February 2022 – Page 2 – The Dackel Princess

The Weekend Wrap ~ February 7th

Over the weekend I was busy teaching Heidi a few more commands. My correction on her biting was going nowhere until Lili actually nipped at her and since then she has been leaving us alone. It’s almost like Lili was her doggy mommy teaching her the ropes.

I brought out Arnie’s old bed and put it down. It is quite similar to one that they had at her birth mother’s home. She has just had the best time sleeping in it, rubbing her body in it, and jumping into it.

They originally called it a calming bed in the advertisement when I bought it for Arnie. All I can say is that it appears to be working for Heidi. (Also known as the crazy puppy girl of New Hampshire!) She looks so small in that bed!

Lili is settling in with her new sister. I think it was hard for her as she had adjusted to being an only dog. But after a while, she has warmed toward Heidi and they are now cuddling as well as playing together.

We are now walking three to four times a day. Even in the cold. I dress Heidi in her heavy sweater and cape and then put on my layers. The only one who breaks a sweat on our walk is darling Lili. But then, she wears a beautiful fur coat!

My next purchase will be a doggy car seat for Heidi. I want to get one that I can use with a harness. Heidi loves to go for a ride, but she does not always want to stay put.

This week I am hopeful that I can begin to get the house cleaned up and things put away. I just let a lot of things go while I have been caring for baby Heidi, but now that she plays for a time quite nicely, I can get a few things done.

Have a great week everyone!

The Friday Five ~ February 4

This was a crazy week and I have been more than busy. But this is okay. It’s helping me to pass the time until Spring arrives. So, here is this week’s Friday Five.

We had snow last weekend, and Thursday found us actually having a warm day, so Jack and I worked on getting rid of the frozen snow and ice on the driveway and patio. And then it rained!
The one thing Heidi hates above all others is RAIN! She absolutely hates to go outside and get wet and I all but have to drag her. And then getting her to walk through a puddle or two to get inside is also a struggle.
Heidi was at the Vet on Thursday and she weighed in at 13.7 pounds! I’ve noticed that she suddenly looks like a proper Dackel. She has a nice long body now and the cutest little snout!
Unfortunately, when the tech brought her back to me in the car she allowed Heidi to walk through the wet muddy parking lot. So not only was Heidi a muddy mess, but she shared it with me. She got my shirt, jeans, and her beautiful little doggy carrier. So my first chore after I got home was to clean Heidi, me, and the clothes and bag. Ugh!
I’ve been trying to reach the woman who did dog training for many years. I would like to bring Heidi to her. I left a message on her Facebook page but will call her tomorrow.

So this is the week that was. I hope that no matter where you are, you are happy, healthy, and enjoying your Friday!

This & That February 2nd

Tuesday started early with Heidi and Lili. It was -3 degrees, while I was outside with the two of them so they could commune with nature.

Hiding her eyes from the bright sunshine using a toy!

I came in and started the coffee, as I was quite literally frozen to the bone!

I decided that when Heidi showed high energy levels to dress us up and go for a walk. And so I did. Several times!

We walked around the house, up the driveway, and then she learned how to not only go up the cement steps but also go down.

She did perfectly fine both going up and going down. As I’ve mentioned the steps were built for our dachshunds. And oddly, Heidi seemed to know just what to do with them, as if she had been on them before.

Her training is going very well. She will come when I call her, even if she is doing something she shouldn’t. She will sit and down on command, and I am trying to teach her to stay. But that is hard for a little baby girl.

I can hardly wait for Thursday when she goes in for her next shots. She will be 15 weeks old, and I am very curious about her weight. I was watching her today and she really has grown.

We have the Pond Hockey Tournament this weekend, and the town is already getting full. It’s an enjoyable time here, but we are now expecting another storm! Thursday Night into Friday. I sure hope it misses us.

Lastly, all this walking up and down the driveway, through snowdrifts, and around the outside of the house is certainly getting exercise for me as well as my little Heidi. (Lili too!) I know Heidi gets tired now at night, and so do I.

Training

Monday morning found me working with Heidi on some simple command and response training. She is learning to sit, down, and stay. The sitting part is going very well. The down is a bit more challenging, as I see her little face asking me “How much further do I have to go down?” And the stay, well it’s early yet.

The sleepy student after her walk.

Heidi is very motivated by food, proving once again that we are spiritually related. She is smart as a whip and is learning to listen when her name is called.

When we built our home we had the outside cement steps built so that our dackels could get up and down the steps easily. Monday was Heidi’s first attempt up the steps and she did it beautifully!

And as each day passes, Heidi and Lili become closer and closer. I almost felt that Lili was cheering her on this morning when I was working through her commands. Lili sat, downed, and stayed as a stellar example for Heidi to follow.

Sisters!

Have a great day!