A dachshund can make a game out of almost anything: a sock left near the laundry basket, a possum scent on the fence line, or the treat you thought you hid properly. The best toys for dachshunds give that clever, determined energy somewhere safe to go, without asking their long backs to twist, jump or crash about.
For this breed, a good toy is not simply one that survives a strong jaw. It should suit short legs, encourage natural sniffing and digging instincts, and fit your dog’s age, confidence and play style. The right choice can make rainy afternoons easier, take the edge off barking at the front window, and turn a few spare minutes into useful mental enrichment.
What makes a toy right for a dachshund?
Dachshunds were bred to work independently underground, using their noses, persistence and problem-solving skills. Many still approach play with that same wholehearted determination. They often love toys that squeak, burrow, hide food, move unpredictably or invite a satisfying chew.
Their physical shape changes the shopping checklist. A toy should be easy to pick up from floor level and large enough that it cannot be swallowed. Very hard chew items can risk tooth damage, while toys with loose parts, easily torn fabric or small squeakers can become a swallowing hazard for an enthusiastic destroyer.
Back-friendly play matters too. Avoid making high jumping, repeated stair dashes or sharp twisting part of the game. Gentle floor-based games are usually a much better fit, particularly for dachshunds with IVDD concerns, older dogs, puppies still developing coordination, or dogs returning to normal activity under veterinary advice.
There is no single perfect toy for every sausage dog. A miniature dachshund who delicately carries soft toys needs something different from a standard dachshund who can dismantle a plush toy before you have made a cuppa. Rotate a small selection rather than leaving every toy out at once. Familiar toys feel fresh again after a day or two away.
Best toys for dachshunds: 10 types worth trying
1. Treat-dispensing rubber toys
A sturdy rubber toy that releases kibble or small treats as your dog rolls, nudges and licks it can turn a quick meal into a proper activity. It is especially helpful for fast eaters and dachshunds who become restless when left alone for short periods.
Start with an easy fill so your dog learns the game. As they get better, use part of their daily food allowance, soften kibble with a little water, or add a dog-safe spread and freeze it. Freezing makes the challenge last longer, but choose a shape your dachshund can work on comfortably while lying on the floor.
2. Puzzle feeders
Puzzle feeders offer a more deliberate brain workout. Your dog may need to slide a cover, lift a flap or move a piece with their nose to find food. This taps into the dachshund habit of investigating every possible route to a reward.
Supervise early sessions, especially if your dog is likely to chew the puzzle rather than solve it. Choose simple levels first. A puzzle that is too difficult can be frustrating, while one that is too easy may be finished in seconds. The sweet spot is a few minutes of focused, successful work.
3. Snuffle mats
Snuffle mats are wonderfully suited to dachshunds because the game is all about the nose. Scatter dry food or treats through the fabric and let your dog sniff, search and forage at their own pace. It is calm enrichment that works well for wet days, hot Australian afternoons and quieter recovery periods when boisterous games are not appropriate.
Use a snuffle mat only while supervised. Some dogs forage beautifully; others decide the mat itself is the snack. If your dachshund starts tugging or chewing strips of fabric, swap to a different enrichment activity.
4. Soft plush toys, chosen carefully
For many dachshunds, a soft toy is a treasured companion, prey substitute and sleeping buddy rolled into one. A longer, low-profile plush can be easier for short-legged dogs to carry than a large round toy. Reinforced seams may last longer, but no plush toy is indestructible.
Check it regularly for exposed stuffing, damaged stitching and loose squeakers. If your dog likes to disembowel toys with great purpose, reserve plush play for supervised time and choose a tougher rubber or food toy for unsupervised enrichment.
5. Burrow toys
Burrow toys are made for the dachshund brain. Usually, they involve small squeaky characters hidden inside a soft log, den or other holder. Your dog noses, paws and pulls them out, then waits for you to reload the game.
This style lets a dachshund use their natural digging and extraction instincts without digging craters in the garden. Keep the game on the floor and keep an eye on the smaller inserts, particularly with a dog who tends to shred or swallow fabric.
6. Gentle tug toys
Tug can be a brilliant way to build engagement and practise a reliable ‘drop’ cue, provided it stays low and controlled. Choose a soft, comfortable tug toy with enough length to keep your fingers clear. Let your dachshund pull in a straight line rather than lifting them off the ground or yanking their body side to side.
Short sessions are plenty. If your dog becomes wildly overexcited, pauses are part of the game. Ask for a release, reward calm behaviour, then restart. This turns tug into training rather than a wrestling match.
7. Tough chew toys
Chewing is natural stress relief and can help settle a dog after activity. For dachshunds, look for durable chew toys with some give, sized appropriately for their mouth. The thumbnail test is a useful general guide: if you cannot make even a slight mark with your thumbnail, the material may be too hard for regular chewing.
Even a well-made chew toy should be inspected often. Replace it once it is cracked, sharp, small enough to swallow, or missing pieces. If your dachshund is a powerful chewer, choosing a toy labelled for their chew strength is safer than hoping a soft option will last.
8. Squeaky fetch toys
Some dachshunds adore a short game of fetch, particularly when the toy squeaks. Keep throws low, short and along a flat surface so your dog is not launching from furniture or skidding across slippery floors. Hallway rolls and gentle ground-level tosses can be more back-conscious than high, frantic throws in the yard.
Fetch is best in small doses. Two or three minutes of happy retrieving may be enough before your dachshund needs a drink, a breather or a calmer activity. Stop while they are still keen rather than playing until they are overtired.
9. Rolling food balls
Food balls are a simple option for dogs who enjoy chasing movement but do not need a complicated puzzle. As the ball rolls, pieces of food fall out. This encourages your dachshund to use both nose and paws, and it slows down a meal without requiring you to set up a full training session.
Pick one with an adjustable opening if possible. A generous opening helps beginners understand the game. Narrow it gradually once your dog is confidently pushing and rolling the toy rather than staring at it in disbelief.
10. Lick mats
Licking is often soothing, making lick mats a useful choice after a walk, during grooming, or when visitors arrive. Spread a thin layer of a dog-safe topping across the mat, using ingredients that agree with your dog’s usual diet. A chilled or frozen mat lasts longer and can be particularly welcome in warm weather.
Choose a mat that stays put and supervise the session. The goal is licking the food from the surface, not chewing through the mat. For dogs managing weight, use a small amount of their regular food rather than treating every enrichment session as an extra snack.
Match the toy to your dachshund’s life stage
Puppies need smaller, softer options that soothe teething gums and build confidence. Offer variety, but keep sessions brief. Puppies can become overtired quickly, and a tired dachshund puppy can suddenly turn into a tiny, determined menace.
Adult dachshunds often benefit most from a mix of food enrichment, chewing and interactive play. If your dog spends part of the day alone, prepare a safe enrichment toy before you leave, then save special tug or burrow games for time together.
Senior dachshunds may still be playful, but comfort becomes the priority. Choose lightweight toys that are easy to grip, puzzles without fiddly movements and gentle licking or sniffing activities. A senior dog who no longer chases a ball may still light up at the sound of a familiar soft toy or the chance to sniff out dinner.
A quick safety check before play
Before handing over a new toy, consider your dog rather than the packaging. Is it too small for their mouth? Can they remove a piece quickly? Does the activity encourage jumping off the couch? Will it be used only under supervision? These small decisions are part of protecting a breed that gives its whole heart to every game.
At Everything Dachshund, we believe play should support the life you want for your dog: curious, content, connected and comfortable in their body. Start with one toy that matches your dachshund’s favourite instinct, watch how they use it, and let their wagging tail tell you what to try next.
