Guard Dogs, Short Legs, Waggy Tails

     Miniature Dachshunds have to be some of the best guard dogs you could ever ask for.  Of course, it could depend on what you really want from your guard dog.  If you want the trespasser taken down, dragged back out the front gate, with some very satisfying chewing going on all the while, a dachshund might not be your first choice.  But if you want a guard dog to alert you to the fact that something or someone, somewhere, on, in, or near your property MOVED, then a dachshund will suit your purposes mightily!  They will let you know if a squirrel is in your yard or one of the neighbors' 40 cats is crouching outside your window as it stalks the birds you're trying to provide a nice feed and water station during a sever drought.  The mighty dachshund will let you know if the UPS truck is outside, and oh, how excited we all are as the driver actually has the nerve to approach the door and leave a package outside. 
     So, you may ask, "What if a person actually comes in the house?"  All I can tell you is what happens at my house with Popeye.  First, he sounds the "bugle call" to Missy (another dachshund) and Sissy (a Lab mix, with old age hips, but young lungs).  So then it sounds like a virtual animal shelter that is under some sort of attack by terrorists, as the girls join in on the Call to Arms.  Then, when we let in our guests,  all canines are transformed into wiggly, waggly, short legged, (and long legged but limping) whines and whimpers, joyful barks and yelps as they welcome whoever has decided to come see us.  Now, it could still be a terrorist.  But Popeye and the gang are still happy to see them. 
      I'm working on at least getting them to stop the madness once we have determined that it is not a terrorist at the door.  So far it's not working.  But, in all fairness, I have been pretty busy with other things and not been very consistent.  So, it's one of the things we are working on here at Dogwood Dachshunds (shameless plug).  A well disciplined dog is a beautiful sight.  A calm, consistent  master (or actually it is "pack leader") is a real key and necessary component to training a well mannered dog. 
      So here is a tip for today on training:
            #1.  When attempting to stop unwanted behavior, do NOT yell the dog's name.  Simply make a disapproving sound, such as "Ehhh!!"  He should hear his name only in positive situations.  Be consistent in the reprimand, giving the sound each time the dogs does the unwanted behavior.
     I hope you are having a great time with your Doxie.  Or if you are considering a Doxie as a new companion and would like to ask some questions about the breed, feel free to leave a comment here.  I will be happy to answer questions, and if I don't know the answer I will find it for you.   And as this little girl below is doing, stop and smell the flowers!

    
           If you enjoy Dachshunds or dogs in general, I hope you'll follow my blog, and recommend it to friends.  Become a follower, and you'll receive notice each time a new entry is made.  I love to hear stories about your adventures with your little short legged, waggy tailed friends, so please leave me a comment.  In the meantime,
                                            HAPPY TAILS, EVERYONE!