Regular walks are good for every dog and human, but I get so bored just walking on the streets. I like the scenery to look a little more like this:
Dachshunds are snuggly, sweet and adorable, but don't forget there's a working dog in there. In most of them, anyway ... Napoleon would probably be happy to be a couch potato forever, but I think even he enjoys getting out in nature sometimes.
Just a little bit of nature is good, mom. Not too much for me.
I love letting my dachshunds explore and roam off-leash, just letting them be dogs. They were bred to hunt, after all, so I imagine it fulfills their deep instincts, as this article on field obedience suggests.
We are very lucky in that there's a teeny tiny mostly fenced (3 sides; we enter at the unfenced one which is behind some houses) area just around the corner from our house. Here's the view from about the middle point.
I am always careful when they are off-leash as they ARE hounds. I never let them loose near a road or anything that could hurt them or distract them too much. I've done formal recall training with all of them, and I practice recalls constantly when we're out. My pockets are always full of treats, so they're happy to comply. Each time I call and they turn to me, they get praise and a treat when they get there. If one of them checks in with me, lots of treats!
Good Fred!! And happy Fred. Always happy.
Good Thor too!
Napoleon, when he tags along (he hates the heat), is usually behind me, so I don't have to call him as much.
Uh, Po? Are you coming?
They were almost worn out enough to cooperate for a pic. Almost.
As good as it got.
There are some decent hiking options near our house. Last weekend we went to the Cedar Ridge Preserve. Not many people were out, and no one on our trail, so Thor and Fred got to do a little exploring. There were signs saying dogs had to be on leash. I guess they were still on leash, right? :)
Adam climbed up an observation tower we came across. Fred wished he could have gone too.
I know the boys enjoy their romps in the woods as much as I do. I think they could walk for a lot longer than I could, even! I'll leave you with the happiest little video of them trotting.
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7 comments:
I adore these pictures! :)
I love taking Lila and Rusty for a walk in the park near us. So many trees and things to smell that they usually don't get to explore when we take them around the neighbourbood.
We lucked into an ideal location both for the fenced in yard and three minute walk to a paved pathway through the forest around a lake. It's our go-to walk spot!
i live in small town an in an apartment complex she will pull me to ofice she loves maintence people an the landlords secertary an the landlord they call her the ideal apartment pet .
Could you tell me where you got your wonderful, nice fitting harnesses?
Sure, they are from Dachshund Delights: http://doxidelight.com/hugadog.htm
Tofu really enjoys his walks too and we've got lots of off-leash parks (one within a five minute walk from home). We do lots of recall training with Tofu which I think is important in a hound dog too. It was recently put to the test when he once chased a cat and I was able to call him back within seconds.
Great pics and vid Courtney. Your dogs always look so hot (temp-wise AND sexy-wise), but then it is hot in Texas. Love the tongues hanging out.
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