Agility!

Well, it was decided by the humans that since it's too cold outside for me to get regular walks, and since I'm turning into a true "sausage" dog, it was time for me to get some exercise!
I've been attending an agility foundations class for 5 weeks now and it's been really fun!
I'm a pretty shy little girl, but every class boosts my confidence a bit more. Now I pull on the leash to get into class and my tail is up and wagging the whole time. I don't get to visit with the other dogs, but it's good practice for me to focus on my humans and ignore all the distractions.
I'm the slowest dog there for sure. I'm a dainty girl, so I like to strut my stuff elegantly. But I'm a quick learner and catch on to everything as fast as anyone else (no help to Mom who's got 2 left feet)
Best of all, I get lots of rewards! The instructor says I'm a real smart cookie, and will do anything if there's food involved. I've even been getting to work off-leash and am proving that us stubborn Dashshunds can be amazingly obedient with enough motivation!
I might not be much of an athlete, but I'm having lots of fun and providing the entertainment for the rest of the class!

I'm a Happy Camper!

Well, I finally got to go camping. What a great time that was! My mission for the weekend was to hunt gophers. There were lots of little holes in the ground for me to stick my head into and dig around in. And to think, all this time I had no idea what my true purpose was! Mom says I really lived up to my name as a Dachshund.
I met tons of new people and let them all pet me (eventually) as well as some cool dogs. But those were only minor distractions from my job as a mighty hunter.
We got to see bears, deer, elk, and even an owl! I was a good little hiker; I carried my own pack and water dish. For some reason people thought this was funny and kept taking pictures of me.
The last night we were there, I kept trying to tell Mom something, but she didn't understand. I was sitting in her lap while she sat by the fire and I started shaking and making little woofs. Those humans can be quite dull sometimes. They checked the bushes for wildlife, but didn't get what I was clearly trying to tell them: A storm was coming!
Suddenly the sky was all lit up and booming. And the rain starting falling in heavy sheets. We all ran inside the trailer where it was safe and warm, but one boom was so close and loud Mom got scared and spilled wine all over herself! I wasn't scared inside the trailer though. It was fun having all the humans packed in there-I even got to sleep in the big bed!
I wish we could have stayed longer. It was wonderful being with Mom and Dad all the time and getting to eat hotdogs and hamburgers and steak and deer poop....Aaaaaah, that was the life!

Weiner Walk!

So yesterday we had our Weiner Walk. I got to see some old friends and make a few new ones. There were about 40 of us, all different colours and coats. We walked through a public dog park and made quite a stir!
It was a hot day so I was happy to wade in the water but Mom couldn't get me to go swimming. I like salt water better-I can float easier!
After the walk I got to go visit some friends who have no dog or kids at home so they love to spoil me! They had new kinds of treats, a blanket just for me and my own water dish! I'm a pretty good guest. I don't wander off my blanket, although I did whine when everybody went upstairs. Then they called me up and I was happy again.
To end a very busy day Mom and Dad had one more stop to make. Those friends are exciting to visit because they have a black Lab who I love to play with and a little boy I'm not afraid of anymore. He gives me treats. I had to be told to stop jumping up on him though.
Only 2 more days until we go camping! I'm still not sure what that is but it's a new adventure so that equals fun!

Pedicures are overrated

Today was good and bad. The bad part was that I had to go get my nails trimmed. Mom took me to a new place, hoping to trick me, but I knew what was going on and tried my best to avoid going in that scary room. I stared at Mom with wide, accusing eyes as she just sat there and let a stranger torture me. I cried and struggled, but of course I never growled or snapped at the lady. Afterwards I got some yummy treats, which I have to say I feel I deserved after that ordeal.
The good part was I got to go to the dog park twice! Mom took me once and then Daddy got home and we all went again. I got to wear my little backpack, and carry my own poo bag and treats.
I've been working hard on my new tricks (play dead, bow and roll over) Mom was really proud that I finally learned to roll over since she's been trying to teach me that one for months! I'm also learning the names of my toys, but that's a little tricky for me.
I'm so excited because today we found out that our next Weiner Walk is on Monday! I haven't seen all my Doxie friends for a while, so I hope the weather stays nice and we can go on the walk.
That's all for now-all that exercise made me sleepy!

My Day Out

My first entry-here goes!
Today was a good day. Actually, it was a great day! Mom found out they allow dogs at a place called "Spruce Meadows" That's where they host international horse jumping, and other events. So today, instead of being stuck at home I got to see what fun things my humans do when they go out.

It was a beautiful place. There were lots of trees and acres of green grass, and every once in a while I'd find a piece of horse poo. That was a special treat, since usually I only find bunny poo or sometimes deer poo. Unfortunately, I was never quick enough to get to sample it.

It was my first time seeing horses. I watched them with much interest, as they jumped over very high bars. Some of the other dogs there barked at them, but not me. I was in awe!

It was Family Fun night, so there were lots of kids there-and that meant lots of free food! I even decided to let the kids pet me- anything to distract them from the hotdogs in their hands.

My favourite part was watching the Prairie Dogs. They were really well-trained, and got to play all kinds of fun games. I wanted to play too, but all I got to do was sit and watch. I stayed quiet too, even when the dogs were racing, and got excited and barky. Afterwards, I got to meet the dogs. So many new friends!

But even more exciting was when I spotted another wiener dog! His name was Jack and he was only 8 months old. We played and played and Mom noticed how much fun I had playing with another Doxie. Usually I only get to play with bigger dogs, so it's mostly chase, but with one my own size I got to jump all over him and wrestle. If only we could have been off-leash, the fun we could have had!

Mom was very proud of me today-I could tell because she kept giving me treats! She was especially proud when I sat for pets like she asked me too, and showed the kids some of my tricks. I guess because usually I get nervous and try to hide behind her legs.

I sure am tired out now though. Dog-tired in fact. I think I'll go to bed and dream about horses and hot-dogs.