At breakfast we looked over and watched little Bailey methodically pull and twist and finally manhandle (Dachshundhandle?) one of our West Paw dog beds until he got it exactly how he wanted it. Which is to say, into something resembling a windbreak. But not only was there no wind inside the house, it wasn't even blowing outside. So why he thought he needed a windbreak at 7 a.m. in our living room was something of a mystery.
We frequently watch him tug at these dog beds with his mouth and contort them into various shapes, for no apparent reason. It's almost like watching one of those performance artists do their thing in public, while passers-by take in the scene and scratch their heads. "What is that about?" That's kind of how we look at Bailey when he starts manipulating the West Paw beds. This meets some fundamental need of his, but is not to be confused with his penchant for wrapping himself deep inside blankets and fleece throws.
However, he also likes to bury his head -- and only his head -- in bedding or under soft toys, as he did here. So it might be that this windbreak is a modified version, combining both the desire to bury his head with his need to re-shape a West Paw bed to his liking. Whatever the motive, it was a pretty creative performance for 7 a.m.
Hi Alayne and Steve!!!
Maybe the adorable one is making a "noise break" instead of a wind break? Could just like quiet sometimes or arranging a good mini ampitheatre! Doggie ear muffs when covered or surround sound in creative shapes!
Who knows with these wonderful creatures!
Posted by: Heather & Timmy | September 20, 2008 at 02:21 PM
I love this blog so much. I always wait until I am home from work to read it because it always puts a smile on my face.
When are you guys going to write a book about the ranch? Would be a bestseller no doubt.
:)
Posted by: Lita | September 20, 2008 at 08:31 AM
Didn't Dachshunds used to be used for hunting animals that burrowed and went underground? I think I read that once so if they were bred for that maybe he has an innate desire to create something resembling, to him, an underground burrow or tunnel? Whatever, it apparently gives him a sense of accomplishment!
Posted by: Miranda | September 19, 2008 at 11:15 AM
This was hilarious!! Thanks for the chuckle this morning!
Barbara
AKA Frankie's mom
www.joyfulpaws.com
Posted by: Barbara | September 19, 2008 at 10:58 AM
My dog has an uncanny ability to shape a blanket into a perfect half-cirle, it's almost as if she gets out a drafting compass when I'm not looking. Sometimes she'll spend 5 minutes on it, and if she can't get it the way she wants it, she'll walk away and go lay somewhere else.
Posted by: Kristen | September 19, 2008 at 07:51 AM
I had a little, deformed Yorkie that would do the same thing...it was amusing to watch....we never knew exactly what shape he would end up being satisfied with..
Posted by: Debbie | September 19, 2008 at 07:41 AM
Your posts about your dachshunds are always my favorite. They sure can be entertaining!
Posted by: Julie and the Three Doxies | September 18, 2008 at 09:16 PM
Definitely a creature of comfort! Knows what he wants & gets it just right! And, you never know when the wind might pick up, even in the house!
Posted by: Colleen & Sweet Kitty Erin - San Antonio TX | September 18, 2008 at 09:09 PM