Alberta Dachshund Rescue

Tom's Thoughts, Tips and Tricks...

BE YOUR PACK LEADER

Are our dogs cute?  Yes Are they smart?  Yes

Are they devious?  Yes Do they get in trouble?  Yes

What behaviours do your dog exhibit that you like?  What things do your dog exhibit that bring you joy? Please think about what things bring you joy and what values they bring to your household. 

Please don't forget where they are and why you brought them into your household.

Why did you choose a dachshund?  Many people are attracted to our breed because of their size and appearance.   The big floppy ears and size make them attractive to us. The big beady eyes and long noses are often an 'attention getting' trait.  Their short stubby legs and size make them seemingly harmless and easy dogs to bring with us wherever WE go. Lets not forget what they were bred for.  The dachshund is still a hunting dog after all. Their cuddly nature and cute appearance was bred into them and has made them hard to resist when it comes to many things.  

As a hunting dog they often carry a huge prey drive.  Often a protective personality shows its face. This can be a hard thing to manage.  With this also comes a large desire to please us, and is just one thing we can use to our advantage.  Do they often look up to you with those big beady eyes? Does it make us melt in their adoring stare? Of course it does.  This is one small thing we can use to show them, to be a better fit in our homes. Often they are looking to us for direction, and we often use it as a sign to show them affection.  Have your ever thought about giving them a direction? Before rewarding them for looking at us with those cute faces, give them a small task to do. Even if it is something so small, give them a basic command, like “sit,” or maybe even a “come” command as you walk away, asking them to follow you before you give them your affection.  Generally, this not only fulfills their need to please us, it often is a small reminder to them that they are “your”dog and you are not “their” person. It also encourages them to look to you for direction, something we can use to keep them safe, out of trouble, and can mentally stimulate them and help to tire them out. Don't forget mentally stimulating our friends can be just as effective as physical exercise.  Consider teaching them small tricks, like paw shakes, or rolling over, These small fun tricks can be used to also keep them calm, turning their direction away from things that we don't always want them to do. It also gives them extra purpose in life, and gives them something to look forward to. It helps them focus on things that make them fill their role in our homes.

Don't feel shy, all things we do with and show our dogs is valuable.  With such busy minds, it gives them something to do, and is helpful in every day situations.  Whether we are out for a walk and they struggle encountering other dogs, or having company over. These activities can lessen anxiety and puse their positive traits to build a relationship with our friends, making their place in our homes more valuable and easy to live.  

Watch for subtle cues, as sitting and watching us, playful banter towards us, or some quiet (and often noisy) whining.  Rather than immediately jumping to affection as a reward, have them earn it by giving us a token of mutual respect and doing something for us.  Don't forget, by nature they want to please us, so let them! Show them what you want from them, and allow them a chance to please us by more than just their cute little faces and beady eyes.  Be their leader, and guide them on the path to be the dog you want them to be. Be patient, focus on the simple things they give us, and take what they give us and use it for the better of everything in our lives together, as it is never long enough.  Make their time on Earth the best it can be, and be the strong guidance and leader they are looking for. Most importantly, never take them for granted, be more patient than you have ever been, and work with them to create a fulfilled household.