It's been 2 months since we said goodbye to Gretel. In this update, I talk about the emotional balance between feeling sad but not too sad. I also explain about trying to find the opportunity in the hole left in our lives.
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Believe it or not, Dachshunds can be trained. What is often interpreted as "stubborn" or defiant is simply a breakdown in communication. Your dog needs to understand what you expect of them and have the skills to do the right thing.
These 10 things made living with my Dachshunds easier, , improved my relationship with them, and allows me to successfully manage up to 6 Dachshunds at a time in a 650 square foot home as a dog sitter.
If you have questions about your Dachshund's behavior or training, sign up for a consult with me.
If you live in Washington State, and want your Dachshund to come stay with me at "Adventurewiener Camp, you can find more information HERE.
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After an amazing camping weekend, and the the best life I could have given her, I had to let Gretel go to on to her next adventure without me. My whole live has been punctuated by loss and grief. I think it's something that needs to be talked about more openly - especially pet loss when so many people don't understand that pets are family. Sometimes, the loss of them hurts even more.
In this episode, I read a letter I wrote while I was still reeling from the loss. I also discuss what giving your pet a good death means, because I truly believe giving them the best life includes what happens at the end. That stepping out of your own despair to do what is best for your dog is the last, best, most compassionate gift you can give them.
Gretel is the reason that I started our blog back in 2010, when blogs were the social media of the day. That blog, and Gretel, totally changed my life. This is the end of a 14 year chapter for me. Near the end of this episode, I also discuss ways I am considering to keep Gretel's memory alive so she can continue to help improve Dachshund's life forever.
When I had to let my first Dachshund Chester go due to advanced dementia, I wrote this letter to him the same morning. I mention it in this episode and it will give further insight into how I view saying goodbye to a pet in the most compassionate way... and the negative thoughts that I struggle with.
Love and Loss: Letting Go of My Dog With Dementia
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We all want to give our Dachshunds the best life that we can. However, even I, who left my government job in 2012 to dedicate myself to my Dachshunds and helping others, can't always give 100%. The fact is, life is crazy, unpredictable, and emotionally draining at times. At the same time my senior Dachshund was experiencing a health issue, two of my most important family members were in health crisis too. Sometimes, we simply can't do the "best", and instead, have to do the best that we can for our dogs. I recorded this to remind myself but also in hopes of helping others not feel so guilty when they are forced to shift priorities. We are all doing the best that we can. Be kind to yourself.
If you need help with your Dachshund's behavior or training, sign up for a consult or training plan with me.
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They say Dachshunds are like potato chips, you can't have just one. These cute, funny, quirky little dogs will snuggle into your heart, and you may want another. Obviously, a person can't really have ALL THE WIENER DOGS, but how many could you realistically own? In this episode, I discuss all of the things you should consider when the urge strikes to rescue another or get another puppy.
For more information about some of the things that I mention, check out these blog posts:
If you need help with your Dachshund's behavior or training, sign up for a consult or training plan with me.
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(Part 2 of 2) Whether you are a first-time Dachshund owner, haven’t owned one in a long time, or are thinking of getting one, you’ll definitely want to know these 25 important facts about Dachshunds. I wish I knew some of the things I know now from the beginning so I am going to share them with you below. Knowledge is power and it makes for a happy healthy life for both you and your Dachshund.
In this episode, I go through the rest of my list, which includes other common health issues in Dachshunds, behavior, and a couple fun quirks the breed.
You can read the list of all 25 things in this article on my blog.
If you need help with your Dachshund's behavior or training, sign up for a consult or training plan with me.
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I'll be back next week with Part 2 of 25 Dachshund facts every owner should know, but I wanted to share a short episode on how to help your anxious Dachshund cope with houseguests. Entertaining friends and family may bring you joy, but those occasions can be some of the scariest times of the year for your Dachshund. I'll share three of the biggest keys to helping your dog have a good time too.
If you need help with your Dachshund's behavior or training, sign up for a consult or training plan with me.
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(Part 1 of 2) Whether you are a first-time Dachshund owner, haven’t owned one in a long time, or are thinking of getting one, you’ll definitely want to know these 25 important facts about Dachshunds. I wish I knew some of the things I know now from the beginning so I am going to share them with you below. Knowledge is power and it makes for a happy healthy life for both you and your Dachshund.
In this episode, I go through the first 12 things on the list, which includes barking, back injuries, and The difference between a standard and miniature Dachshund. Tune in next week for Part 2.
You can read the list of all 25 things in this article on my blog.
If you need help with your Dachshund's behavior or training, sign up for a consult or training plan with me.
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Crate training your Dachshund simply means training your dog to be comfortable in a crate (or small enclosure). While the crate can be used as a tool to help with potty training or as the place your dog sleeps at night, those are totally separate choices. In this episode, I discuss the 5 crucial reasons that you MUST crate train your Dachshund. You just never know when you might need to use it.
Resources:
If you need help with your Dachshund's behavior or training, sign up for a consult or training plan with me.
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Today, I talk with Christy Caplan, vet tech, freelance writer, and author of the blog WagAndCluck.com. Christly helped me a lot when I was navigating life with my first senior Dachshund, Chester. In this raw and real discussion, we define what a senior dog is to us, share how we navigate care when a cascade of things start to go wrong, and share insight into how to know when it's time to let a beloved pet go.
Resources:
If you want to discuss your senior Dachshund's health with me and/or need emotional support during the end of life stage, please set up a consult with me.
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I was lucky enough to land an interview with THE Dr. Adam Christman - internet celebrity, vet educator, winner of the 2023 Bright Minds Industry Influencer Award, and Dad to 4 Dachshunds. In this episode, we discuss what causes back injuries in Dachshunds, how to keep your senior Dachshund healthy into their senior years, plus more!
For more great tips and advice from Dr. Adam, follow him
👉 On Instagram
👉 On TikTok
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Canine Good Citizen (CGC) is a test that "proves" that your Dachshund is well-behaved and resilient when faced with unfamiliar people, dogs, sights, and sounds. Believe it or not, Dachshunds are capable of passing this test!
In this episode, I talk with Chelsea, a long-time follower of our blog about the requirements of the test, how to prepare for it, and some advice about taking it. Her Dachshund River has passed the basic CGC test, the advanced CGC test, and is a certified therapy dog.
You can follow River on Instagram HERE.
If you need help with your Dachshund's Behavior or training, sign up for a virtual session with me.
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It's easy to fall victim to puppy fever once you decide that you want a Dachshund. But being emotional about your choice and wanting one right away can mean you ignore red flags! Before you know it, you could find yourself without your money OR a puppy. Or you can discover that your puppy has health and behavior issues because they came from a puppy mill.
In this episode, I talk about what a puppy mill is, how to avoid unknowingly supporting these for-profit puppy farms, and some tips for spotting scams.
For more info about not getting scammed and what to do if you think you have been, please read my full blog post: https://youdidwhatwithyourweiner.com/how-to-spot-a-puppy-scammer/
If you have questions about Dachshund behavior, training, diet and health, or just need to talk through something with a fellow doxie lover, you can sign up for a 1-on-1 coaching session.
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Welcome to the first interview podcast episode. Today, I talk with Kerisa Tiongson of @wheretonextbutters (Dachshund IG account) and @travelingtiongsons. She has been traveling full-time for several years now in her popup camper with Butters the Doxie, Tiskies the cat, and her husband.
In this episode, she shares what inspired her to embark on her full-time travel adventure, the steps she took to make it happen, her top 3-5 tips for someone who wants to turn their dream of traveling with their pet into reality, and the biggest challenge she has faced.
*This episode is an experiment for me. I recorded the interview on Zoom to upload to YouTube and to Spotify. I'm not using my regular microphone, so I apologize for the poor sound quality. I'm still learning how this podcasting thing works. Ha, ha.*
Dogs are our teachers. Each of my Dachshunds has taught me something important, and I share those "ah-ha" moments in this episode.
Some of what I learned sometimes helped improve the life of my Dachshund immediately. Other things I realized only in hindsight, so they improved the lives of Dachshunds that came after him or her.
I also share a special announcement: I recently became a certified Family Dog Mediator (FMD) and am now offering behavior and training consults to Dachshund parents. FMDs help you better understand your dog and their needs, improve your relationship, and come up with a behavior modification and training plan that meets both of you.
You can find out more here: https://youdidwhatwithyourweiner.com/dachshund-behavior-training/
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Did you know your Dachshund is trying to tell you something with their "bad behavior"? Growling, bearing teeth, nipping, or biting are often labeled as aggression when, in fact, are just "dog speak". Dog's primary way of communicating is through body language, and it's very important that we "hear them".
Today, I share an incident that happened in January that made me mad, that I felt embarrassment and shame about, and which ended with an ER visit for Gretel. I discuss how I failed my dogs, what I learned, and what I did to help ensure it never happens again.
I also share a few other stories where a dog's behavior told me what they were feeling and what they needed.
If you have questions about Dachshund behavior, training, diet and health, or just need to talk through something with a fellow doxie lover, you can sign up for a 1-on-1 coaching session.
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Being a Dachshund sitter fun and games, but it's also a lot of work! I take my job very seriously, and I don't think people understand that snuggling lots of weenies is only a small part of what I do, so I thought I would share some details.
In this episode, I discuss introductions, schedules, management of multiple personalities, and tools I use to help keep everyone safe and happy.
If you have questions about Dachshund behavior, training, diet and health, or just need to talk through something with a fellow doxie lover, you can sign up for a 1-on-1 coaching session.
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In this episode, I discuss 5 lessons I learned that have helped me understand my Dachshunds better, improve our relationship, and compel me to train with intention.
If you have questions about Dachshund behavior, training, diet and health, or just need to talk through something with a fellow doxie lover, you can sign up for a 1-on-1 coaching session.
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In this first episode of the Dachshund's Best Life podcast, I discuss learning gaps - you don't know to learn more about something you don't even know exists - and how misinformation about Dachshund care can spread online. I also discuss when to spay and neuter your Dachshund & how assumptions and stereotypes can harm your dog and your relationship.
If you have questions about Dachshund behavior, training, diet and health, or just need to talk through something with a fellow doxie lover, you can sign up for a 1-on-1 coaching session.
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