https://youdidwhatwithyourweiner.com Improving Dachshund's Lives Through Education and Inspiration Fri, 05 Jan 2024 17:55:06 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.4.2 https://youdidwhatwithyourweiner.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/cropped-YDWWYW-2023-favicon-1-32x32.png https://youdidwhatwithyourweiner.com 32 32 https://youdidwhatwithyourweiner.com/best-emergency-dog-rescue-sling-for-hiking-with-dachshunds/ https://youdidwhatwithyourweiner.com/best-emergency-dog-rescue-sling-for-hiking-with-dachshunds/#respond Sun, 01 Oct 2023 02:28:44 +0000 https://youdidwhatwithyourweiner.com/?p=83007 I’ve been hiking with my Dachshund for over 15 years and one of the most important first aid considerations for me is how I will get my dog out if she can’t walk out by herself. That’s why I always carry some type of dog emergency rescue sling. In this article, I discuss the importance...]]> https://youdidwhatwithyourweiner.com/best-emergency-dog-rescue-sling-for-hiking-with-dachshunds/feed/ 0 https://youdidwhatwithyourweiner.com/can-a-dachshund-be-off-lead-tips/ https://youdidwhatwithyourweiner.com/can-a-dachshund-be-off-lead-tips/#respond Sat, 25 Mar 2023 23:11:06 +0000 https://youdidwhatwithyourweiner.com/?p=82548 You may be wondering if you can let your Dachshund off the lead when you walk or hike.  You have visions of walking unencumbered by a leash while your Dachshund goes on a sniffari and takes in all the scents to their little heart’s content. The truth is though, Dachshunds are one of the worst...]]> https://youdidwhatwithyourweiner.com/can-a-dachshund-be-off-lead-tips/feed/ 0 https://youdidwhatwithyourweiner.com/lost-dog-in-the-woods-what-to-do/ https://youdidwhatwithyourweiner.com/lost-dog-in-the-woods-what-to-do/#comments Mon, 18 Jul 2022 23:27:50 +0000 https://youdidwhatwithyourweiner.com/?p=21710 For many of us – myself included – dogs are family. I take them everywhere with me, including hiking and camping. The thought of one of my dogs getting lost in the woods scares me.  Also, I always wonder what I would do if I found a lost dog in the woods (I even carry...]]> https://youdidwhatwithyourweiner.com/lost-dog-in-the-woods-what-to-do/feed/ 1 https://youdidwhatwithyourweiner.com/how-your-dog-can-become-a-bark-ranger/ https://youdidwhatwithyourweiner.com/how-your-dog-can-become-a-bark-ranger/#comments Fri, 08 Jul 2022 16:49:53 +0000 https://youdidwhatwithyourweiner.com/?p=21682 You've heard of the BARK rnger program, thought it sounds fun for your dog, and now you want to know more. In this article, we discuss what the BARK Ranger program is and how and where your dog can become a BARK Ranger. ]]> https://youdidwhatwithyourweiner.com/how-your-dog-can-become-a-bark-ranger/feed/ 3 https://youdidwhatwithyourweiner.com/desert-hiking-with-your-dog-beware-of-valley-fever/ https://youdidwhatwithyourweiner.com/desert-hiking-with-your-dog-beware-of-valley-fever/#comments Fri, 08 Jul 2022 04:00:00 +0000 http://youdidwhatwithyourweiner.com/?p=4253 There are many risks that we may encounter when adventuring outdoors, depending on our location.  From dangerous algae in the waterways to running into a bear in the woods, outdoor adventurers must be prepared.  UPDATED: This article was originally published in July of 2012. For many located in the western states, or who travel there,...]]> https://youdidwhatwithyourweiner.com/desert-hiking-with-your-dog-beware-of-valley-fever/feed/ 17 https://youdidwhatwithyourweiner.com/how-to-prevent-ticks-on-dogs/ https://youdidwhatwithyourweiner.com/how-to-prevent-ticks-on-dogs/#comments Fri, 01 Jul 2022 17:07:35 +0000 https://youdidwhatwithyourweiner.com/?p=21657 I used to live in western Washington with my dogs where ticks are rare (although the encounters are increasing) but now we live eastern Washington where ticks are prevalent. Since ticks are a common danger when we hike, I’ve really had to increase my knowledge and learn how to prevent ticks from getting on my...]]> https://youdidwhatwithyourweiner.com/how-to-prevent-ticks-on-dogs/feed/ 7 https://youdidwhatwithyourweiner.com/should-you-protect-your-dog-from-ticks-in-washington-state/ https://youdidwhatwithyourweiner.com/should-you-protect-your-dog-from-ticks-in-washington-state/#comments Mon, 30 May 2022 20:27:07 +0000 https://youdidwhatwithyourweiner.com/?p=21538 Although ticks are not as prevalent as they are on the east coast, protecting your dog from ticks in Washington state is still important. Tick bites used to only be a concern if you lived on the east side of Washington State, where ticks have always been encountered regularly, but that has changed in the...]]> https://youdidwhatwithyourweiner.com/should-you-protect-your-dog-from-ticks-in-washington-state/feed/ 2 https://youdidwhatwithyourweiner.com/do-you-know-the-definition-of-hiking/ https://youdidwhatwithyourweiner.com/do-you-know-the-definition-of-hiking/#comments Sun, 16 Jan 2022 13:30:00 +0000 http://youdidwhatwithyourweiner.com/?p=8113 When someone says they're going for a hike, what exactly do they mean? How is hiking different than walking?]]> https://youdidwhatwithyourweiner.com/do-you-know-the-definition-of-hiking/feed/ 20 https://youdidwhatwithyourweiner.com/beginner-mistakes-i-made-when-hiking-with-my-dog/ https://youdidwhatwithyourweiner.com/beginner-mistakes-i-made-when-hiking-with-my-dog/#comments Wed, 09 Jun 2021 18:10:44 +0000 https://youdidwhatwithyourweiner.com/?p=20611 If you are thinking of taking your dog hiking for the first time, you might be a bit nervous. You want to make sure both you and your dog have a good time and no one gets injured. Well, I started hiking with my dog 15 years and I made a lot of mistakes. I...]]> https://youdidwhatwithyourweiner.com/beginner-mistakes-i-made-when-hiking-with-my-dog/feed/ 6 https://youdidwhatwithyourweiner.com/how-to-keep-your-dogs-paw-pads-from-tearing-or-getting-cut/ https://youdidwhatwithyourweiner.com/how-to-keep-your-dogs-paw-pads-from-tearing-or-getting-cut/#comments Wed, 09 Jun 2021 15:30:29 +0000 https://youdidwhatwithyourweiner.com/?p=20602 Whether your dog likes to hike, participates in sports like agility or flyball, or they just walk a lot, you are probably concerned with making sure their paw pads don’t tear, get cut, or otherwise get injured. UPDATED: June 26, 2022 One of the biggest keys to preventing your dog’s paw pads from getting damaged...]]> https://youdidwhatwithyourweiner.com/how-to-keep-your-dogs-paw-pads-from-tearing-or-getting-cut/feed/ 2 https://youdidwhatwithyourweiner.com/off-leash-dog-trails-in-washington-state/ https://youdidwhatwithyourweiner.com/off-leash-dog-trails-in-washington-state/#comments Wed, 27 Jan 2021 23:48:44 +0000 https://youdidwhatwithyourweiner.com/?p=20371 You probably landed on this article because you are looking for trails in Washington where you can hike off leash with your dog. While it may feel like you and your dog have few options, there are probably more off leash dog trails than you think. I always knew that there were off leash trails...]]> https://youdidwhatwithyourweiner.com/off-leash-dog-trails-in-washington-state/feed/ 11 https://youdidwhatwithyourweiner.com/how-to-train-your-small-dog-to-hike-off-leash/ https://youdidwhatwithyourweiner.com/how-to-train-your-small-dog-to-hike-off-leash/#comments Sun, 27 Sep 2020 15:57:38 +0000 https://youdidwhatwithyourweiner.com/?p=19729 Off-leash dogs are a controversial topic.  Some pet owners despise the idea of dogs running around off-leash, while others prefer the freedom that being off-leash provides their dog.  I see more big dogs hiking off leash but it can be done with small dogs too as long as you train them and take precautions. In...]]> https://youdidwhatwithyourweiner.com/how-to-train-your-small-dog-to-hike-off-leash/feed/ 2 https://youdidwhatwithyourweiner.com/the-best-hiking-backpacks-for-small-dogs/ https://youdidwhatwithyourweiner.com/the-best-hiking-backpacks-for-small-dogs/#comments Mon, 14 Sep 2020 22:58:20 +0000 https://youdidwhatwithyourweiner.com/?p=20073 If you want a backpack for your small dog – which is generally accepted to be dogs 25 lbs or under – but are having a hard time finding one that fits, you’ve come to the right place. Looking for Backpacks to Carry Your Small Dog in? Check Out This Article. I’ve been hiking with...]]> https://youdidwhatwithyourweiner.com/the-best-hiking-backpacks-for-small-dogs/feed/ 3 https://youdidwhatwithyourweiner.com/how-to-make-sure-your-dog-doesnt-die-of-heat-stroke/ https://youdidwhatwithyourweiner.com/how-to-make-sure-your-dog-doesnt-die-of-heat-stroke/#comments Wed, 02 Sep 2020 14:58:57 +0000 https://youdidwhatwithyourweiner.com/?p=19750 As dog owners, we like to think we are always being careful and bad things won’t happen to our dogs. I remember the first time Gretel got heatstroke. It was scary. It was a hot day in Seattle so we decided to hang out on the water in hopes of staying cooler. We went paddleboarding...]]> https://youdidwhatwithyourweiner.com/how-to-make-sure-your-dog-doesnt-die-of-heat-stroke/feed/ 2 https://youdidwhatwithyourweiner.com/how-to-protect-your-small-dog-from-wildlife-while-hiking/ https://youdidwhatwithyourweiner.com/how-to-protect-your-small-dog-from-wildlife-while-hiking/#comments Fri, 21 Aug 2020 19:18:43 +0000 https://youdidwhatwithyourweiner.com/?p=19660 For me, getting out into nature to enjoy a hike with my dogs is one of the most relaxing, fulfilling activities we can do together.  But adventuring out in the wild with my small dogs means that we may be faced with potential threats.  Each time we venture out into the woods, we are intruding...]]> https://youdidwhatwithyourweiner.com/how-to-protect-your-small-dog-from-wildlife-while-hiking/feed/ 2 https://youdidwhatwithyourweiner.com/reasons-your-dachshund-will-love-hiking/ https://youdidwhatwithyourweiner.com/reasons-your-dachshund-will-love-hiking/#comments Mon, 29 Jun 2020 19:00:30 +0000 https://youdidwhatwithyourweiner.com/?p=19627 Believe it or not, most Dachshunds love hiking. That is my experience anyway. I founded a Dachshund club in 2010 to help people get active with theirs and many times a Dachshund has come to our hikes that has never done it before. The owners are shocked how their Doxie takes to hiking right away...]]> https://youdidwhatwithyourweiner.com/reasons-your-dachshund-will-love-hiking/feed/ 4 https://youdidwhatwithyourweiner.com/dog-altitude-sickness-hiking/ https://youdidwhatwithyourweiner.com/dog-altitude-sickness-hiking/#comments Thu, 25 Jun 2020 10:00:00 +0000 http://youdidwhatwithyourweiner.com/?p=11004 Whether you are moving to Colorado or hiking a to mountain peak over 10,000 feet, you may be wondering if your dog can get altitude sickness. I became curious about this a few years ago when I was planning a road trip to Colorado with my small dogs. Article originally publishes August 2015 We planned...]]> https://youdidwhatwithyourweiner.com/dog-altitude-sickness-hiking/feed/ 15 https://youdidwhatwithyourweiner.com/how-to-get-your-dachshund-to-walk-in-a-harness-or-jacket/ https://youdidwhatwithyourweiner.com/how-to-get-your-dachshund-to-walk-in-a-harness-or-jacket/#comments Fri, 27 Mar 2020 17:18:44 +0000 https://youdidwhatwithyourweiner.com/?p=19341 There are many reasons a Dachshund may refuse to go for a walk. Two of the most common scenarios I see are related to a harness or dog jacket. If your Dachshund is used to walking on a collar, and you are trying to switch to a harness because you learned it’s safer your dog...]]> https://youdidwhatwithyourweiner.com/how-to-get-your-dachshund-to-walk-in-a-harness-or-jacket/feed/ 6 https://youdidwhatwithyourweiner.com/reasons-your-dachshund-may-refuse-to-walk-on-a-leash/ https://youdidwhatwithyourweiner.com/reasons-your-dachshund-may-refuse-to-walk-on-a-leash/#comments Fri, 27 Mar 2020 17:16:30 +0000 https://youdidwhatwithyourweiner.com/?p=19332 I hear it all the time: “What do I do when my Dachshund refuses to walk?” It’s not uncommon for me to hear stories of people who tried to take their Dachshund out for a stroll and their dog dug in – pulling in the opposite direction on the leash – refusing to take even...]]> https://youdidwhatwithyourweiner.com/reasons-your-dachshund-may-refuse-to-walk-on-a-leash/feed/ 16 https://youdidwhatwithyourweiner.com/tips-for-a-successful-group-hike-with-dogs/ https://youdidwhatwithyourweiner.com/tips-for-a-successful-group-hike-with-dogs/#comments Mon, 27 Jan 2020 10:00:32 +0000 https://youdidwhatwithyourweiner.com/?p=18946 I’ve watched as, over the last few years, hiking with groups of friends and their dogs has become more popular. Whether you call them group hikes or pack walks, going with other friends and their dogs can be fun. However, there are some things that can be not so fun if the group doesn’t think...]]> https://youdidwhatwithyourweiner.com/tips-for-a-successful-group-hike-with-dogs/feed/ 3 https://youdidwhatwithyourweiner.com/protect-your-dog-from-the-elements-by-layering/ https://youdidwhatwithyourweiner.com/protect-your-dog-from-the-elements-by-layering/#respond Sat, 30 Nov 2019 22:02:35 +0000 https://youdidwhatwithyourweiner.com/?p=19182 If you are taking your dog outdoors in varying weather conditions, a key to keeping them safe is with a jacket layering system. I don’t know about where you live, but in Washington State, we pretty much have to be ready for any weather condition at any time. As they say around here (I’ve actually...]]> https://youdidwhatwithyourweiner.com/protect-your-dog-from-the-elements-by-layering/feed/ 0 https://youdidwhatwithyourweiner.com/can-you-take-a-dachshund-hiking/ https://youdidwhatwithyourweiner.com/can-you-take-a-dachshund-hiking/#comments Thu, 22 Aug 2019 10:00:00 +0000 http://youdidwhatwithyourweiner.com/?p=11769 Many people don’t think that Dachshunds can hike. That’s especially true for those that haven’t owned a Dachshund. However, I’ve also heard many stories from other owners over the years about their Dachshund sitting at home. They say they didn’t think theirs could hike but want to try it now that they saw us out...]]> https://youdidwhatwithyourweiner.com/can-you-take-a-dachshund-hiking/feed/ 5 https://youdidwhatwithyourweiner.com/questions-about-hiking-with-small-dogs-answered/ https://youdidwhatwithyourweiner.com/questions-about-hiking-with-small-dogs-answered/#respond Thu, 11 Jul 2019 13:00:18 +0000 https://youdidwhatwithyourweiner.com/?p=18726 People generally don’t expect to see small dogs hiking so I find they have a lot of questions. I don’t mind answering. I’ve been hiking with my Dachshunds for 15 years and I’m passionate about opening people’s minds to the idea of small dogs as hiking companions. I compiled a list of common questions I’ve...]]> https://youdidwhatwithyourweiner.com/questions-about-hiking-with-small-dogs-answered/feed/ 0 https://youdidwhatwithyourweiner.com/8-ways-to-celebrate-national-trails-day-with-your-dog/ https://youdidwhatwithyourweiner.com/8-ways-to-celebrate-national-trails-day-with-your-dog/#respond Tue, 21 May 2019 10:00:00 +0000 https://youdidwhatwithyourweiner.com/?p=18419 Those of us that love to hike with our dogs don’t need much of an excuse to get out on the trails. However, if you need a little extra motivation, celebrating National Trails Day with your dog might be the extra push you need. What is National Trails Day? The American Hiking Society’s National Trails...]]> https://youdidwhatwithyourweiner.com/8-ways-to-celebrate-national-trails-day-with-your-dog/feed/ 0 https://youdidwhatwithyourweiner.com/backpacks-carrying-dachshund-dog/ https://youdidwhatwithyourweiner.com/backpacks-carrying-dachshund-dog/#comments Mon, 13 May 2019 10:00:00 +0000 http://youdidwhatwithyourweiner.com/?p=10123 I’ve been searching forever for a safe backpack carry a Dachshund around the city or on a hike. Note: although I was searching for a Dachshund carrier, the bags listed below will work as a small dog backpack carrier too. I’ve seen almost every option available and tried several. UPDATED: January 9, 2023 Almost all...]]> https://youdidwhatwithyourweiner.com/backpacks-carrying-dachshund-dog/feed/ 105 https://youdidwhatwithyourweiner.com/how-to-start-hiking-with-your-dachshund/ https://youdidwhatwithyourweiner.com/how-to-start-hiking-with-your-dachshund/#comments Sun, 12 May 2019 10:00:00 +0000 https://youdidwhatwithyourweiner.com/?p=18687 How do you start hiking with your Dachshund? To quote Nike, “Just Do It!” Well, not so fast. It is recommended that you get your Dachshund cleared for exercise first by your vet to make sure they are healthy enough. But after that, yes, just do it. I’ve rarely met a Dachshund that didn’t decide...]]> https://youdidwhatwithyourweiner.com/how-to-start-hiking-with-your-dachshund/feed/ 4 https://youdidwhatwithyourweiner.com/ticks-ticks-ticks-remember-to-protect-your-dog-when-hiking/ https://youdidwhatwithyourweiner.com/ticks-ticks-ticks-remember-to-protect-your-dog-when-hiking/#comments Sun, 22 Jul 2018 17:00:00 +0000 https://youdidwhatwithyourweiner.com/?p=17348 I never worried about ticks when I was growing up. Although I do remember my parents saying our family dog had a tick once, ticks weren’t mentioned often and I hadn’t seen one. I didn’t realize how lucky I was, until later. You see, I grew up in Western Washington State where ticks are (or...]]> https://youdidwhatwithyourweiner.com/ticks-ticks-ticks-remember-to-protect-your-dog-when-hiking/feed/ 2 https://youdidwhatwithyourweiner.com/hiking-with-dog-winter-safety-tips/ https://youdidwhatwithyourweiner.com/hiking-with-dog-winter-safety-tips/#comments Tue, 19 Dec 2017 10:00:10 +0000 https://youdidwhatwithyourweiner.com/?p=16653 Hiking with your dog in winter is a great way to get exercise in the colder months. Hiking in the winter is very different than hiking with your dog in the summer though. There are more dangers and dangers specific to the season. However, if you and your dog are properly prepared and up-to-date on...]]> https://youdidwhatwithyourweiner.com/hiking-with-dog-winter-safety-tips/feed/ 20 https://youdidwhatwithyourweiner.com/reactive-vs-aggressive-dogs-hiking-trail/ https://youdidwhatwithyourweiner.com/reactive-vs-aggressive-dogs-hiking-trail/#comments Tue, 12 Dec 2017 10:00:00 +0000 http://youdidwhatwithyourweiner.com/?p=15949 I was hiking with my two Dachshunds and having a great day when, out of nowhere, an off-leash dog came running down the trail toward us. The owners of the other dogs were nowhere in sight. I tried to quickly get off the trail, stepping between my dogs and the oncoming dog, in an attempt...]]> https://youdidwhatwithyourweiner.com/reactive-vs-aggressive-dogs-hiking-trail/feed/ 56 https://youdidwhatwithyourweiner.com/does-my-dog-need-to-wear-a-jacket-when-hiking-in-winter/ https://youdidwhatwithyourweiner.com/does-my-dog-need-to-wear-a-jacket-when-hiking-in-winter/#comments Mon, 27 Nov 2017 14:30:00 +0000 https://youdidwhatwithyourweiner.com/?p=16578 Unless your dog is an Arctic breed that is selectively bred to withstand subzero temperatures, they could probably use at least one warm jacket to get them through the winter safely and comfortably. Dog jackets aren’t just for looks – they can keep your dog’s body temperature stable when they go outside for potty breaks...]]> https://youdidwhatwithyourweiner.com/does-my-dog-need-to-wear-a-jacket-when-hiking-in-winter/feed/ 9