Entertaining Stories

I'm sure there are Dachshunds that are not entertaining, but I've never met one. I'm also sure that there are Dachshunds that don't bark, growl and threaten to take you off at the knees on a regular basis, but I haven't met any. I have to speak from my experience and what I've found is that every Doxie is unique, but there do seem to be some common traits. I was once told that Dachshunds tend to 'bark at nothing'. I disagreed, but now I think I need to change my mind to some extent. They don't bark at nothing, but they do bark at things you wouldn't necessarily expect and may not hear.

From a dead sleep Sophie will let out a sharp bark and be wide awake. I have to concentrate and listen carefully to see if I can hear something. Often I can't, but I have discovered that if I can listen close enough I will hear something. I've learned that any truck evokes a strong barking reaction...much stronger than a car for example. The mail truck with it's stopping and starting causes a fit of protest. In short, IF I am quick enough and careful enough, I can find the source of the barking.

Speaking of Listening

Another thing I've learned over time is that not only do they understand what you are saying - at least in general terms, they will attempt to tell you what they want as well. Sometimes they will have to tell you over and over, but if you listen carefully eventually you'll get the message. They will make a serious effort to convince you of their needs and wants and trust me it pays to listen. Ignoring a Doxie can have consequences. Did I mention they are strong willed?

Doxies have a good sense of time, but when it comes to breakfast and dinner, their clocks tend to run fast. Dinner for our girls comes around 3:00 PM, but the protests begin at least a half hour earlier. It can be very irritating but you learn to tolerate it because to give in means tomorrow the protest will begin even earlier. One time for a Doxie becomes a routine and they are hard to break of routines.

Life with a Doxie can be a test of wills. Life with two is really challenging. It pays to bear in mind that YOU must be the Alpha dog because they see the family as a pack. They will frequently test the limits of their 'authority' just like children do. Balance is called for. If like us you cherish the independence of thought and action that is part of the breed you shouldn't destroy it by being overly dominant.