Dachshunds by breed have a very identifiable body structure - they're long. They were bred throughout history into that shape and size for particular functions. The name itself is German and translates into "badger hound" as they were bred for chasing and fighting those ferocious pests). They are small enough to squeeze into tight places and wiggle through holes in pursuit of their prey.
Due to the nature of their body shape, it's particularly interesting to pick one of these dogs up in your arms. Most people would likely find it awkward and unsure of how exactly to hold them unless they're experienced (probably similar to picking up a human baby and knowing how to prop/cradle certain parts of their body against yourself). The proper method to hold Doxens is such a way that your arm ends up underneath their chest and runs along their belly to support their long body. You'd most likely be using both arms - one for the bulk of the weight and the other one for support and cradling.
Apollo knows our routine for getting picked up (at least when he's willing to oblige) and the process is second nature. I first lower my left forearm low enough for him to rise up and put his two front paws on it. My right arm would then come down and scoop him up by his hind legs to support his weight. At that point, I have the ability to shift him to "one-arm mode" which is basically the same position that parents use to burp their babies. In other words, he ends up on my left shoulder (his butt and back legs on my left hand) and he is looking backwards - this frees up my right hand.
Yes, sometimes I pretend to burp him like a baby...and maybe sometimes I talk to him like he's a baby.
No comments:
Post a Comment