Dog Zone #2

The Weiner Dog Edition

This week's gratuitous cute dog photos are of Sophie and Ranger, who belong to our dear friend Al. Sophie is a 9 year old black and tan while Ranger is 14 years old and mostly brown with black. Both dogs have been “swell companions” through the ups and downs of the last few years and they enjoy eating an occasional blueberry.

Key things to know about the beloved Weiner Dog

• Dachshunds are hunting dogs. They're excellent at rooting out sharp toothed rodents like badgers. In fact dachshund means “badger hunter" in German.

  

• For a time during and after WWI, dachshunds in the United States were called “liberty dogs" to disassociate them from Germany. At the time Germany used this breed in their propaganda imagery. The U.S. also put German Americans in internment (also known as Department of Justice) camps then. German dog breeds didn't have to go to the camps too.

• Doxies are a breed that lives longer than others. Some have lived to the ripe age of 21 years old. Most live well past 12 years and will live to at least 17 years.

• 1 in 4 dachshunds will develop spinal disease and are genetically prone to Intervertebral Disc Disease. Obesity can worsen this disease. Make sure those who take care of your dachshund understand this vulnerability. Wiener dogs should always be supported in their lower back and butt area when lifted. I have personally seen a weiner dog eventually pass away from mishandling of the back. It's important to be mindful if these dogs try to jump up or down from any heights.

• Dachshunds need exercise. Because these dogs were bred to hunt, they can walk pretty far. These dogs have noses that are meant to take in the multiverse of smells they encounter. On walks I advise Doxie guardians to give their dogs time to walk and time to smell things (I call smell time getting their sniffies) so their instincts are fulfilled. Such exercise also helps mitigate their sometime shrill and unnecessary barking.

• Doxies are big time snugglers and often enjoy being surrounded by warm blankets. They're perfect companions for hanging out on the couch watching TV or reading on a cold night.

Take a deep breath when your dog won't listen

This week's training tip:

There isn't a trainer alive who hasn't encountered a dog that just won't listen sometimes. It often happens when a puppy is new to training but even an old dog (especially an untrained one) will sometimes ignore you. And yes, dachshunds can be especially obstinate about listening.

One of the worst responses is yelling. It sometimes works, which is why it is often tried. But yelling alone doesn't train a dog to come to you or stop doing what they're doing. If frustration starts to fill your body, this is when it's time to stop and focus on your breath. You don't need to do a yoga pose or meditate. Dogs don't care if your chakras are aligned.

A simple deep breath can be the bridge to get re-focused on what you want from your dog. After the breath break, take a moment to slow down your thoughts and feel into your body. If you still feel tense, take another breath. Repeat until you feel more embodied and relaxed. Then try again to call your dog.

Dogs are much more receptive to calm moods.

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