Dachshunds
I have a couple doxie babies coming in to see me today. One is a little social butterfly. He loves everyone and everyone adores him. His mom is hoping he can be a therapy dog at some point. She socializes him a lot and he loves it. Happy-go-lucky and cuddle bug describe him well. Anything you want him to do, he’s going to attempt.
Leave it? Yes, but not for long! I want it!
Then I have another one coming in. He is having severe separation anxiety. Mommy leaves and he goes nuts. He won’t work with me at all yet – its all about mom all the time. Anyone else tries to touch him and he goes very still. No interest – back off!
Yes. You may tell me I'm beautiful. I'll accept it as my due.
Dachshund personality is usually right in between both those extremes. The AKC standards say that he should be “clever, lively, and courageous to the point of rashness, persevering in above and below-ground work, with all the senses well developed. Any display a of shyness is a serious fault.”
I'm a chi-weenie. Part dachshund, part chihuahua. Why? who knows why?
What that means to you, the wanna-be doxie owner? It means your well and properly bred doggy will have no clue about his size. He will take on anyone and anything. These “badger dogs” were first bred to kill vermin underground in tunnels. “Go down that hole, get that there badger and bring it to me, dead!” They have not lost that instinct which means, one they like to dig. A lot. And two, they will bark when the doorbell rings. Oh yes. Bring it on, baby!!! They like to kill their toys, and are tenacious. They KNOW its there and they are going to beg till you break down and give it to them!
Just...cover me up already!
Most of them have a pretty well developed sense of self. They think. And make decisions. “What Reason is there for me to lay down just because you ask me to do so?” Luckily, they are most generally little pigs and can be bribed pretty easily, “OH, for Cheese! I understand! Why didn’t you say that in the first place??” We like it when a dog works for food. We can do about anything with them.
Housebreaking. Moan. While some of them look outside in sheer and utter delight and say “SNOW! Lets go PLAY!” Most of them look out and say “Weather? I was teasing. I didn’t need to go…..I can hold it….! Really!” Might be something to do with being so low to the ground and might be something to do with their sense of “if you aren’t peeing in the wet, I’m not either!” And its so easy for them to sneak away and use a handy corner for a toilet. Gotta watch that. Take them out under an underhang or build a small sheltered spot, or use potty pads. Its okay. Really. Cater to them a bit.
They like to burrow. That means they like to cuddle. They will sleep under your covers at your feet or on your pillow. They are very warm and cozy. Once they are housebroken, this is their passion. Let me cuddle and sleep with you! In your bed, on your chair. Yum. Best part of having a dog.
Fine! Don't cover me up. See if I care!
That does Not mean they are couch potatoes though. They like to run a lot. They will fetch ball, and chase squeaky toys and run around like puppy fools. They are sturdy little fellows, full of fun, mischief and love. They come in many sizes, colors and coats.
And extremes. I’m going to enjoy working with both my outgoing baby and my shy one today. Will let you know how they do!