Rainy days can feel like a betrayal to a 5-month-old mini dachshund puppy who lives for sniffing every blade of grass, chasing leaves, and proudly patrolling their domain. But what’s a devoted pet parent to do when the skies open up, and the backyard becomes a soggy mess?

 
Mini dachshunds—smart, stubborn, and endlessly curious—don’t always accept “no” for an answer. So here’s a practical (and playful) guide to surviving rainy days with your little long-bodied shadow.

1. Embrace the Gear: Tiny Coats and Little Boots

It may feel silly at first, but a lightweight waterproof coat and rubber booties can make a huge difference for a dachshund who’s reluctant to get their paws wet. Start with short training sessions indoors to help your pup adjust to wearing them.

Not only do these accessories help keep your pup dry, but they also reduce the mess you have to clean up afterward. Plus, mini dachshunds look downright adorable in rain gear!

Pro Tip: Choose gear that’s snug but not tight—dachshunds have unique body proportions, so a brand with breed-specific sizing is ideal.

2. Create a Covered Potty Zone

If you’re lucky enough to have a covered porch or patio, you’re halfway there. Lay down a patch of artificial turf or a designated potty pad, and encourage your pup to use that area when the weather’s bad.

For apartment dwellers or those without outdoor shelter, a puppy grass pad (indoor or on a balcony) can provide a reliable backup plan for wet days.

Pro Training Tip: Use the same potty cue words you’d use outside and reward generously. It might take a few tries, but consistency works wonders.

3. Make Indoors the New Playground

Rainy weather is the perfect time to challenge your dachshund’s brilliant little brain. Set up mini obstacle courses using furniture, tunnels, and blankets. Play hide-and-seek with treats or toys. Practice obedience commands with extra flair.

Mental stimulation is just as important as physical exercise for puppies. A 20-minute training session can tire them out just as much as a romp in the yard.

Games to Try Indoors:

• Find the treat under the cup

• Tug-of-war with a soft toy

• Puzzle feeders or snuffle mats

• Name-the-toy games (dachshunds are surprisingly good at learning words!)

4. Schedule Indoor Zoomies

Even if you don’t have much space, you can still help your pup burn off energy. Clear a hallway or safe area where they can dash, bounce, and bunny-hop around under supervision.

Mini dachshunds often get the “zoomies”—sudden bursts of speed and silliness. Encourage it with a short game of fetch, chase, or rolling a ball across a smooth floor. Just keep an eye on slippery surfaces—those long backs and short legs make them prone to injury if they fall or twist.

5. Practice Calm and Snuggly Moments

It’s not all about hyper energy. Rainy days can also be a great opportunity to work on crate training, lap time, and gentle bonding. A 5-month-old pup still needs lots of naps — especially after a brain game or short play session.

Because Rainy Days Won’t Last Forever…

As every seasoned dachshund owner knows, these little dogs have big personalities—and that includes big feelings about weather! Your 5-month-old mini dachshund might huff and pout at the door, but with your creativity and care, they’ll learn that rainy days aren’t the end of the world. In fact, they can be the beginning of new routines, bonding time, and a whole lot of laughter.

Just remember:

• Stay flexible (your puppy sure will!)

• Keep it positive and consistent

• Reward indoor successes and redirect outdoor frustrations

• Take care of that long back—avoid slips, overexertion, and roughhousing on slick floors

With a little planning and a lot of love, you’ll both get through the wet weather with tails wagging.

You’re Not Alone in the Rain!

At Dachshund Fancier, we know firsthand how spirited and special dachshund puppies can be—and how a little drizzle can feel like a big dilemma. That’s why we’re here to offer real-life advice, heartfelt stories, and product picks that work for long-bodied pups and their very dedicated humans.

Have a rainy-day routine that works for your mini dachshund? Share it in the comments! We’d love to hear how you keep your pup entertained and exercised when the weather won’t cooperate.

And don’t forget to check out our Rainy Day Essentials for Dachshunds list—coats, booties, indoor toys, and more—specially selected for comfort, fit, and dachshund sass.

Stay cozy, stay dry, and most of all—enjoy every minute with your little dachshund, rain or shine.