Enrichment Games for Dachshunds

Dachshunds may be small, but they are full of curiosity, character, and determination. Originally bred to scent, search, and problem-solve, they often thrive when given enrichment that taps into those natural instincts.

Whether you share your home with a playful puppy, a thoughtful senior, or a dachshund who prefers sniffing over zoomies, enrichment can be a simple way to support calm, confidence, and everyday wellbeing.

In this guide, we're sharing a few easy enrichment games for dachshunds that can be enjoyed at home. The focus is on gentle, scent-led activities that encourage natural behaviours without needing lots of space or lots of fuss.

Why enrichment is great for dachshunds

Dachshunds are clever little dogs with busy minds. While every dog is different, many enjoy activities that let them sniff, search, explore, and problem-solve at their own pace.

Enrichment can help by:

• encouraging natural foraging and scent work
• providing mental stimulation in a calm low-pressure way
• adding variety to indoor days
• giving small dogs a purposeful activity to focus on
• supporting a more thoughtful daily routine

For dachshunds especially, enrichment does not need to be high-energy to be worthwhile. Often, the best activities are the ones that feel gentle, achievable, and rewarding.

1. Snuffle mat searches

 

 

A snuffle mat is one of the easiest enrichment games for dachshunds because it turns mealtime or treats into a slow sniffing activity.

Simply hide a few pieces of dry food or treats between the fleece strips and let your dog forage at their own pace. This style of enrichment encourages natural sniffing behaviour and can be a lovely way to bring calm focus into the day.

If you're new to this style of enrichment, you can read more in our guide to what a snuffle mat is.

For dachshunds, snuffle mats work especially well because they are ground-based, easy to access, and scent-led.

If you're just getting started, our guide on how to use a snuffle mat shares a few simple ways to introduce one at home.

You can use a snuffle mat for:

• part of a meal
• a rainy day activity
• a calm evening wind-down
• a gentle confidence-building game

2. Snuffle ball treasure hunts

 

 

If your dachshund enjoys sniffing out treats but you want something a little different, a snuffle ball is another lovely option.

Treats can be tucked between the fleece layers, encouraging your dog to sniff, nudge, and explore. It is a simple way to add variety while still keeping enrichment rooted in scent and natural foraging.

A snuffle ball can be useful for:

• short bursts of enrichment
• smaller spaces
• rotating alongside a snuffle mat
• keeping things interesting without overwhelming your dog

For many dachshunds, having a few different enrichment options helps keep their routine engaging while still feeling familiar.

3. Scatter feeding in the garden or on a mat

Scatter feeding is one of the simplest enrichment games for dachshunds and costs nothing to set up.

You can scatter a portion of dry food across the grass outside, or across a safe surface indoors, and let your dog use their nose to search for each piece. This turns food into an activity rather than something eaten in a few seconds from a bowl.

It is easy, effective and especially useful for dogs who enjoy sniffing but do not need anything too complicated.

4. The find it game

A classic scent game, "find it" is a great way to encourage your dachshund to use their nose.

Start by dropping a treat near them and saying "find it". Once they understand the game, you can gradually place treats slightly further away, behind a chair leg, near a blanket, or in an easy hiding place around the room.

This game can be kept very simple, which is often the best approach. The goal is not to make it difficult. It is to create a fun, achievable search game that lets your dog feel engaged and successful.

5. A towel or blanket sniffing game

You do not always need a dedicated enrichment toy to create a useful activity.

Try placing a few treats inside the folds of a towel or blanket, then loosely rolling or scrunching it up for your dachshund to investigate. The scent element makes it interesting, while the soft setup keeps it gentle and accessible.

Always supervise and keep the games appropriate for your own dog, especially if they are enthusiastic chewers.

6. Gentle interactive play

Enrichment is not only about food. For some dachshunds, gentle interactive play can also be a valuable part of their routine.

This might look like:

• a short game with a tug toy
• a moment of playful connection with you
• exploring a familiar toy in a new setting
• switching between scent games and soft play

The key is keeping it thoughtful and appropriate for your own dog's preferences and needs. Some dachshunds love toy interaction, while others are far more interested in sniffing and searching.

Choosing the right enrichment for your dachshund

Not every enrichment game suits every dog, and that is completely normal. Some dachshunds love problem-solving. Others prefer simple sniffing activities that feel calm and predictable.

When choosing enrichment, it helps to think about:

• your dog's age
• their confidence level
• how food-motivated they are
• whether they prefer sniffing, searching, or toy play
• how much activity feels comfortable and enjoyable to them.

Starting simple is often the best place to begin. You can always build from there once you know what your dog enjoys.

A calm, curious approach to enrichment

 

 

For dachshunds, enrichment does not need to be complicated to be meaningful. A few treats hidden in fleece, a simple scent game in the house, or a gentle foraging activity can all offer a lovely outlet for natural behaviour.

The best enrichment games are often the simple ones that fit easily into everyday life. Small, thoughtful moments of play and exploration can help support calm, curiosity, and connection over time.

If you are looking for design-led enrichment for small dogs, explore Nova Zeal's collection of handcrafted snuffle mats, snuffle balls, and thoughtful toys, designed to bring joy, calm, and connection into everyday life. If you're still deciding whether this type of enrichment is right for your dog, you can also read our guide to whether snuffle mats are good for dogs.