It's all about squirrels...

I was first introduced to squirrels when I was 10 weeks old. My fenced-in backyard is a squirrel haven. There are lots of trees and bird feeders for them to climb and munch away on all the yummy assorted seed. My half-brother and sister, Sam and Libby, taught me how to chase the squirrels out of the yard. Today, I mostly do all the chasing and stalking (part of my modus operandi), but Sam will occasionally join me in the chase.

My parent Dad, Roger, hung a bird feeder in his young Florida oak tree, hoping to attract different bird species, but more importantly, to give the squirrels a place to hide from my pursuit! This morning, I spent several hours stalking and chasing a squirrel that was determined to get his fill of sunflower seeds. The more I chased him; he became more determined and eager to get his morning breakfast.

Playing the mouse and cat game was getting too tedious for me, so I decided to allow the squirrel in my backyard for a short breakfast feast. I crouched very low to the ground, and waited, and waited, and waited. Time was up, I sprang forward and gave chase, but instead of running up the fence, the squirrel ran up the oak tree! I couldn't believe my luck!!! Finally, I mastered my entrapment skills! My parent Mom, Lyn, took this video of the final chase. Check it out!

Are there any dachsies, like myself, who like to chase small critters? I'd love to 'meet' you and share stories, photos, or videos.

Until next time, happy hunting or chasing...

Miss Molly gets educated...

Okay, well I thought I was smart enough, but not enough as far as my Mom was concerned. According to her, a well-behaved dachshund is trained and conditioned to act mannerly, not only in the home, but also in public places, and in the presence of other dogs. Not that I was impish, but I guess my Mom wanted me to be specially groomed, if you will, for the outside world!

I was only 23½ weeks old when my Mom decided I needed a puppy on-lead obedience training course, so she hired a Personal In Home Obedience Dog Trainer, Tricia Larson, with 1st Choice Dog Training. It was on June 14, 2007, when Aunt Tricia came to our home. I was extremely shy and timid, not knowing anything about her such as, was she gentle or rough, loud or soft spoken. I was scared, but at least I had Sam and Libby for support. Over the next 10 weeks, often twice or three times a week, Aunt Tricia was at our home to train me, my Mom and my Dad on how to walk (heel) me at their left side on a loose leash, to sit, come, go into a down position, and stay when I was commanded to do so. This trained me to behave properly, whether at home, around strangers in a public place, or with other dogs. Aunt Tricia’s method of training involved consistency and reward. In other words, it was my Mom and Dad’s responsibility to show me what they wanted me to do and then praise me for doing it! Yippppeeeeeee! I got liver treats each time I did what they wanted me to do. I’d do anything for food! Heheheheehehehe

On July 19, 2007, I graduated from Aunt Tricia’s class.

But, as if Aunt Tricia’s rigorous training was not enough for my Mom, she had to go and enroll me in our local kennel club’s beginner’s obedience class. Man-o-man, I thought I did pretty darn well with Aunt Tricia! But, on October 29, 2007, Mom and I began another basic obedience training class that would last six weeks. This training, however, was different because it would be a precursor to an AKC (American Kennel Club) Canine Good Citizen (CGC) Certificate, which was my Mom’s goal for me to have. Additionally, following the basic obedience training, Mom enrolled me in the agility training class. Wheeee!! I was pooped by the time I finished both classes! On December 3, 2007, I graduated from the obedience and agility class and passed my CGC test! Yippppeeeeeee!

I am pleased to announce that I know how to be a well-behaved dachshund at home, around strangers in a public place, and with other dogs.

Now it's off to have some real fun. See ya'll lata!