(by Andrea Cordle, Southwest Editor - July 28, 2010)
Frankie just steals the show
Do dogs get jealous? If so, Meeko must be seething with jealousy of Frankie.
Frankie is a real looker.
Almost every time we go out for a walk, someone comments about how cute or unique Frankie looks. Meeko is not as eye-catching as his sibling.
The other day my sister and I took the boys to the park. Six people came up to us, just gushing over Frankie. They say, "I've never seen one (a dachshund) that looks like him or I like the one with the spots." If dogs had egos, Frankie's would be massive!
A family approached us and just went wild over the little spotted wiener. The father even said Meeko "just looked like many other ones."
So here we are, a family surrounding Frankie telling us how adorable he is, while poor ordinary Meeko just sat off to the side - being a good boy might I add. My sister and I felt so bad for him. After the family walked away, we told Meeko how beautiful he was too.
I will admit, Frankie is not your typical dachshund. He draws attention. But come on, Meeko may be your average black and tan wiener, but he is one gorgeous pooch.
Of course in my opinion, I have the two cutest dogs in the world. (I'm not biased or anything!) Maybe one day it will be Meeko's time to shine?
The feeding frenzy
Meeko has a rather bizarre dinnertime ritual.
Meeko guards his favorite toy.
After Meeko eats his meal, it's like he gets a surge of energy. About five minutes after eating, he starts running all through the house. First, he has to find his favorite toy - a stuffed brown and white bone. Then he tosses the toy around, then chases it.
This will go on for about five minutes. He's upstairs, then downstairs. Back upstairs. Back down. It sounds like a herd of buffalo running through the house.
Eventually, he gets bored with his toy and wants something that will play back. So, he will run after Frankie. He jumps on Frankie, pulls his ears and just antagonizes him. Frankie will run away from the crazed wiener, but that is part of the fun. Meeko then chases Frankie all over the house. Talk about a herd of buffalo!
This outburst of energy is over in less than 10 minutes. It happens everyday, right after dinner. Maybe I need to look at what's in his dog food?
The 'you know what' hits the fan
The little wieners really went above and beyond the realm of gross.
The other day, my sister and I took the boys out to Three Creeks Metro Park. This is not a park we normally go to. I thought it would be a nice change for the boys.
So, we're walking and go by a pond. The boys were hot and I allowed them to cool off in the water. Before we went to the pond, there was a flock of Canada geese. I figured the birds would go into the water as we approached. I was right, but the large birds left behind plenty of disgusting bodily fluids and more. Of course, the wieners couldn't resist.
Before we could do anything about it, Frankie and Meeko were rolling their entire bodies in a pile of goose feathers and feces. Once we got them on their feet, the smell hit. Oh my God!
I didn't even want the little wieners in my car they smelled so bad. But, I had no choice. My sister and I had to keep our heads practically out the window to breathe. It was a vomit inducing odor.
Then I had to spend the rest of my evening cleaning - vigorously cleaning. Of course I had to bathe the boys. They each got several rounds of shampoo. Then I had to clean the bath tub, then all the towels and clothes the stinky dogs had come in contact with. I washed their harnesses. Even the detergent could not remove that vulgar smell.
I had to run up to the pet store and purchase new harnesses and additional cleansing cloths - so I could really rub their faces. Then I had to shampoo my car. Even after a shampoo and Febreeze, my car still smelled bad. It took days to get that smell out of my car.
This is what I get for trying to be a nice dog owner and taking the boys to a new, fun place to walk. I will never let them get remotely close to Canada geese again!
Fireworks are such fun - not!
I may be in the minority on this, but I do not like the typical festivities that go with the 4th of July. Much of this is due to my dog, Meeko.
Fireworks terrify poor Meeko.
I am not a big fan of fireworks. They're loud, stinky, boring and they upset my little wiener.
Meeko seems to think he's in a war zone when fireworks are going off. So this weekend should be fun!
The city will have its annual fireworks event, then people in the neighborhood will be sure to set off their own for several days afterwards - illegally. My poor dog will be terrified, and I'll be annoyed.
Meeko will hide under the bed or curl up in the bathroom, shaking. Sometimes, he even hides under the computer table. I just don't know what to do with him. I want to comfort him, but I don't want to reward the nervous, frightened behavior.
Now, I am planning ahead. Before the "big boom" festivities, I will take the boys for a long walk - in an attempt to wear them out. Then I will put on the radio or tv louder than normal, to drown out the explosions. Of course, I could resort to doggy Xanax?
I guess we'll just have to wait it out and wait for the fireworks to lose its appeal. For me, that happens about two seconds after the first one goes off.
Progress made at K-9 Carnival
My sister and I took the wieners to the K-9 Carnival at Fryer Park in Grove City.
This is an event that had the potential to be a disaster. Hundreds of dogs are out with their owners. There is a large off-leash play area. Outside that area, dogs were supposed to be leashed, but some were not.
The boys were greeted by basset hounds, mastiffs, greyhounds, labs and of course other dachshunds. They did really well. Frankie was quite social. He greeted many dogs. Meeko does not really initiate a greeting, but he tolerated other dogs coming near him. This is actually a big accomplishment.
At one time, I thought there might be a problem. We were walking the wieners around the path. There were two big dogs off-leash in a nearby grassy area. One of the dogs zeroed in on the wieners. I knew he or she was coming over. Normally, both the boys are very uneasy about loose dogs approaching them. Especially, loose dogs that are bigger. (The boys don't like to be reminded they are not the biggest dog in the world.)
We were heading into the lake. The next thing I know, the big, loose hound dog was pouncing into the lake with us. I tried to remain calm and not let on that I was nervous about what I thought was going to happen. Of course, he went right up to my little wiener with the attitude problem. The big dog was looming over Meeko, bending right over him with a face-to-face greeting. I was terrified!
Too many times a face-to-face greeting has turned into a fight. Meeko, my good boy, greeted the dog and went about his business. He even allowed the dog to hang out a while in the water with us.
After the dog left, I grabbed Meeko and told him how proud he made me. He was such a good boy! He honestly made my day.
It was a good day. We made a lot of progress.
Hot dogs bring on bad behavior from the hot dogs
Over Memorial Day weekend, I took the wieners to my grandparent's place for a cookout. They were not good.
Frankie was a very bad boy at grandma's house for a Memorial Day cookout.
Most of the time when I take my boys to a strange place, they are quiet and stay by me. Not this time.
Frankie was into everything. I found him once in a closet. Found him another time on my grandpa's bed. He went to the bathroom and tried to pull the rug out. He pulled a small stuffed animal off a shelf and tried to tear it up. All this is bad, but it only got worse when the food came out.
Meeko had been a good boy up until the food was ready. He was even sweet to my grandpa and laid on his lap.
So the hot dogs came off the grill and the other hot dogs went wild. Frankie jumped up on my grandma trying to steal food from her. Meeko jumped my grandpa (who he had just bonded with) for food. Frankie kept stretching up to get food off the table. He almost got a hot dog too.
Then we had cake and ice cream to celebrate my birthday. Of course, the boys wanted in on the celebration. Frankie jumped on my grandma and grabbed her fork to lick the icing. Meeko got the leftover ice cream from my grandpa's plate.
My grandparents thought the dogs were funny and actually commented on how good they are. What?!! My grandma said the boys are welcome back any time they want. Typical grandparents.
The wieners want their car back
The wieners will not accept my rental car.
I was in an auto accident (not my fault) and needed a rental car. I did not know I needed to take the dogs for approval.
The other day, I was going to take the boys to the park. This involves them getting into the car.
They go out in the garage and discover the unfamiliar vehicle. They actually started barking at the car. Then they ran back to the door, wanting to go back inside the house. They wanted nothing to do with this strange car.
I decided to put a familiar blanket in the back seat to comfort the dogs. After some coaxing, the wieners got closer to the car. I opened the door. Things did not go well.
Frankie got up his courage and jumped into the car. He was so nervous. He was crouched down, tail tucked between his legs. Then he jumped out. He jumped back in, then back out. Back in, back out. This went on about five times.
Eventually, he stayed in the dreaded car. Then I was able to get Meeko in.
Once we got to the park, they boys couldn't get out of the horrible machine fast enough. Then when the walk was over and it was time to get back in the car to go home, Frankie played his jump in and out game a few times. It was quite an ordeal.
I never knew they had such an aversion to Kias?
One nutty situation
The other day I spent over an hour trying to get a squirrel out from under the hood of my car.
Why was it there? The wieners.
After a walk at a local park the boys, my sister and I were ready to leave. As I was loading the boys into the car, Meeko ran right over to my driver's side front tire. I knew something had to be there. There was a squirrel. Of course Frankie had to investigate. Then I had two crazy wieners trying to get a rodent on my tire.
I guess the squirrel had no choice but to find a hole and get up into the engine area. My sister and I tried to get it out. We lightly poked it with a stick and flicked water at it. It didn't want to leave. All the while, the boys are safely in the car going insane.
Then strange people came up to help and see what was going on. Of course this upset the dogs. They could not protect their women.
Finally the squirrel came out, with the help from two guys. Then the rodent ran from my car and up into the car the guys were driving!
We were finally able to get back into the car, then the boys could calm down. I could tell they were upset so I stopped at Dairy Queen and got them a puppy cup. They didn't get the squirrel, but they got ice cream. Not a bad deal.
Oh, and sorry I can't tell you the outcome of the squirrel. The guys took off with the animal in their car. Maybe it got out, maybe not?
When the human is away, the wieners will play
What is that saying, "When the mom is away, the kids will play?" Something like that.
Apparently, the same is true for dogs.
I took a little trip and left the boys in the care of my sister. I almost came home to a shaved dog.
My sister, Dedra, took the boys out for a walk. So far, so good. Then, while tending to Meeko, Dedra notices Frankie rolling in something. She's not too concerned. The little wieners love to roll.
Dedra discovers Frankie is actually rolling in wet asphalt. He had black goo all over him. It would not come off.
My sister calls the vet and asks what to do. The person she talked to said they were not sure, as this doesn't happen often. They said Frankie might need to have the area shaved. It was over half his body!
Knowing I would come home and flip out if my dog had been shaved, Dedra opted to try Dawn. It works on ducks caught in oil spills - right?
Luckily, with a lot of Dawn and little bit of vegetable oil, the wet tar substance came off.
When I got home, I noticed Frankie smelled like a stinky dog salad and he was still greasy from the oil.
Just what I want to do when I get home from a trip, spend hours bathing the boys. Of course, Meeko got asphalt on himself too and had to get an oil treatment.
If I had one wish, it would be that the boys did not have the desire to roll on the most foul, stinky, and in some cases sticky, crap they could find. It would make my life so much easier!
It's hunting time!
Meeko (above) is so happy to hunt the backyard birds. Frankie is ready to dive, face first, into a small hole.
The warmer weather has turned the backyard into a hunting ground. The targets - anything.
It's like Frankie and Meeko revert to their wild ways once the temperature reaches 55 degrees. Meeko chases and stalks birds. We have a bird feeder in the yard hence we have birds. Meeko hates birds!
He chases them up and down the yard. The birds stop to perch on the fence. The little wiener tries to climb up the fence. The birds hang out in the bushes. Meeko tries to jump up into the bushes.
Frankie will join the bird hunt for a while, but he gets bored. He will find other things to occupy his time. Frankie, like a true dachshund, likes to dig. He will try to find any kind of underground creature. He will stick his long nose into any small hole he can find. Then he will obsess over what could possibly be in that small hole.
Of course, other dogs, cats and children get close to the yard. This makes them targets, too. The boys must chase them away from their kingdom.
Another fun thing that comes with warmer weather is the non-stop barking. Especially Meeko; he loves to bark. Loudly.
I love spring.
Overwhelmed with anxiety?
For three days Meeko was acting traumatized.
He kept flopping his ears, acting as if something were biting him, shaking and cowering under furniture. He gets scared like that during thunderstorms, but there have been no storms.
After the third day of this odd behavior, I decided to take him to the vet. Maybe he had an ear infection? Maybe he was just having an emotional breakdown? I was hoping it was something physical that could be a quick fix.
Nope, nothing wrong with him. The vet said it sounds like he's having some problems with anxiety.
What does he have to be anxious about? I wish I had this dog's life!
I asked the vet if the problem could be his hair. Meeko had surgery on his knee about six weeks ago. They shaved his leg and other parts of his body. The hair is still growing in, which could be very itchy and irritating.
The vet said that was a possibility and I should try to give him a benadryl.
We get home from the vet. I give him a benadryl. The little bugger is fine after that. I had to pay nearly $70, when all I had to do was give him a benadryl, that I could buy for $3.99.
I think I'm going to be the one who needs medication for anxiety!
Frankie turns feral when outdoors
Something happens to my dog when he steps outside.
Here, Frankie takes advantage of his warming blanket on the couch. You'd never know, he turns into a feral wiener.
He reverts to his wild ways and becomes feral Frankie.
When the little wiener is in the house, he enjoys all the comforts of domestic living - and then some. He lounges on the couch, sleeps on the bed and cuddles up to me when he gets the chance. He even forces me to give him daily belly rubs.
Then I put the leash on him and something just clicks. We go out for a walk and it's like I do not exist. He doesn't hear me, see me or even seem to give a crap about me. I could fall in a hole and I truly don't think he would notice.
The entire time we're walking, his nose is to the ground and he turns into the hunter (feral Frankie). It's like he is on a mission to track and find anything. I tell him to stop or come, no response. I try to kneel and get him to come, he looks at me like I'm wasting his precious time.
Afterwards, we go back home and he turns into my cuddly wiener dog. I guess I should take advantage of the time when I exist.
The wiener got stuck and I went nuts
What started out as a simple dog walk ended with me losing it and chastising two 9 year olds.
It has been two weeks since Meeko's surgery. We are still working through physical therapy. He can go for a few 15 minute walks per day.
I decided to take him to the park for a quick walk with Frankie. They have not been out for a walk together in months, since his injury.
The walk went well. On the way home, things took a turn.
I'm driving along the road when suddenly my windshield is blasted with a snowball. Two little brats were throwing snowballs at cars along a 45 mph road.
I was startled and slammed on my brakes. Meeko went flying and ended up right between my two front seats. The problem - Meeko is a bit thick and he got stuck. And he got really stuck.
I tried to push him back while driving. That did not work. I had to pull over to push him. Still no luck. Meanwhile, he is flailing his legs around in the back, including the leg that just had surgery.
I had to get out of the car and get in the back to try to pull the stout wiener out. Still not working. As another fun thing, Frankie is trying to get out of the car.
Finally, I pulled my driver's seat up then was able to get Meeko free. Why does this stuff always happen to him? Such a poor wiener.
Afterwards I had a truly "old lady" moment. I tracked down the two brats throwing snowballs. I have to admit, I was mad. Normally I would have been irritated with the kids, but I would have let it slide. Not this time.
I went up to the door and demanded to speak to their parents. They were not home - allegedly. Then I proceeded to lecture the demons about the dangers of throwing things at moving vehicles and how people could get hurt.
I had one hand on my hip and was shaking my finger at the same time. I had on a bright pink hat. My face was probably the color of my hat as I'm yelling at them.
I'm sure the kids had a good laugh after I left.
Getting better means more trouble
Meeko had surgery a week ago. He is doing better each day, which is good and bad.
Meeko totally hates his cone!
His recovery time is 8 to 10 weeks. So, for more than two months, the little wiener is not supposed to run, roughhouse, jump or climb stairs. Yeah right!
After three days he was trying to run. At five days, he jumped on the couch, while I was leaning down to pick him up. That same day, his brother, Frankie got wound up so Meeko dove off the couch to play.
I don't know how I'm supposed to keep him out of trouble for eight weeks if I can't even do it for one!
I have blocked off the stairs, thinking he can't get into that much trouble if he stays in one room.
He is not allowed to lick or chew at his sutures. The little wiener goes for them every chance he gets. I have to watch him like a hawk when I'm home. When I'm not home or have to do something, he gets to wear the beloved cone. He hates it!
In addition to watching him like a newborn, I get to do physical therapy with him. Every day, I have to take him out for a five to 10 minute walk. Then we have to do his leg exercises. Then I have to put his little leg on ice for 10 to 15 minutes. This has to be done three times a day.
I could really use an assistant, since I still have to put out a newspaper.
Each week we add time to his therapy walks and we add new exercises.
Luckily, he likes the walks and tolerates the range-of-motion exercises. He even lets me keep the ice on him.
By April this will all be over and things will be back to normal. That is of course, unless the little monster injures himself again.
Out of surgery!
I can breathe a little easier. Meeko is out of surgery and doing as well as can be expected.
I will be able to pick him up and take him home tomorrow. Then the "fun" will begin.
The recovery process will take 8 to 10 weeks. Over two months of trying to keep the little wiener from getting into trouble. What a chore! It seems impossible, but I will give it my best.
Hopefully, by spring both my little wieners will be out and about.
Time to prep for surgery
The possibility has become a reality.
Meeko will need plenty of rest for the next two months.
My little man, Meeko, needs surgery. He goes under the knife this week. I am very nervous.
While playing, Meeko tore something around his knee. Now, he has a luxating patella (a knee that pops out of place). Apparently, the only fix - surgery.
I have to drop him off at the animal hospital early in the morning. Leaving him there will be so hard for me. What if he thinks I'm leaving him for good? I know it's irrational. I know he will be in good hands. I just can't help myself.
He has to stay the night too, for observation. I am going to have one full day without Meeko. One full day of a frantic Frankie, whining because his brother is gone. (I wonder if they'd let Frankie stay too?)
It's Meeko's recovery I am most nervous about. It will take a long 8-10 weeks. The first two weeks, he will have a cone around his head and will need to stay calm and quiet in a crate or something. He will not like the cone at all!
For six weeks, he is to go outside on-leash only. He cannot run, jump or climb for at least a month in a half. This would be so much easier if there was not another wiener ready to play. Plus, the surgeon told me, Meeko will feel better and want to play, but he still cannot.
After six weeks, he will have a check-up. At that time, I may be able to take him out for short walks. Still no running or jumping for a few weeks after that. The problem - I have two very active wieners. Meeko will not like this. Plus, I cannot be present 24 hours a day.
Did I mention the surgery itself will cost close to $2,000! This does not include all the vet visits, surgery consultation and follow-up appointments. My bank account is taking a huge hit.
I look forward to the spring, when he's fully healed. Until then, wish me luck!
Depression kicking in
Frankie is sad.
His partner in crime is out of commission. Now he's bored and that means trouble.
Meeko's leg is still injured I am waiting to find out if he will need surgery. We are in the wait and see if it gets better phase. The vet thinks he may have torn something in his knee. Meeko cannot go for walks, run, jump or play.
I still have to take Frankie out for walks, but he lacks his normal enthusiasm for outdoor exploration. Usually, Frankie is happily running 10 feet in front of me with his nose to the ground. Now he lags behind. I have to coax him to walk.
I actually have to kneel down on the walking path with my arms open encouraging him to walk to me. Eventually he does, but I suspect he just wants to go home to be with his brother. He even whines in the car. It's quite the display.
At home, Frankie is bored. Meeko has to stay put and Frankie seems to know he's injured. He doesn't initiate play with him, but with me and household items instead.
His new thing is to drag the kitchen rug (which is bigger than him) into the living room, roll on it then bite it. I put the rug back. Five seconds later, it's right back in the living room.
I try to indulge him and chase him around the house. He actually gets bored with me pretty easily. How insulting!
I guess I'm no substitute for Meeko.
I am even trying to get a work friend meet me at a park with her dog so Frankie would be motivated to walk. This may work, but I suspect once again it will be no substitute for Meeko.
I really hope Meeko heals soon for the peace of the pack.
One injured wiener, another in need of attention
I don't know what is worse, caring for an injured dog or trying to make sure the other dog gets enough attention.
Meeko still cannot put pressure on his right leg. I have to try to keep him from running, jumping, etc. On top of that, his pain medication is making him sick to his stomach. So quite often (and several times a night) I have to carry him outside to take care of business.
Needless to say, Meeko is getting a lot of attention.
All this Meeko attention is not sitting well with Frankie. In order to get some extra attention, Frankie is getting into more trouble than usual and being even more demanding of affection. What is a girl to do?
I thought I could make it up to Frankie by taking him out for a long walk - just the two of us. He's happy on the walk, but when we get home, he still wants all the attention.
I don't know which one is taking more of my time.
Frankie is also not helping matters with Meeko. I take Meeko outside. He hobbles around, and then Frankie comes steaming by, knocking Meeko out of the way to go bark at something. What does this do? Makes Meeko try to run over to where Frankie is to join in the barking fun.
I just hope Meeko recovers soon, so Frankie can have his partner in crime back. Then I can have a little peace!
An emotional trip to the animal ER
Earlier this week, I made my first trip to an animal emergency room.
The boys were playing, when all the sudden Meeko could not walk. It was after 10 p.m. so of course my vet was out of the office. I was worried his leg was broken. I took him to the ER.
While driving Meeko to the hospital, the roads were bad and it just kept snowing. He was shaking and heavily panting from pain. By the time we got there, I was a nervous wreck.
We were in the exam room waiting for the vet. I heard someone come in crying hysterically. I did not know what was going on, but I knew it could not be good.
After about an hour, someone was able to see Meeko. They took him into the back and sent me to the waiting room. While waiting, I saw a couple there and another two women. All of them looked very upset.
The vet came to get me and told me she wasn't quite sure what was going on with Meeko, but said his knee was not where it should be. Either this injury would heal on its own, or he would have to undergo surgery. They were going to send him home with some pain medication. Before I got him back, they were going to give him an injection of pain medicine and a sedative. I was to follow up with my own vet for x-rays and the next course of action.
Once again I was in the waiting room. First the vet techs brought out the pet of the two women in the waiting room. Their pet was inside a large cardboard box. Then they brought out Meeko. He cannot walk on his right leg and he is loopy from the injection of meds, but he is alive and coming home with me. Shortly after Meeko and I were reunited, the couple got their pet back. It was also in a cardboard box.
Meeko and I had a long night. He is hurt and it has been a challenge to care for him. But I am so thankful that I left that ER with my dog - and he was not in a cardboard box.
A book all dachshund fans will love
For those dachshund lovers out there, check out the book "Flawed Dogs" by Berkeley Breathed.
I believe it is young adult's book, but dachshund fans, and dog lovers, will enjoy it.
The book takes you through the tough journey of one special wiener dog - Sam. He starts off as an award winning dog, impressing dog judges with his unique dancing ability and one-of-a-kind appearance.
Sam thinks he has it made. Everyone thinks he is perfect and he has the love of a young girl. But little does he know, a jealous poodle, Cassius, plans to sabotage Sam and sends his good life to the gutter.
Sam has to fight for his life and endures true hardship. He then decides to get revenge on the poodle who ruined his perfect life.
Sam and a group of "flawed" canines hatch a plan to ruin the Westminster Dog Show, where the stage is set to crown Cassius Best in Show.
"Flawed Dogs" is funny, sad and truly touching.
It's a quick read so if you have a free day and need a laugh, check it out.
Frankie vs. the rodent
We had a mouse in the house.
This little critter was with us for a few days - that I know of. We tried the humane mouse trap, but it was not fooled.
Once I was watching a movie and I saw the mouse in the kitchen, just running around. I tried to get the two wieners to see it. They were not interested. I began to think, maybe I should have gotten a cat.
But, one of the wieners came through. The mouse made the mistake of coming out if its hiding place in front of Frankie. Once he saw it, he was relentless. I felt bad. He pretty much tortured the mouse.
He caught the mouse. One would think one bite would be all it would take. But Frankie lacks the killer instinct. Oh, he can hunt and catch, but the killing is normally done by my other wiener, Meeko.
So Frankie had the mouse in his mouth and seemed to be chewing it. Then he dropped it and just stood over it - guarding his prey. Well, the poor thing was not dead. It then tried to get away again, to no avail. Frankie pounced and it was back in his mouth. It was dropped again.
The little visitor laid there barely alive, but still trying to get away. At this point, I'm yelling at Frankie to bite the thing and put it out of its misery. So, that is what he did. Not because I told him so, but because it was still moving and what a fun game.
It was finally over. That poor mouse died a pretty awful death. If only Meeko had caught it - or gotten out of bed when all the action was happening. He would have made it quick.
I'm just glad Frankie was not interested in eating it. Once, I had to pull a dead bird out of Meeko's mouth. It was disgusting! I was not looking forward to playing tug-of-war with a rodent.
Nothing fits!
Even the Snuggie is too tight for the wieners.
I am not the type of person to buy clothes for my dogs. It is a hassle to get them on, the dogs hate it, and it is just a waste of money.
I do have coats for the boys. Not because it is so cute, but because they need to walk daily, they have short hair and it is cold outside. Meeko can tolerate the cold. He has very thick hair and he is one stout wiener. Frankie on the other hand, is just skin and bone. The temperature dips and he runs around shivering.
I've tried to buy sweaters and other items for Frankie, but nothing fits. Someone needs to make dog clothes for dachshunds. They are not exactly shaped like other dogs.
Most people think of dachshunds as small dogs. They are not - at least not the two I have. They are medium-sized dogs with short legs. I buy a medium and it's too small.
Everything I buy is too tight around the chest. Then they really look like stuffed sausages. I can't imagine a large would fit. That is for big, tall dogs.
So I broke down and bought a Snuggie for Frankie. I got a medium. It is too tight around his chest. It won't even fit around the girth of Meeko. What is a girl to do? I would say it was a waste of $10, but seeing Frankie in it was worth it.
Bath time blues
My little wieners hate getting baths. You would think I'm torturing them, by simply pouring soap and water on their bodies.
They know it's coming. They hear the water running. They see me get out the big beach towels and the shampoo. Then I come for them, one at a time.
Meeko, the sly little wiener, will run and hide under a bed or another place where I cannot reach him. Frankie will just fight with me. Literally kicking at me while I'm trying to pick him up.
Once I get them in the tub, they are alright. They even like to be toweled off. Meeko likes the blow dryer too.
But once out of the bathroom, Meeko is fine. Frankie just goes nuts. He runs around the house at 80 miles per hour rubbing his face and body against anything he can find. This can last up to 15 minutes. Occasionally, he will stop and just breathe heavy and snort. He snorts when he's not happy about something.
I guess this is his way of telling me the little prince is not happy about what just went down. He's trying to gain the control he lost.
Unfortunately, the wieners need baths fairly often. They are low to the ground and love to get into anything dirty and smelly. If they could stay out of trouble, this would not have to happen nearly as much. Why don't they learn?
Turkey drives the dogs wild
What is it about turkey that drives animals wild?
When I was growing up, my family had a Siamese cat that would literally sit in front of the oven for hours, while the turkey was cooking.
This year at Thanksgiving, my dachshund Frankie went crazy. When the turkey came out of the oven, it was placed on the counter. He decided to make a jump for it - actually a few jumps. He really tried to reach the countertop to grab the meat.
Then when he couldn't succeed, Frankie went into a loud crying fit. His body was visibly shaking, with wanting the food so badly. It was quite the scene.
He even tried to jump on the table to get his feast. Meanwhile, my other wiener, Meeko, was sitting and waiting like a good boy. I only hope he doesn't pick up on his brother's bad behavior.
The wieners did get some turkey, after all it was the holiday. I don't know what makes turkey so much more alluring than say chicken, but it's something.
A 'crappy' way to start the day
Talk about a rude awakening.
This morning, the boys go outside, then crawl back into bed with me. At first I smelled something kind of stale, but couldn't decide what the smell was or where it was coming from. Eventually, I fell back to sleep.
Then I roll over to hit my snooze button when I feel something hard, like a rock, under my leg. I pull out the object to discover it is an old, dried up piece of crap. Disgusted, I toss it - further onto my bed.
I don't know which little wiener brought me this present or why. I only know that I rolled on crap, picked it up, then threw it back onto my own bed. To say I needed a shower would be an understatement.
What a way to start the day! The most disgusting things I have encountered in my life, have revolved around my pets. The joys of having animals.
The sun salutation
We all know someone who worships the sun. Well, my dog, Frankie, does too.
The sun worshiping only goes on in the morning. He goes in the back yard and just sits there, staring at the sun. He looks so peaceful and relaxed while doing so too.
Could he be meditating, unwinding from a stressful night? I don't know, but that wiener loves the sun.
Sometimes I will call him in while he's in the middle of his sun ritual. He barely acknowledges me. He gives me this side glance, like I'm really bothering him, then goes back to staring at the sun. (Not that he normally listens to me.)
I keep waiting for the day he breaks out and does an upward facing dog yoga pose while sun worshiping. At least he's getting his daily dose of Vitamin D.
Help me from "hunter mode"
Help me, it's rabbit season!
When I walk my two dachshunds, they sometimes encounter "prey" items. This includes birds, squirrels, rabbits and groundhogs. They will chase a bird or squirrel, but they turn into something else when they spot a rabbit or smell a groundhog. They go into what I call "hunter mode." They are totally uncontrollable.
They see or smell a rabbit and it's like I don't exist. They don't hear me at all. I am only in their way, as I'm holding them back from running as fast as they can. In fact, two 20 pound dogs drag me around like nothing. I outweigh them by over 100 pounds!
When we spot rabbits or groundhogs, it takes me about 10 minutes to get control of them - somewhat. They are relentless in tracking the prey. Dachshunds are not even bred to hunt rabbits or groundhogs - they are bred to hunt badgers. I only hope we never have that encounter!
Maybe I should just take them hunting, though camouflage is not really my thing.
The boys ruined my relaxing get-a-way
I had such grand dreams of a fun, exciting yet relaxing vacation. That didn't happen.
When deciding where to go, I had to factor in the two wieners. I wanted to take them. What better place than the mountains?
I decided to take the boys to Gatlinburg, Tenn. I've never been there and I heard it was beautiful. I rented a log cabin in the woods, thinking the boys would just be in their element. Nope!
We made the drive, which was nearly eight hours factoring in rest time for the boys. I was worried about them in the car that long. They weren't great, but they weren't awful either.
It was the cabin that created problems. I think the boys were afraid of the floors. It was hard wood laminate, not laid well. It had bubbles in it and they just seemed terrified. They wouldn't leave the one area in the cabin that had a rug. If I walked away into another room, Frankie went wild; crying and carrying on.
His anxiety got so bad I was worried about his health. I thought he might have a heart attack or something. His body was hot, he was shaking and his heart was beating really fast - it seemed. I didn't know what to do. I tired to comfort him. I tried to be firm and tell him to stop. Nothing worked.
So, I made the decision to cut my non-fun and non-relaxing trip short.
What a waste of time and money! Thanks boys!
The "not so little" wiener problem
The things you have to deal with when you have dogs. This blog is a bit delicate.
The other morning Meeko woke up and was (how to put this?)... excited. People who have boy dogs know what I'm talking about. Well, normally this "excitement" goes away after a few seconds. This wasn't going away.
Meeko was very excited and swollen for a while. So much so that his back was arching and he was having trouble walking. This has not happened before - for this long of a time. So I freak out. Only one thing to do - call the vet. My big problem, how to explain this.
I call the vet and speak with the technician. I tell her my little wiener has had a problem in "his area" for about 10 minutes. She tells me that I should take his sheath and pull it over the extended part, then walk him around outside to see if the "problem goes down."
I am horrified at the thought of having to do that. That is his private area and I don't feel I should be messing with it. I would rather just take him to a professional and pay for the deed to be done.
Luckily, after I walked him around outside, the "issue" went down and the lipstick went back into the tube.
So, I call the vet tech back and tell her the problem went away and we didn't need to make an emergency stop in. She told me it could be a urinary tract infection, but more than likely "he's just a little boy and sometimes little boys get excited."
On a side note, I had to contact my boss and let the people I work with know I was running late because of Meeko's penis problems.
Meeko must have been having one good dream. I guess boys will be boys!
Frankie was here
Do you know those dogs that have to pee on everything just to say "I was here?" Well, I have one of those dogs.
Frankie lifts his little leg to just about everything outdoors. A fire hydrant, a decorative yard rock, a neighbor's toy in the yard - anything is fair game.
My mom was heading out to a plant sale at the Gardens at Gantz. I thought I'd go along with the boys so I could walk them. Well, they wanted to go to the plant sale too, since that was where the action was.
Volunteers were walking around tending to the plants. Then Frankie comes along. He lifts his leg to a plant and some ladies (almost in slow motion) yell "No, Doggie No!"
You could no sooner stop a thunderstorm from coming. The marking was complete and my mother and I were left mortified.
At least the gardens got some plant sales out of it.
I think they try to embarrass me
Why do the boys like to embarrass me?
The other day, I took the pups to the vet for another annual vaccine. It came with a warning that the dogs may be lethargic for a few days.
So the next day, I take the boys to the park for a short walk. Meeko is fine the day after his shot, but Frankie is tired. Normally, Frankie is a bundle of excitement when we go to the park. This time, not so much.
He still wanted to roll in stinky crap, however. It is hard to get the boys out of roll (like a crocodile in a death roll - maybe not). Anyway, they fling their sausage-like bodies on the ground and they don't want to get up. They want to absorb themselves in the nasty stench.
As Frankie is rolling, in slime on concrete, I pull on his leash thinking he will flip over and get going. No, he was too tired for that. He just laid in the crap and when I tugged on the leash I ended up dragging him a bit on his back.
Of course, people were around and probably looking at me like I was abusing my poor dog who just wanted to scratch his back. So I end up physically flipping the sausage over. Then try to walk away quickly because I was embarrassed.
This probably made the little wieners happy. If anyone is abused in our relationship - it's me.
Pool party poopers!
The boys are not happy in the pool.
I recently went on an assignment to take photos at the Soggy Dog Swim, sponsored by the city of Grove City. After finishing my job, my mom stopped by with the wieners. I figured they like the water; they will have such a good time. I was wrong.
This event was at the Big Splash and dogs could just run around, swim and play. Hundreds of dogs were there having the time of their lives. Why should the wieners be different?
We bring the boys in. We try to get in the water. They don't want to. Keep in mind, they have no problem jumping into creeks and lakes (the dirtier, the better).
Finally, the wieners get into the water, by the shallow end. This was only after my mother and I got in the water too. Instead of frolicking like the other pups, they clung to our legs. I heard this dog crying and realized it was Frankie. He was shaking and crying like a baby. He wanted out - and now!
Meeko was better, but still very uncomfortable. He kept jumping on my legs. He does this when he wants me to pick him up.
After about a half hour, of what was probably torture to them, we left. They ran out and ran straight to the car. They could not get inside and away fast enough.
Of course, I would have the only dogs in the place not having a good time. Oh well, at least they didn't poop in the pool!
Do I have a macho man?
The other day Frankie did something odd and I don't know what it means.
While at the park, another dog came up to greet him. After the initial sniff, Frankie rammed his long nose into the dog's face and ran off.
What was that about? I have never read anything about dogs nose bumping. I think it is some kind of weird macho dog behavior.
It reminded me of when two guys are about to fight and they bump chests. I guess this is a my pecs are bigger than yours thing.
Anyone have any ideas why my wiener is ramming other dogs with his nose?
The lawn should be cut to size
I have recently noticed the little princes are bothered by high grass in the yard. Talk about high maintenance!
When I mow the lawn, I nearly die from my allergies. So I have two pre-teens do it. However, being young boys, they don't exactly work on a contract and are not the most reliable. Sometimes, the grass can get a little high and the wieners just don't like it.
They have no problem diving head first in a pile of weeds or brush at the parks, but high grass on their turf - no way.
They will go out the back door and poke their way through the yard, looking very uncomfortable the whole time. But once the lawn is cut to size, the wieners run out and play.
They are pretty low to the ground so I could see how higher grass blades might bother them, but then why are they willing to run through high grass elsewhere?
I guess, like humans, they hold their place of dwelling to a higher standard. I only wish I could live up to their ever so high expectations.
The bite is worse than the bark
Well, it has happened. One of my wieners bit me!
It all happened over - get this - more wiener dogs.
My sister and I were walking the boys and a young boy turned the corner with two out of control dachshunds. He had them on a long leash and they ran at my boys with a lot of excited energy.
I knew Meeko would have a problem with this and the dogs were too close to move away. So I scooped Meeko up. (Those dogs were boys too so there was a lot of male dominant stuff going on.)
The two other wieners ran towards Frankie and got a little too wound up. Frankie got nervous, then Meeko got mad. He is very protective of his brother. Then the dogs came close to where I was holding Meeko and he just started biting. Unfortunately, my arm was in the way.
Meeko bit my arm probably four times, but I don't think he knew he did it. He was just trying to get at the other dogs. (Yes, I know I'm making excuses for him.)
I have two really nasty bruises from the "incident."
Of course, I was upset. Mostly, I was upset with myself. This aggressive behavior is my fault. But how do I fix it?
I've taken them to training class. I am careful of the energy I project around them, when around other dogs. Usually, if I'm calm they will be calm. In this incident, I was calm. The other dogs were not and Meeko is one reactive pooch.
I'm glad I picked him up though; otherwise there would have been one bad wiener fight.
My own neighborhood watch
Meeko (right) focuses on what is going on out the window. His brother (Frankie) comes and goes, but Meeko has a job to do.
In my job, I hear a lot about communities or individuals wanting to form a neighborhood watch program.
Well, I have my own neighborhood watch - my dachshund Meeko.
Meeko sits on his perch (the side of the couch) and watches out the window for any suspicious activity. And by any, I mean any movement or any sign of life. He takes his job very seriously.
If a squirrel is in the yard, I know about it. If a cat or dog walks by, I really hear about it. He will bark crazily until the "threat" is long gone.
He does not desire children or adults walking by the home. There are neighbor kids who run across the yard. Meeko really does not like this. Of course, he still wouldn't like it if they were so kind as to use the further away sidewalk.
Believe me, and my neighbors, his bark is loud enough to scare most away. Even with the doors and windows closed, I have no doubt the offender (be it another dog or person out for a walk) can hear the warning from Meeko.
Of course I still need alternative protection. Meeko only sits on his post during the daytime. After hours, he is busy eating, playing and sleeping.
It's all because of the puppy cup
Normally, I blog about how my two wieners embarrass me. I find I don't need their help at all.
Like most pet owners, I talk to my dogs. I ask them if they want to go outside or go to the park. I even find I tell them about how I'm feeling.
"Mommy feels like crap today so we can't go for a long walk," is a one-sided conversation I might have.
But in some situations, it's just not called for.
The other day my sister and I decided to go out for Dairy Queen. We took the boys along. We went through the drive thru and got our treats when the boy working asked if the dogs would like a puppy cup.
Instead of acting like a rational human being, I turned around and asked the wieners (in my normal high pitched dog voice) if they wanted a puppy cup. Then they wagged their tails and licked my face, so I had my answer.
My sister was mortified and the boy could hardly contain his laughter. Immediately afterwards, I felt like a doofus. Of course they want a puppy cup of cold soft serve ice cream. What dog wouldn't want one?
I also find I talk to the boys when on walks too. I explain to them why they can't do what they want - like run after a cat or jump into the water on a cooler day. Normally, I try to tone down the conversation if another person is around, but sometimes people hear.
I wish I could blame the wieners for this behavior, but I can't. It's all on me. I just need to know when to shut up!
More trouble at annual vet time
It's that time of year again - time for the annual vet trip.
Oh, what a time it is. The little wieners always find ways to make me look like a truly unfit pet parent.
We walk through the doors and the boys finally realize where they are. Then they turn around and pull me right out the door. Then I get them back in and on the scale after a few minutes of fighting and tangled leashes.
Then comes the exam time. How fun! While Frankie is up on the exam table, Meeko jumps on the vet and her technician and scratches at their legs. It's like he's saying,
"Leave my brother alone!"
Luckily, the vet and her staff think this is funny, despite the fact Meeko is basically attacking them.
When it's Meeko's turn, Frankie just runs around whining. Then when it's done, the boys reunite like they haven't seen one another in ages.
The vet staff calls them double trouble. I always leave the office wondering if they think I'm the worst pet parent in the world.
Oh well, I don't have to take them back for a few months. Maybe by the next visit, they will be better trained - yeah right!
I am not a beagle!
Though many people think I'm a beagle, I'm not. I'm a wiener.
There seems to be some confusion about what breed of dog Frankie is. He is not a beagle. He is a dachshund - or so his papers say.
Almost every time I take Frankie out, people ask me what kind of dog he is.
"I've never seen a dachshund that looks like that," is what they typically say.
Truthfully, I haven't either. Frankie is one of a kind. People think he is a beagle/dachshund mix or a basset mix. I admit his coloring is more like a beagle or basset hound. His face is bigger, like a beagle. His nose is probably more like a basset nose; his sense of smell is remarkable and bassets have the second strongest nose in the dog world.
But, as far as I know, Frankie is a wiener.
Frankie allegedly came from the same litter as my other wiener, Meeko. I say allegedly because I did not witness the birth and do not know their pooch parents. According to the breeder and their papers, they are brothers.
Meeko does have a typical dachshund look (black and tan). No doubt, what breed. His personality is typical dachshund. Frankie also has typical dachshund traits. He is stubborn and does not listen, just like every other wiener I've had or known. He burrows and digs up the yard. The only trait he doesn't possess is the "I have no problem biting your head off" attitude.
So, just so we are clear, Frankie is 100 percent wiener - until DNA proves otherwise.
Dogs have mood swings? Mine do
I know this sounds weird, but my dogs have moods. Today, they are in a really rotten mood.
We got a new oven in the kitchen. So of course, two men had to deliver it and take the old one away. The boys are not fond of visitors, especially men carrying heavy objects.
The men arrived and I leashed the dogs. This does not stop them from barking their little heads off. The men were there for no more than 20 minutes, but I will feel the wrath all day.
After the delivery men left, Frankie went upstairs and almost immediately got into trouble. He got into the bathroom trash and starting ripping up tissue. He also kept snorting - which seems to be the noise he makes when he does not approve of something.
Frankie will be destructive and snorty all day.
Even a few hours after they men left, Meeko kept barking at every little noise. He is particularly moody and will be angry until tomorrow. Now I have to be careful on his walk. When he gets in a mood like this, he is more apt to snap at other dogs or kids on skateboards.
I have had dogs my whole life and I have never had dogs that are so temperamental and pouty. This is not just in my mind - this is how the little wieners behave.
Making mommy proud
Meeko made his mom very proud at the canine carnival. He held back his quick temper to display his sweet side.
I recently took my two wieners to a canine carnival.
For those who follow my blog, you are aware the boys are not the best behaved or most social dogs in the world. This trip was a big deal for me. I knew there would be hundreds of dogs there, so plenty of opportunity for social interaction or trouble.
I was going to the event to take photos for the paper. I decided to bring the boys along.
As I was driving, my stomach began to knot. I was so nervous the boys would get in trouble.
I was mostly nervous about Meeko. Sometimes he is fine around other dogs. Sometimes, he just goes after them. You never know what the little wiener is going to do - I think he's bipolar.
At first, Frankie and Meeko were a little wary. They were out of their element. But after a little while, they began to swim and sniff with all the other dogs. Both of them even made a few friends, which is a really big deal. Meeko, who normally is antisocial at best, actually greeted dogs. He made friends with a golden retriever and a basset hound.
Frankie found some girlfriends, which is not unusual. The ladies love Frankie!
Overall, it was a really nice and fun day. After I left, I was so proud of the wieners. I nearly cried - such a proud mommy.
Of course, the next day on a walk around the neighborhood, Meeko snapped at another dog. One day at a time - right!
The wieners actually like to smell bad
My boys want to stink.
Almost daily I catch them rolling their long bodies in foul stuff. I don't know what it is or what they smell, but they pick up the scent then toss themselves all over it. My favorite is when they do this right after a bath.
I recently read that this is a common thing among hound dogs. Hounds are hunters and they roll in smelly crap to hide the "doggy" scent, therefore tricking their prey.
Meeko will usually roll in smelly crap that's in grass. If there's a dead fish by the lake, Meeko wants to smell just like it. Once, I caught him rolling on a dead snake! (He got a major bath after that one.)
Frankie rolls in this nasty stuff too, but will also go for concrete. Just the other day at the park, there was a stain of something in the parking lot. I imagine it was motor oil or something leaked by a car. Frankie couldn't resist and I couldn't get him clean enough.
If what I read is true, then prey animals would be fooled by something that smelled like motor oil. That doesn't seem like it would be a common smell in nature.
Dead fish and grass, I can see, but goo from a parking lot?
I wish dogs could reason. For instance, I wish the boys could understand that actions have consequences, and think "If I roll in this yucky, smelly stuff, then I get an awful bath."
Why don't they learn?
Are the dachshunds planning my demise?
Sometimes I think the little wieners are trying to kill me.
For my physical and mental health, I practice yoga. For those who do not know, this is a series of slow controlled movements. Let me tell you, upward facing dog and downward facing dog take on a different form in my house.
Apparently, the poses invite dogs to play - hence the name dog pose. When I am in downward dog, Frankie frequently runs up to me and jumps at my face. Meeko does too, but he is much more gentle. Meeko will just lightly jump to lick me. Frankie is like a mack truck and hits you with full force. If I don't want a broken nose or a black eye, I better get out of his way.
So holding myself in an upside down position, jerking away might be dangerous. So much for slow and controlled. I have to move - and fast.
All it would take is a quick movement and there goes my neck or spine. I can even imagine explaining this in the ER.
"Well, doctor, my wiener dog jumped at my face while I was in downward dog. Now I can't move my body!"
Direct body blows are not the only way the wieners plan my demise.
The little darlings sleep with me. I guess I should say, they allow me to sleep in my own bed with them. They get up with me in the morning to go outside and eat. When outside, they like to roll in the grass and dig in the dirt. Then they come in and go back to bed. They burrow their grassy bodies under my sheets.
Occasionally I wake up with my throat closing from my horrible allergies. Hmmm, I wonder why?
Like I said, the little wieners are trying to kill me. At least then, they'd get the whole bed.
Wishful thinking
Many people envy those who have a more expensive home or car or those who are thinner and attractive.
I envy people who have well behaved dogs. There is a couple in my neighborhood with two German shepherds. I see them walking the dogs almost every day. The dogs walk right next to them. They sit before they cross the street. I stare out my window in complete awe.
I enjoy walking Frankie and Meeko (Meeko more so than Frankie), but they are not up to par with the German shepherds. Meeko will walk by my side sometimes, when he feels like it. Frankie is always about 15 feet in front of me with his nose to the ground. I've tried praise, treats, even scolding him - nothing works. Apparently he thinks he is the outdoor leader.
I watch dogs play at dog parks and it truly makes me sad. I wish my dogs were good enough for the dog park. I watch the dogs run and play. They look like they are having the best time in the world.
I don't know what would happen if I turned the wieners loose in an off-leash park. Meeko thinks everything on four legs is a prey item and Frankie gets too nervous around other dogs. He would likely be attacked.
Sometimes I see people doing yard work with their dog hanging outside with them. They don't seem to worry that the dog will run off or bother people walking by.
I don't have that kind of trust with the wieners. I would trust them to run off and create chaos.
I guess we all want what we don't have.
Make them look, then make them cry
Frankie's got the looks to drive a person to tears - literally.
I have just realized Frankie is a tease.
He is like the popular girl in high school that craves attention from all the guys, but then rejects the "undesirables."
When I walk the boys, Frankie feels he needs attention from every person that passes by. It's almost as if he's shocked when someone ignores him.
"How could someone ignore something as cute as me?" is what I imagine he would say.
When Frankie spots a person, he looks at them then moves in their direction like he's happy to see them. He pretty much demands a greeting.
However, when the unsuspecting person gives in to his show, he backs away and will not let them pet him. Like I said, a tease. My other wiener, Meeko, craves the attention too, but he will usually let strangers pet him. He's not nearly as high maintenance as his counterpart.
Frankie has even made a child cry. A young boy really wanted to pet him and it appeared Frankie wanted to meet the boy. This is all part of his game. He just wants to recognition of being "oh so adorable," then he moves on. The little boy went to pet him and of course, he ran away. The boy's mother had to drag the kid away, while he was crying because he didn't get to pet the dog. It was really sad.
Just like the popular girl - make them look, but make them cry!
Chores are bad enough, but dogs make them worse
Here, Frankie wraps himself up in a sheet that was in the process of being folded.
Dachshunds and chores do not go hand in hand.
Every week household chores have to be done. Every week, my dogs make it so much more difficult than it should be.
Take for instance laundry. Under normal circumstances, it should take less than five minutes to gather and sort the laundry. However, my dog Frankie at least doubles this time.
Frankie thinks this is play time. He likes to put his head in the clothes basket and run off with a sock or other item. Then I get to chase him around the house. Then we play tug-of-war with the sock. This tacks on about five extra minutes because like I said before, Frankie is the fastest wiener dog in the world.
After I get the sock and prepare to continue with the chore, it starts all over again as he selects his next item of clothing to run off with.
Stripping and making the bed is another near impossible task. When the sheets come off, Frankie and Meeko think it's a game. They get to wrap themselves under the sheets and find one another.
Making the bed is probably the most difficult chore for me. First, I put the fresh sheet on. This is when both boys jump on the bed and dig. I don't know why, but they love to dig up the clean sheets. Then they roll their hairy, dirty bodies all over my nice clean sheets. Apparently, they cannot stand anything clean.
After they dirty everything up, it's wrestling time. They see the blanket-free bed as a platform for wiener wrestling. They jump on one another and slobber all over each other then roll on my nice clean sheets.
It should take me less than two minutes to make the bed. It takes at least 10 minutes!
I try to get their attention and run away so they will chase me. This works, but they are back before I can get the first blanket on. After the bed is complete, they dig up the covers (dachshunds like to burrow) and undo all my efforts. I don't know why I bother.
I guess they believe in the saying "What's yours is mine."
Working to reform the monster
He make look sweet, but this is one menacing wiener. If you have four legs, watch out. Meeko is making strides in his monster behavior and is trying to become a good dog.
I hear parents talk about their children with glowing pride. They are so happy when their kids reach a milestone or achieve something.
I am not a parent, but I'm a pet parent and my heart just swells with pride for Meeko. I used to call my black and tan dachshund "Meeko the monster." He thinks of himself as a 120-pound rottweiler and would take on any dog in his way.
I noticed his aggression with other dogs a few years ago and began to arm myself with knowledge. I read training books, took him to class, watched shows - I tried everything. After many months of frustration, I realized this was not an overnight fix. It is something I will have to deal with for the rest of his life.
What I discovered is that Meeko is not so much aggressive, as he is reactive. Cesar was right. They pick up on the slightest tension from the human. I guess, I'm the problem and I'm trying to fix my behavior when we encounter other dogs.
It seems so simple - if I'm cool, then Meeko the monster is, too. If I'm nervous, so is he. The strange thing is, I'm not intimidated by dogs. I've never been afraid of them - no matter what breed or size. That changes when I have my boys. Then I become scared for them or scared of what the monster will do.
It doesn't make sense, my dog's behavior is my fault, but they made me like that!
Anyway, am working on being calm and cool, especially around other dogs and you know what - it works! I take Frankie and Meeko out for walks daily (their behavior demands it). When we pass other dogs, I don't react, then Meeko doesn't react - most of the time.
The other day, I took the boys to a park. I almost cried when Meeko actually greeted two another dogs without a problem. I was so proud of him - like my boy was finally growing up. There was even a dog that got off leash (normally dangerous) and went right to Meeko. For a second I thought "Uh-oh, here we go," but I was wrong. He was fine - that is until the loose dog started chasing Meeko's brother. But even then, he didn't attack, just got annoyed.
One day a loose dog is going to approach and Meeko will be 100 percent fine. That will be like my child graduating from Harvard and a major cause for a party!
We have to take it one day at a time, but we will get there.
The little wieners are making me crazy
How is it possible to adore something that makes you absolutely crazy?
I consider myself a fairly level-headed and calm person. However, there are two things that bring the insane person out in me - my dachshunds Frankie and Meeko.
I frequently watch the "Dog Whisperer" and "It's Me or the Dog" and try to implement the techniques. As Cesar would say, I am not the pack leader.
Due to this lack of respect, the little wieners run wild and drive me crazy in the process.
Just the other day, I became the crazy lady neighbor. Here I am, doing yogalates and trying to find my "inner peace" when I hear vicious barking. Of course, it's coming from my dogs. I run outside to find out what is going on and see a loose dog that has come up to my fence. Meeko is what experts would call dominant territorial. God help those who get near "his" property.
Obviously, Meeko is not pleased about the presence of this intruder and makes it very clear he wants the other dog gone. This frenzy of barking riles up the dogs from two doors down, who find a way to get under the fence and into my neighbor's backyard. Oh great, more dogs for my boys to fight with.
This turns into a three-way fence fight.
So here I am trying to catch my dogs, with bare feet and yoga pants on. I failed to mention that Frankie is the fastest wiener dog in the world, so no way can I catch him. I start out trying to be "calm and assertive," but that is just not working. Finally, all the barking, running and just plain not listening got to me. Suddenly I become the crazy bare foot lady, screaming at and chasing her dogs.
My manic behavior seemed to have the opposite effect of what I was looking for. Instead of cowering from my wrath, all the fighting dogs became more rattled and the behavior got even worse.
Finally after what seemed like 10 minutes of mayhem, I grabbed the dogs and got them inside. My hair, which was in a ponytail, was looking as wild as I was acting. I looked as if I just came out of a windstorm.
So much for finding my "inner peace."
I only hope none of my neighbors saw the scene. How embarrassing.
Once indoors, the little monsters just looked at me like they were so innocent. The nerve!
A short time later I was a normal person again and the boys were my little angels. How is it that your pets can behave so badly and you can get so upset, but then all is forgiven and forgotten? Just hours after the fence fighting, my dogs were the sweetest boys in the world - OK maybe not.
