Dachshund Pictures | Dog Training Tips

It's obvious that my family and I are crazy about Dexter the doxie and we can't get enough. Today, I want to post his sweet dachshund pictures demonstrating step by step how he spends his day at the horse barn.

He enjoys grazing with his horse and his doxie brother, PT

He supervises PT's expeditions to China

He's always on the alert and watches over his horse

or under in this case

He's big on sunbathing, but I don't know why

He's already tan

He takes time to stop and smell the rails

He hangs out with the horse barn's brat pack

All rescue dogs

[Two dachshund puppies and a gremlin/chihuahua mix]

He sunbathes some more

And here are Dexter's dog training tips

Dog training tip 1: play dead possum and lie still

Dog training tip 2: wait for the barn socks

Ta-da! What do you know? Once more Dexter the doxie was airlifted to his limo. I would try it myself if I dared. With M being so forgetful though, it's a risk. Feel free to try it and give us your feedback. 

Dexter pictures over

(for now)

It's a rescue dog's life, but somebody's got to live it. Happy Mother's Day!

Twinkie

Catnip Effects | Catnip Toys

In the botanical world catnip (catswort, catmint) goes by the name Nepeta Cataria. Felines are affected by the smell of the plant and are particularly sensitive to the main active ingredient, the chemical nepetalactone.

Cat gone wild on catnip plant

The ingredient has intoxicating and psychedelic effects on cats

Studies have shown that one in three cats is missing the necessary gene to respond to catnip and remains unaffected. Same applies to kittens younger than 10 months old. They have little  if any reaction to the herb. The average catnip high lasts approximately  ten minutes, and the toxicity level is minimal, a reassuring fact for all cat owners who want to provide their felines with a lifetime of catnip pleasure. 

Growing catnip is fairly easy, even for amateurs. The plant is perennial and grows to about one to three feet tall. It requires partial shade and prefers average well drained soil over rich ones. A word of caution, even with minimal attention the catnip plant grows like a weed, so a pot is preferable to the ground, as it might spread, crowding out other plants. Grow catnip seeds by planting them directly into your soil, spaced about 20" apart. As the flowers begin to bloom, harvest your leaves. Cut off the top leaves, stems, and flowers. They can be used fresh, frozen, or dried. To dry them, spread the leaves in a cool ventilated area. Growing the plant yourself is the easiest way to guarantee it is organic catnip, free of pesticides. 

The nepetalactone concentration is  stronger in the plants leaves than at it's roots, seed, or even the stems

Catnip can cause an astonishing reaction. The cat will sniff it, rub it, roll in and on it, kick it, but this should only last a few minutes at a time. A couple of hours later, the cat is ready for round two and will most likely have the same response. 

There are several catnip toys available in the market today. One of the most common brands is Cosmic Catnip, the makers of Cosmic Catnip Banana Toy, the Cosmic Catnip Filled Cigar Toy, and a favorite of our cats, the Cosmic Catnip Bubbles. When conducting our own experiments, we ordered and tested out the Yeowww! 100% Organic Catnip Cigar. 

This is a display of a ten year old maine coon cat's reaction to the cigars

He rolled and purred loudly until his time was up and the catnip effects had abated

This kitty becomes aggressive when under the influence

One great use for catnip is shaking some on old scratch boards your feline has lost interest in. Chances are, the herb's smell will attract your cat thus sparing a couch or two. We call this process "rejuvenation" and it helps by keeping your cat (especially if she's an indoor one) entertained, interested, stimulated, and her claws mildly trimmed. 

If you have a kitty or ten and have yet to experiment with catnip and catnip toys, don't hesitate. Worst case scenario, your cat becomes mildly aggressive in which case you remove the unwanted side-effect by removing the herb. Catnip is fun only when it doesn't result in excessive aggression. 

Twinkie

Frankie's Friday (17) | Brave Chiweenie Canine Good Citizen

Hello! Frankie here, the canine good citizen. Now that school is out, I'm feeling much happier and betterer. I have complained enough. For a change, today I would like to share brave chiweenie pictures and cheerful stories of my life.

The happier new me

After all my dog training, I don't feel the need to hide in the bushes any longer

I would rather take cover in a horse tack trunk

Tee-hee, just kidding

I only hid there for a few minutes

I am now more outgoing and social

Ever since Linguini, the noodle, got better, we haven't stayed still. We're enjoying our hikes and horse barn visits, with the exception of a couple of unfortunate incidents. 

I once got stuck in the mud

(kk, three times)

There are my muddy chiweenie paw prints

Proof that I worked really hard to get unstucked

Later, all wet and muddy, I got stuck on a steep hill

What do you mean you don't believe it was steep?

It was very steep and I had to overcome all my fears to decide to climb down

By the end of our outings, I'm always ready to go home

Are we going, mommy?

I am the happiest chiweenie on the planet. I have a fun loving family, dog food in my bowl, fresh water at all times, and a nice wee pad just for me! 

Ta-ta for now. I hope we all have a lovely weekend.

Frankie 

Dachshund Pictures | What Happened to Dexter?

No, not the HBO Dexter. We all know what happened to him. *Sigh* He married his television show sister in real life, thus breaking M's heart. I'm talking about Dexter the doxie, the one who managed to get me to engage in play. Let me shed some light to my question by posting a series of dachshund pictures.

Scheming Dexter

Slowly putting the plan in effect

No worries, this doxie know what he's doing

Stop staring at the wee wee

Bare with me, there's a lesson to be learned here

I know he's stopped moving, it's part of his underhanded plan

More convincing this way . . . tongue hanging out ever so slightly

Uh-oh, the attack of the striped horse barn socks

"Whatcha doing to me?"

Just like that, the doxie was airlifted and placed in his vehicle

If those ain't precious dog training tips, what is?

A quick review: know the signals when your pack is getting ready to return home. Place self in strategic position with clear view of vehicle (you don't want to be left behind on accident). Slowly roll on your back and play dead. If you've done your homework, your biped will come and gently lift you and do the rest of the work for you. I'm working on a technique to extend the play time.

Thank you Dexter for a wonderful demonstration in dog training. Keep up the good work and make us proud, my friend!

* * *

A brief update for the spotted dog's friends. Linguini is ... better. M isn't. Here's why:

A week on Rimadyl and Linguini bounced back. With a vengeance. Our first clue: she jumped the fence and raided the neighborhood's cat and dog food bowls. She had to come in through the front entry though because she was as big as the Good Year Blimp and couldn't jump over the fence again. Tsk tsk. The dog vet ordered her to lose weight. So, due to these recent developments, M is now on the Rimadyl and Linguini in the dog house. 

Twinkie

West Highland White Terrier Gains Popularity At Horse Barn

As you know, our horse barn is full of rescue dogs, so what is a purebred West Highland White Terrier doing there? Chloe, the terrier, was part of a back yard breeding program that left her abused, suffering from an extreme case of dog dermatitis. Dog dermatitis is a general term that refers to canine skin infections. The patient's skin looks patchy, flaky, and in extreme cases raw. It is a painful and smelly situation. Dog mange is a type of canine dermatitis, but not in Chloe's case. Chloe's salvation came when her forever home discovered some enzyme treatment they had shipped to them from Texas. Allow me to introduce you now to our Chloe! 

West highland white terrier pictures

Voila!

Bellow, west highland white terrier meets teacup chihuahua

We're friends

Chiweenie courts west highland white terrier

Chiweenie acting casual

Chiweenie closing in

The Brat Pack

Chloe became the barn's darling

In this photo: pit bull and blue heeler in tow

Chloe was instantly embraced and accepted by all the other rescue dogs. She had to leave early and we were sad to see her go. Until we meet again, Chloe! That concludes yet another small dog rescue chapter from our horse barn. 

Twinkie

Dear Twinkie | A Dog Advice Column

Dog Advice Column

3 doxies ask...

Does you mind if I calls You Twinkletoes? See, I likes to have nicknames fur my friends. Frankie Furter is Mr. Furter, Toby is Tobester, The Pittie Pack is the Pit Crew, blah, blah, blah.
Puddles

TVT: Anything is better than being called "blan, blah, blah". When I hear Twinkletoes, I'll know it's you. I think I'll call you Puddelicious, if that's okay.

Speaking of "permission" to call me Twinkletoes, ehem, need I remind you the beautiful birthday card you sent me? I haven't! I loved it. Thank you! It was addressed to "Twinkletoes".

The OP Pack asks...

Happy Birthday,Twink - how many years young are you? Great column, but we expect nothing less.
Woos - Phantom, Thunder, and Ciara

TVT: I'm young enough to know that you three are hilarious. I'm also young enough to know better than to sit on my siblings... I'm not telling you my real age! 

K9friend asks...

Indy sends a question:
Why do humans think dogs need obedience training. Shouldn't it be people who get trained?

TVT: That's a simple questions. Humans think they know more than we do, but you've got it right. It's them who should be trained. You have to train your humans to think clearly!

Tucker asks indirectly...
As I can see a lady of your style doesn't devulge her age?
woof - Tucker

TVT: I didn't realize you had time for such trivial questions Tucker. I thought you'd be too busy playing with all your Global Animal Blogging Event's prizes. You lucky dawg you! I bet Bella's happy for you. Are you keeping your mustache waxed for her? And no, I'm not telling you how young I am, but I will display your mustache for the world to enjoy. 

Ina in Alaska asks...

Dear Twinkie Dolce Gabana Tiramisu Ooo La La Cutie Pie..
1. I have a secret crush on you, Miss Twinky but I know you are taken. And we are both little doggies but I do not want any more trouble in my life!
2. How can I get my big sister Ginger to stop picking on me?
Love and Kisses Jeter who is named after the famous Yankee Baseball Hunk, Derek Jeter

TVT: 1. I'm not taken. I'm a modern female dog and besides, I'm too young to settle down. I think you're quite a handsome feller and wish I could get to know you better. Why don't you pay me one of your special surprise visits, like the one you paid on your parents on their anniversary? We promise not to keep you long. 2. Ms Ginger is quite a challenge. She's got a bark collar (lucky and unbeknownst to her, it's off) and a mesh muzzle, yet your mom insists on calling her Little Miss Sunshine. Hmm. You should probably try some reverse psychology, but only when she has her muzzle on. Start calling her names, bad ones. Finally, try to slip one of these pheromone collars on her while she sleeps. See if she wakes up at the right side of her dog bed for a change. Keep us posted. Meanwhile, enjoy Doggie Day Camp and don't forget to bribe your teacher.

houndstooth asks and answers...

I'm glad you at least got cake out of M for your birthday! How could she forget something so important? Maybe you need to get some fish oil capsules for her!
Bunny

TVT: You already answered your question, but I couldn't resist telling you, that forgetting my birthday is the least of my problems. The other day she forgot me in the garage and then went looking for me. I'm afraid the fish oil can't undo a lifetime of forgetfulness. 

the booker man asks...
okies, i have a serious question for you for your next column. somehow i got these super manly muscles while i was at twix's date night. i really don't know how it happened. now everybuddy is asking if i have been juicing. i'm not even allowed to drink juice, just the waters in my dish. how would juices give me muscles anyway? and if drinking juices will give me chesticles, should i go get some apple juice or something? i'm totally confused.
*woof*
the booker man

TVT: I must admit, even I did a double take when I saw your chesticles (BOL). I bet now that your family is so into the stunning figure lifestyle, they will provide you with the best juices to compliment your new upcoming dog food. The nice walks and healthy veggies will do wonders too!

Amber and Nala ask...

I had no idea you started an advice column! How cool! So, how can I get out of a bath? If you tell me the secret to that I will forever be in your debt!
Kisses,
Nala

TVT: This is an advice column, I'm not a magician. Have you read any of my dog training tips? They're all about training our humans. Oh, fine, just for you, let me go over some issues. Start by accidentally knocking over the Repel shampoo your momma uses. Then chew up the water cup she uses to rinse you off--make sure to spit it out, kk? Next time she bathes you, do not allow her to cover you with the towel on the way out of the tub. It's to make her human life easier. You slip slide away, run, and shake hard. The wetter you are, the better. There's only one problem with this scenario. You don't get any treats, but you can work on that next. 

Cocorue said...

Happy Belated my darling TwinkTwink. Did you get to eat that beautiful cake?
oh wise one, do you think Wild Dingo's 3legger will loan that Cone to my 2legger?
if not, do you think he would mind posing with my mumster for the ebay advert so that mumster's resale value would errr, Double????
your ever grateful furiend
coco

TVT: My dear dear Coco! No, none of that virtual cake for me. While we get some human food to go along with our dog food and dog treats on occasion, sugar is not at the top of the list of allowable treats. As for the photo idea, why bother borrowing cones and such? Just post a photo of you and Tiffy and you can become a millionaire (ask to get paid in treats).

Fiona, as typed by Dr. Liz asks...

Now, a question for you, Oh Wise One: when will the little monster, erm, my sweet sister learn to bark at the door to be let out, rather than just hoping that Mom and Dad will read her mind, and when they don't, just peeing at the front door? It is driving Mom crazy and is cutting into her much-needed beauty sleep! Please help! (True, she's only 4.5 months old, but still...)
*kissey face*
-Fiona

TVT: Perhaps the problem lies in the fact that you trained Abby to become an autocross dog before she was out of her diapers. You may want to install a little bell or something she can use to make noise, right by the front door. M installed wee pads in order to sleep through the night. 

Buddy Dawg asks...

My kewshtyun...
So I was under impreshun dat bein da bliynd dawg haz perk wut waz dat hyoman wud karry me all da playces wut I want to go. I wud not haf to work for da nommies and da kibbul wud be ovurflowing.
Why did my hyoman not know saym stuff? Evun as bliyndy dawg her maked me lerned all new triks for da nommies, and ::gasp:: haz me on diyet cuz I kinnot getted fat.
Help!!!

TVT: I empathize, my blind furiend. I too expected preferential treatment due to my handicaps, but M was firm about providing me with a normal life--or as close to it as possible. At first, we had lots of arguments, but I finally saw her point. Handicap is just another word for overcoming. I don't want to hear about The Great Depression on your bloggie again, kk? I want to see your happy face. I'm attaching a photo so there will be no further confusion. This face:

mayziegal asks...

Hi Twink! I missed you! Did you miss me?
Secondly, thank you very very much for your advices about my test tonite. I'm a little bits nervous cuz it's supposed to be raining and maybe thundering tonite and I might get distracted by all that. But I'm just gonna go in there and do my best and try my hardest. And you know what? My momma isn't gonna luvs me any less if I don't pass! So really, whats have I gots to lose?
Wiggles & Wags,
Mayzie

TVT: What a question, Mayzie! I miss you lots! As for part B of your question, we all know this problem has been solved. I would like to take the opportunity to publicly congratulate you on your scholarly success. A job well done. 

Deborah asks...
So we have a question about our Mom:
Dear Twinkie, Mr Chips here...I'm wondering if you think our Mom has a shopping problem. She is always going out shopping and bringing home stuff and window shopping for her friends. What is going on with that? She says she is fine, but she will say she is out on a sales call but will come home with a package for us. I hope you can help.
Thanks, Mr. Chips

TVT: Dear Mr. Chips, what kind of a fool do you thing I am to admit there's a shopping issue with your mother? I too benefit from her window shopping excursions and I don't want to change that. And now that I'm thinking more clearly, what is wrong with your thinking? You get packages and you dare address this problem? Count your lucky stars and go tell your mommy she's the best momster in the whole world. 

Now go take on the day!


Twinkie