercise a bit can actually be good for your Dachshund as they get older.

TRIXIE Mad Scientist Turn Around Dog Puzzle Toy
TRIXIE Mad Scientist Turn Around Dog Puzzle Toy challenges your dog to solve puzzles, promoting mental stimulation and rewarding them with treats for success.
Also Read: What Dog Breed is Best for Apartment Living?
The tricky part is figuring out exactly how much to cut back on their exercise. That’s where the PitPat GPS or PitPat Dog Activity Monitor comes in. With our personalized exercise goals, we take the guesswork out of it. As your dog ages, we’ll adjust their exercise goal to keep things perfectly balanced.
Best Types of Exercise for Dachshunds
Agility courses are a great way to keep your Dachshund mentally stimulated! Weaving through cones, jumping over hurdles, and running through tunnels are all fun activities for them. Just be sure the hurdles aren’t too high, or your pup might just slip right under them!

Fetch is another awesome game for Dachshunds. It helps them burn energy, teaches them how to retrieve, and is perfect for practicing commands like “drop” and “return.” Since Dachshunds are on the smaller side, you might want to adjust the game. Try rolling the ball across the hallway instead of throwing it far across a field. You may also need a smaller tennis ball so they can easily pick it up with their mouth.
Hide and Seek is a fantastic game for Dachshunds, tapping into their natural hunting instincts. Just hide one of their favorite toys in a room, then bring your pup in and watch them sniff it out! You might need to cheer them on with an excited “find it” every now and then to get them going.

Outward Hound Hide A Squirrel Plush Dog Toy Puzzle
Outward Hound Hide A Squirrel Plush Dog Toy Puzzle engages your dog with hidden squeaky squirrels, promoting mental stimulation and interactive play for hours of fun.
Also Read: How to Care for a Small Dog Breed in Winter?
So, what are you waiting for? Get your paws on a PitPat today and discover your Dachshund’s personalized exercise goal!