Rufus, Emily & Wilbur | July 2013. Photo by: Johnny Ortez-Tibbels ©
Today’s post is especially fantastic – not because of any stellar photos, but because of the sentiment behind the pictures. Wilbur had his very first beach experience yesterday afternoon, and my pups and I were happy to be there to witness and celebrate the milestone. One equal portion of the DOGS charity is “socialization,” and the word has a much broader meaning than many often realize. I am a huge advocate of getting out with our doxies regularly, and I assert that they should experience as much of the world as possible. I believe our dachshunds should be our companions at outdoor cafés; they should know what it’s like to visit the beach; they should know what it’s like to ride in a plane, boat and car; they should know what snow feels like; they should know what a dog park is and simply stated experience as much of the world as you do. These consistent and collective experiences boost our doxies’ confidence and gets them used to a range of people, places and things – which to me is the true meaning of socialization. I believe a well-socialized dachshund is a healthy and happy one. I predict Wilbur will be a beach bum soon enough.
Rufus, Emily & Wilbur | July 2013. Photo by: Johnny Ortez-Tibbels ©
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When I was in Paris a man had their little dog sleeping sweetly at his feet as he had lunch. I do like to take my Gretchen with me. Sometimes others do not understand. Gretchen helps me with my blood sugar levels. As a service dog most people expect to see a Lab. I had one young woman ask me what my disability was at a college library! I had a male NP yell me that a self-trained service dog is not a service dog. I was told to remove her from the building.I didn’t. A K-Mart store manager stopped me as soon as I walked into the store and asked me why she was not wearing a official service vest. He then went on to tell me that some people have a fear of dogs. My Gretchen was so upset by his behavior and confused that I turned and left the store. I also had a woman that managed a small Hotel on my recent road trip ask me for cash for the dog.
I am wanting to purchase a puppy so Gretchen can train her for me. Other than suiting up my dog, making copies of the Federal Laws to hand out and some cutesy business cards thanking people for understanding why I needd my dog I am fed up. I did have to go to the R one night and they understood fully and even took her out for me a few times. They loved the break in their shift I guess.
training her I took her to the police station so she could see a cop in uniform. The cop hesitated
Oops ER I was about to mention the reaction to my dobrman that I was training. I love Doxies too much.
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