AboutCindy Expertise Rescue questions, general behavior, coat colors, sizes, and general information. I cannot provide detailed medical answers but can share some experiences.
Experience I have worked with dachshund rescue for over 4 years and rescued about 300 dachshunds, have owned dachshunds all my life, and have worked with special needs, puppy mills dogs, and other breeds as well.
Expert: Cindy Date: 1/29/2008 Subject: ripping mail
Question can you tell me why my almost 2 year old male wire haired dachshund has to rush to the letter box and if he gets the chance rips the mail too shreds and newspapers,i had one before but she only shook the mail then dropped it but he has to rip it to shreds, he will follow you with the newspaper and try to bite chunks out while you are reading it,i have an older dog and he has never done this, can you tell me why he does this and how to stop him, i have no suitable door on which to put one of those baskets to catch the mail, wil he grow out of it.
Answer It is hard to say why but he has picked up a bad habit (or what he thinks is fun) that he is not likely to grow out of as he is a young adult. I have a couple of suggestions: 1. train him by putting things through the slot that is not mail and have him on a leash and distract him with a favorite toy or treat. If that does not work, you might want to consult a dog behaviorist. 2. try putting a box on the front porch and ask your mailman to put your mail in there for awhile while you work through the issues.
