Dachshunds for Dummies (ISBN by 0470229683)

Author:0470229683)
Language: eng
Format: mobi
Tags: &NEW
Published: 2011-07-01T01:27:35+00:00

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Part III: The Obedient Dachshund (Not an Oxymoron) 142

ߜ An edge on the competition: Dachshunds are born for den and earth dog trials. If your Dachshund really likes to burrow under things (and what Dachshund doesn’t?), you probably have a natural. Earth dog and den trials don’t take much training.

They’re events that utilize a dog’s natural instinct and aren’t for exhibiting special skills developed by training (although the bury-the-toy-in-the-sandbox game probably will help to hone your Dachshund’s natural instinct).

The athlete

Dachshunds may have delicate backs and may not appear particularly buff, but many are superior athletes (see Figure 11-1 for an example). Dachshunds are built to work, not to sit around looking pretty. Even Minis are designed to follow quarry into small dens. No lap dogs in Dachshund land (although they do love your lap). What does the Dachshund’s natural athletic ability mean to your training?

Figure 11-1: This Dachsie looks like a natural athlete, no?

ߜ Training challenge: Dachshunds like to move, exercise, and use their natural athletic ability, so if you’re a sedentary person, you’ll have to work to make sure that your Dachshund gets enough exercise. A Dachshund that doesn’t get enough exercise is almost certain to cause trouble; he’s got to get out all that energy somehow.

This natural athlete is game for training; he’ll love active sessions with practice disguised as doggy sports. He’ll also think you’re really fun to hang around with.

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Chapter 11: Taking Charge of Your Dachsie 143

Athletic as they are, Dachshunds probably shouldn’t engage in certain activities too often. If a sport or activity involves running around sharp corners at high speed, shaking the neck (like in a boisterous game of tug of war), jumping down from high places, or racing up and down steep stairs, discourage your Dachshund from getting too rowdy. You want to keep his back in good shape.

ߜ Great games: Dachshunds love to play. They’re excellent run-ners, and some really enjoy jumping up to catch a ball (or grab your dinner off that low counter). Let your Dachshund refine his natural athletic abilities by playing active games. Throw a Frisbee and let him chase it. Set up an obstacle course and let him maneuver through it to find a favorite toy, ball, or food treat. And don’t forget the all-important walk (see Chapter 14

for training tips). Your Dachshund loves to be on the move, and when your daily exercise is over, he’ll be more than happy to relax, kick back, and allow you to pet him to sleep.

ߜ An edge on the competition: Don’t be fooled into thinking that your Dachshund can’t compete in athletic activities, such as obedience and agility competitions, and in areas of competition reserved for Dachshunds, such as field and den trials.

Dachshunds have achieved the highest obedience titles, which takes tremendous athletic ability. And although Dachshunds aren’t typically thought of as the most agile breed, they can and do participate in agility competition as well — if jumps are adjusted for height.

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