I really need to get a video recorder with better resolution for you to appreciate how funny these Dachshunds are when we’re playing ball. I’ll toss the ball for Chloe and Odie will get to the ball first since he’s the fastest. Next Molly runs up to him and grabs a hold of the ball. Then Odie and Molly return the ball in a tug-a-war style running back towards me. See for yourself:

Yesterday was time to give the Three Dachshunds a bath. We used to send them out to the groomer at PetSmart, but since Odie ruptured his disk, I’ve been giving them baths.

Since I’m a perpetual clogged-up-sinus guy, it usually starts with my wife Ann saying “Molly stinks!” Even then I push it out to the weekend or several weeks later until I start noticing the problem.

The best shampoo that works for our long-haired Dachshunds is Hartz Groomer’s Best 3 in 1 Conditioning Shampoo Tropical Fruit Fragrance. It leaves their hair clean and silky smooth. It’s kinda hard to find but you can pick up a bottle at Walgreens, CVS or your local supermarket. It’s got a picture of a Red long-haired Dachshund on the bottle.

Odie is the first to go into the bath. With his short hair, he’s the easiest to clean and air drys in about 20 minutes. Molly goes in next followed by Chloe. In both cases, Odie had to help wash the girls wanting to hop back into the water with them.

The two girls always take several hours to dry since the absolutely hate the blow dryer. Just a simple towel dry and let them run around damp. When they get somewhat dry, it’s time comb out any tangles.

One reader recently asked asked “How big do Doxens Get?”

Miniature Dachshunds are smaller than the standard Dachshund and typically do not exceed 11 lbs. Standard Dachshunds weigh in at at hefty 20 lbs all the way up to 32 lbs.

There are also Tweeny Dachshunds which are between the mini and standard breed. I really believe that these dogs are just overweight minis.

Our three Dachshunds are minis. Both Molly and Chloe are the same physical size, and both overweight at 15 and 12 lbs. They’re about 18 inches long and about 8 inches tall.

Odie weighs in at 14 lbs and is the same height as the girls, but is about 2 inches longer.

In this video, Odie demonstrates his canny ability to “go around” objects. He’ll do it on command or by just waving my hand at the object to go around.

This is one of the training steps they teach you at PetSmart if your enroll in the Advanced Training Class. Besides being a very cool that trick you can teach your dog, it comes in handy if you use a long leash and your Dachshund gets wrapped around a tree. Just say “go around” and your dog will “unwind” itself from the tree.

You too can train your Dachshund this trick in five simple steps.

1. Place a chair or stool in the middle of the room.
2. Leash your Dachshund and stand next to the chair.
3. Cue your dog saying “go around” and lead your dog around the chair while you are standing in a fixed position. Reward and praise your Dacshund. Initially you may have to hold a treat in front of their nose to get them moving around the chair.
4. Repeat step 3 until they can do it without your leading.
5. Remove leash and repeat.

Training consists of no more than one 15 minute session per day and takes 1 to 2 weeks to learn.