How to make a Fake Rabbit Hole for your Dog

Disclaimer: this is NOT a sponsored post, but it does contain some affiliate links.

It’s no secret that I am OBSESSED with holes. After all, my breed was originally bred to go down holes and hunt down badgers.

ammo the dachshund digging

And go down holes I do! My mom has had to pull me out of many ground hog holes around the farm over the years, and because of my affinity to go hunting whenever I feel like it I now wear a GPS tracker whenever I’m on the farm. While my tracker gives mom piece of mind, she’d still prefer my escapades kept me a little closer to the barn, which is why she decided to dupe me!

So I decided to share how my mom made me a DIY Fake Rabbit Hole so all you other dogs out there won’t get tricked like I did!

DIY Fake Scent Hole for Hunting Dogs // Ammo the Dachshund

Here’s what you’ll need:

  • Rabbit Scent (or any other scent your dog might prefer)
  • Spray Bottle
  • Water
  • String (I used bailing twine)
  • Paper Towel
  • Shovel or Post Hole Digger

DIY Fake Scent Hole for Hunting Dogs // Ammo the Dachshund

Step 1: Choose a spot to dig a hole about 2 feet deep. Make sure you choose a spot where no one could fall in it (placing a marker when it’s done is helpful too). A spot near a bush or tree makes it more believable to your dog as well.

DIY Fake Scent Hole for Hunting Dogs // Ammo the Dachshund

As you can see just the sight of a hole was enough to get me interested!

DIY Fake Scent Hole for Hunting Dogs // Ammo the Dachshund

Step 2: Mix your Rabbit Scent with some water in a spray bottle and mist it into the hole. You can make it stronger by foregoing the water if your dog doesn’t seem interested.

DIY Fake Scent Hole for Hunting Dogs // Ammo the Dachshund

Step 3: Tie a paper towel to a string and mist with the rabbit scent. Drag the towel to and from the hole to leave a scent trail for your dog to follow.

DIY Fake Scent Hole for Hunting Dogs // Ammo the Dachshund

Trooper and I picked up on the rabbit scent trail right away.

DIY Fake Scent Hole for Hunting Dogs // Ammo the Dachshund

But only one of us really cared…..I’m pretty sure you can guess who!

Well I feel pretty silly getting tricked with a fake hole, but I did have a really good time digging to my hearts content. So fake or not, I don’t regret it one bit. Well except for the fact that it landed me in the bath a few hours later!

Do you think your dog would be tricked by a fake scent hole?

*Be advised that fake animal scents can attract other wild animals as well. So be aware of where you are putting it, and make sure to supervise your dog especially if they are out at night.Ammo the Dachshund

Dachshund Life Struggle Never Ends

You may have caught my posts over the last few months on the saga that is the Dachshund Life Struggle. And if you follow along with me on FacebookTwitter or Instagram, then likely you may have already seen many of the Dachshund Life Struggles.

But guess what, it didn’t stop there, because the struggle of being a Dachshund never ends. So here’s what I’ve been struggling with this past month…

Dachshund Life Struggle // The Struggle is Real // Ammo the Dachshund

Dachshund Life Struggle // The Struggle is Real // Ammo the Dachshund

Dachshund Life Struggle // The Struggle is Real // Ammo the Dachshund

Dachshund Life Struggle // The Struggle is Real // Ammo the Dachshund

Dachshund Life Struggle // The Struggle is Real // Ammo the Dachshund

Dachshund Life Struggle // The Struggle is Real // Ammo the Dachshund

Dachshund Life Struggle // The Struggle is Real // Ammo the Dachshund

Dachshund Life Struggle // The Struggle is Real // Ammo the Dachshund

Dachshund Life Struggle // The Struggle is Real // Ammo the Dachshund

In case you missed any struggles, be sure to check them all out on my blog. You can keep following along with me on InstagramTwitter, and Facebook to see more #dachshundlifestruggle and if you’ve got a struggle to add be sure to let me know!

P.S. Don’t forget to share my struggles with all your friends…..we have to spread the word about how hard it is to be a dachshund these days!Ammo the Dachshund

Friday Fetch: Horse Blanket Style Dog Coats

Since I spend a lot of my time on the family horse farm I couldn’t help but fall in love with these horse blanket style dog coats from Off The Wall Designs on Etsy. If you’re an equestrian lover at heart you’re going to love these…

Friday Fetch: Horse Blanket Inspired Dog Coats // Ammo the Dachshund

Friday Fetch: Horse Blanket Inspired Dog Coats // Ammo the Dachshund

Friday Fetch: Horse Blanket Inspired Dog Coats // Ammo the Dachshund

Friday Fetch: Horse Blanket Inspired Dog Coats // Ammo the Dachshund

You can fetch these designs and more from Off The Wall Designs on Etsy.

Disclosure: This is not a sponsored post, nor do I own any of these products. Just simply wanted to share my latest find! Ammo the Dachshund

K9 Couture Collars Review & Giveaway

Disclaimer: This post and giveaway is brought to you by K9 Couture Collars. As always, all opinions are 100% my own.

k9 Couture Collars Review & Giveaway // Ammo the Dachshund

My new friends at K9 Couture Collars recently sent me some new collars to update my wardrobe.

k9 Couture Collars Review & Giveaway // Ammo the Dachshund

At K9 Couture Collars they believe that just like shoes, you can never have too many collars! And I have to say I totally agree with this. As a dog, who wants to wear the same collar everyday? Certainly not me, I have too much fashion sense for that.

k9 Couture Collars Review & Giveaway // Ammo the Dachshund

Everything they make is hand picked, assembled and hand sewn by them.

And the designs – they have so many! Tons of styles and colors and if you don’t see what you’re looking for you can even request something custom.

k9 Couture Collars Review & Giveaway // Ammo the Dachshund

Most of their collars are made with a thick nylon webbing and fabric overlay, and you can choose the collar width you prefer for your dog. You can tell each stitch is done with the utmost of care! They have many different styles and can come with plastic buckles or metal buckles and with a choice of standard buckle or martingale options.

k9 Couture Collars Review & Giveaway // Ammo the Dachshund

Personally I adore this gold metal buckle collar in mint julep. My mom prefers the metal buckles as they seem to be much sturdier and stronger. And at K9 Couture you can choose whichever options you prefer best for your own dog’s collar.

k9 Couture Collars Review & Giveaway // Ammo the Dachshund

k9 Couture Collars Review & Giveaway // Ammo the Dachshund

I haven’t seen many collars on the market with gold hardware, and this one just screams….I’m fancy and I know it!

k9 Couture Collars Review & Giveaway // Ammo the Dachshund

So if you’re looking to add a little variety to your own dog’s wardrobe then you might want to check out K9 Couture Collars.

You can even head over and like them on Facebook for a 20% discount off your next order!

And now for the best part….

k9 Couture Collars Review & Giveaway // Ammo the Dachshund

TWO LUCKY WINNERS WILL WIN A COLLAR OF THEIR CHOICE FROM K9 COUTURE

Here’s HOW TO WIN:

To enter use the Rafflecopter widget below. By entering you will be added to the K9 Couture e-mail list. Winners will be chosen at random and you will be contacted via e-mail to claim your prize. All the winners will also be announced on this blog post once the giveaway ends. Open to WORLDWIDE readers. Winners must claim their prizes within 48 hours of being notified or prize will be forfeited. Good luck!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Ammo the Dachshund

Snug-A-Bull Snood Review & Giveaway

Disclosure: This post and giveaway is brought to you by Snug-A-Bull. I only share products that I think my readers will love, and all opinions are entirely my own.

Snug-A-Bull Snood Review & Giveaway // Ammo the Dachshund

Today I have a really fun product to share with you that I think you (and your dog) are going to LOVE. The cute little hand knit item above is a snood from the talented Angela at Snug-A-Bull.

Snug-A-Bull Snood Review & Giveaway // Ammo the Dachshund

Just what exactly is a snood? Well essentially it’s a neck warmer and a hood for dogs that’s all wrapped in to one.

Snug-A-Bull Snood Review & Giveaway // Ammo the Dachshund

What’s a little different about the Snug-A-Bull snoods is that they can even come with these cute little ear holes to make sure they stay put on your dog.

Snug-A-Bull Snood Review & Giveaway // Ammo the Dachshund

You may have also noticed that my snood from Snug-A-Bull came personalized with my name on it. All their snoods can be personalized with not only names, but custom colors and sometimes even patterns too!

Snug-A-Bull Snood Review & Giveaway // Ammo the Dachshund

I even noticed on their website that they can ADD cute little fleece ears to their snoods (think adorable bear like hood on your pup) – I just might have to pick up one of those someday, because we all know I look fantastic dressed as wild animals.

Snug-A-Bull Snood Review & Giveaway // Ammo the Dachshund

My dark green and teal snood from Snug-A-Bull has come in handy lately, because even though it’s supposed to be Spring in Pennsylvania it’s still quite cold here (and we even got snow on the First Day of Spring!).

Snug-A-Bull Snood Review & Giveaway // Ammo the Dachshund

A fun little fact about Snug-A-Bull, their shop mascots are named Bruce Wayne and Alfred. As a dog who loves everything super heroes himself….that’s just so cool!

Snug-A-Bull Snood Review & Giveaway // Ammo the Dachshund

By shopping at Snug-A-Bull you can also help the animal rescues! This month all sales are benefiting the Alive Animal Rescue.

And now for the best part….

Snug-A-Bull Snood Review & Giveaway // Ammo the Dachshund

ONE LUCKY WINNER WILL WIN A SNOOD FROM SNUG-A-BULL
*similar style to Ammo’s

Here’s HOW TO WIN:

To enter use the Rafflecopter widget below. Winners will be chosen at random and you will be contacted via e-mail to claim your prize. All the winners will also be announced on this blog post once the giveaway ends. Open to USA residents only. Winners must claim their prizes within 48 hours of being notified or prize will be forfeited. Good luck!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Ammo the Dachshund

 

 

The Savvy Dachshunds Clothing Boutique Review & Giveaway

Disclaimer: This post and giveaway is brought to you by the Savvy Dachshunds Boutique. All opinions are my own, and I only share products I think my readers will love.

Savvy Dachshunds Clothing Boutique Review & Giveaway // Ammo the Dachshund

Recently I was introduced to the Savvy Dachshund Boutique and their fun line of custom made clothing to fit the unique shapes of the hard-to-fit Dachshund shape. Now if you are owned by a Dachshund, then you probably know it can be such a pain to find outfits to fit our long bodies and big chests.

Savvy Dachshunds Clothing Boutique Review & Giveaway // Ammo the Dachshund

Well at the Savvy Dachshund Boutique you can order custom handmade clothing in your own dog’s size and a variety of fun styles.

Savvy Dachshunds Clothing Boutique Review & Giveaway // Ammo the Dachshund

This cute little wool tweed jacket I received was super stylish, and even though it’s probably not the ideal jacket for on the farm (since the hay and horse hair would stick to this in seconds), I couldn’t help but take it for a spin in the snow. Mostly because I look darn good in the snow with a tweed jacket on!

Savvy Dachshunds Clothing Boutique Review & Giveaway // Ammo the Dachshund

This coat would be fantastic to strut your stuff on your evening walk (and would be sure to make all the other pup’s jealous!).

Savvy Dachshunds Clothing Boutique Review & Giveaway // Ammo the Dachshund

And really, fireside lounging never looked so good when you’ve got on a tweed jacket!

Savvy Dachshunds Clothing Boutique Review & Giveaway // Ammo the Dachshund

The prices for jackets at the Savvy Dachshund Boutique range from $20 – $38, so you can be sure to get something special for your dog at a great price. They also come with a handy hole in the back to snap onto a harness or collar to make walking extra easy!

Savvy Dachshunds Clothing Boutique Review & Giveaway // Ammo the Dachshund

I also took this Navy Plaid Jacket for a spin. The inside is lined with soft fleece with velcro closures on the chest and belly and it even had functional pockets on both sides! I can’t decide if I want to stuff them with cookies or bully sticks – it’s a tough call.

Savvy Dachshunds Clothing Boutique Review & Giveaway // Ammo the Dachshund

This jacket even has a cute little matching snood. For $12 these fleece Snoods can be made to match any jacket you order and is a great addition to keep your little pup’s neck warm.

Savvy Dachshunds Clothing Boutique Review & Giveaway // Ammo the Dachshund

So if you’re looking for some custom clothing to fit your Dachshund be sure to check out the Savvy Dachshund Boutique and as a bonus you can use code 87879 for FREE SHIPPING on your order!

And now for the best part…

Savvy Dachshunds Clothing Boutique Review & Giveaway // Ammo the Dachshund

ONE LUCKY WINNER WILL WIN A COAT FROM THE SAVVY DACHSHUND BOUTIQUE
*coat will be the same style as the one pictured above

Here’s HOW TO WIN:

To enter use the Rafflecopter widget below. Winners will be chosen at random and you will be contacted via e-mail to claim your prize. All the winners will also be announced on this blog post once the giveaway ends. Open to USA residents only. Winners must claim their prizes within 48 hours of being notified or prize will be forfeited. Good luck!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Ammo the Dachshund

Tips for Crate Training Your Adult Dog #CrateHappyPets

Tips on Crate Training Your Adult Dog #CrateHappyPets // Ammo the Dachshund For PetsmartThis post is sponsored by PetSmart®, and the BlogPaws Professional Pet Blogger Network. I am being compensated for helping spread the word about Kennels, Crates, and Containment Systems for your pet, but AmmotheDachshund.com only shares information we feel is relevant to our readers. PetSmart is not responsible for the content of this article.

Tips on Crate Training Your Adult Dog #CrateHappyPets // Ammo the Dachshund For Petsmart

Ok, full disclosure here, when I was a puppy I failed crate training. Yes, it’s true. I barked and cried and threw out all the stubborn dachshund tricks until my mom and dad caved. That was 6 years ago though, and although I may not be the perfect poster dog for loving my crate, I am learning that it’s not such a bad place to be after all.

Tips on Crate Training Your Adult Dog #CrateHappyPets // Ammo the Dachshund For Petsmart

As an adult dog I’ve learned that there are many benefits to crate training and I should learn to be one of the many #CrateHappyPets out there.

Reasons why you might need to put your pet in a crate:

  • Your pet becomes injured and needs to be on crate rest
  • Traveling in a carrier by plane or the need to be crated in a hotel to keep pets out of trouble
  • Great for pets with separation anxiety when you leave home
  • Dog agility events where there is a need to kennel pets between events
  • Pet safety and keeping them out of areas that are hazardous

Yet the number one reason that my mom and dad decided to take the plunge and FINALLY crate train me was to keep me from begging for food at dinner time! I guess my cute puppy dog eyes were becoming too much for them to resist!

Tips on Crate Training Your Adult Dog #CrateHappyPets // Ammo the Dachshund For Petsmart

Since I’m probably not the only dog out there that was/is resistant to crate training I’ve decided to share some of my tips on how I learned to love my kennel!

Ammo’s Tips for Crate Training an Adult Dog:

TIP 1: Pad your dog’s crate with something extra soft! If you have to, double up the dog beds, no dog wants to sleep on the hard plastic bottom of a crate. Simply switching out my crate pad for something extra soft made me want to take naps in there instead of anywhere else! For a bonus you can add a pet-safe heating pad, because that’s just icing on the cake!

Tips on Crate Training Your Adult Dog #CrateHappyPets // Ammo the Dachshund For Petsmart

TIP 2: Give your dog something extra special when they are in their crate. I love a toy stuffed with peanut butter (and if you freeze it, it lasts even longer – plus there is no risk of choking when mom and dad are gone). In the beginning my mom would let me chew on something tasty inside the crate (while the door was open) to get used to being in there.

Tips on Crate Training Your Adult Dog #CrateHappyPets // Ammo the Dachshund For Petsmart

TIP 3: Cover the top of your crate with a blanket or crate cover. Us dogs are den animals, and sometimes being snuggled up in a dark area makes us feel safe and secure.

Tips on Crate Training Your Adult Dog #CrateHappyPets // Ammo the Dachshund For Petsmart

TIP 4: Build duration in the crate slowly over time with routine. My parents started me out with the routine of going into my crate every evening at their dinner time. I started out by just being closed in for a minute or 2 a night, and built up to longer lengths over several months.

Tips on Crate Training Your Adult Dog #CrateHappyPets // Ammo the Dachshund For Petsmart

TIP 5: Practice your crate training in many different places. You can even play some crate training games with your pup to get them to look forward to going inside.

Tips on Crate Training Your Adult Dog #CrateHappyPets // Ammo the Dachshund For Petsmart

So hopefully my crate training tips have you all excited to get started with your pup too, now all you need is a crate!

Great news, my friends over at Petsmart® are having a SALE ON CRATES, KENNELS, CARRIERS, AND ACCESSORIES all this month, and you can grab one for a steal.

Tips on Crate Training Your Adult Dog #CrateHappyPets // Ammo the Dachshund For Petsmart

Petsmart carries many great brands like Petmate®, Martha Stewart Pets®, Top Paw®, Kong®, and Grreat Choice®. Personally I’m a big fan of the wire crates like these from Top Paw® – as I have been known to chew through a soft crate or two before I learned to love them!

Not sure what to buy? Check out this helpful Crate Buying Guide from Petsmart.

Tips on Crate Training Your Adult Dog #CrateHappyPets // Ammo the Dachshund For Petsmart

So don’t delay, grab a cart and head on over to Petsmart (or you can shop online) – these deals only last until March 31st!

Tips on Crate Training Your Adult Dog #CrateHappyPets // Ammo the Dachshund For Petsmart

Before you know it, you’ll have #CrateHappyPets just like me! Ammo the Dachshund

Do you have any crate training tips to share? Post them in the comments below!

 

Friday Fetch: Dog Inspired Handbags

I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again, my mom has a severe weakness for bags. She has bags for everything – she’s even been known to carry a bag inside a bag! Now that’s just crazy! So when I spotted these fun dog inspired handbags from Rebecca Ray Design I just knew I had to hide them from my mom. And the fact that they are having a spring sale….yeah, my mom shouldn’t be allowed to read this….

Friday Fetch: Dog Inspired Handbags - Rebecca Ray Design  // Ammo the Dachshund

Friday Fetch: Dog Inspired Handbags - Rebecca Ray Design  // Ammo the Dachshund

Friday Fetch: Dog Inspired Handbags - Rebecca Ray Design  // Ammo the Dachshund

Friday Fetch: Dog Inspired Handbags - Rebecca Ray Design  // Ammo the Dachshund

Friday Fetch: Dog Inspired Handbags - Rebecca Ray Design  // Ammo the Dachshund

Friday Fetch: Dog Inspired Handbags - Rebecca Ray Design  // Ammo the Dachshund

So if you have a mom that’s got a weakness for bags too, you can fetch these fun designs from Rebecca Ray Design.

Disclosure: This is not a sponsored post, nor do I own any of these items. Just simply wanted to share the latest thing I’m loving!

Train Your Dog to Load in the Car

Disclosure: This post is brought to you by Chewy.com, but all opinions are entirely my own.

Train Your Dog to Get in the Car // Ammo the Dachshund

Now if you own a Dachshund are owned by a Dachshund then this might sound familiar to you. Picture this, you open your front door and your dog darts out after some scent or sound (or perhaps just the thought of all of the above) and no matter how many times you call them they won’t come. Frustrating right? Imagine how us Dachshunds feel with all that nagging!

So it seems the alternative to always worrying that your dog won’t come when called is to keep them safe and secure on a leash at all times. It’s not a bad option, but what happens if you drop the leash, it breaks, or your dog accidentally gets out of the house?

In my mom’s case, she was tired of having to always leash me just to walk out our front door and get into the car to go to work everyday.

Train Your Dog to Get in the Car // Ammo the Dachshund

So instead with a little help from some yummy treats, like these Blue Buffalo Wilderness Trail Treats from Chewy.com, mom has trained me to load into the car by myself. Or I guess depending on who you ask, I’ve trained my mom to give me a treat every single day for simply walking to the car (no one ever said dachshunds weren’t smart).

Train Your Dog to Get in the Car // Ammo the Dachshund

The key to the training method my mom has used with me is high value treats. High value just means it’s a treat that your dog LOVES. It has to be something your dog is willing to work for. These Blue Buffalo Wilderness Treats work great because they are nice and soft and meaty yet healthy enough that mom doesn’t feel guilty about giving me one everyday.

Train Your Dog to Get in the Car // Ammo the Dachshund

So in the beginning of my training mom kept me on the leash and put a treat in her hand. She’d lure me to the car every day with the goods and once she lifted me into the car I would get my reward. We did this EVERY SINGLE DAY for several weeks.

Train Your Dog to Get in the Car // Ammo the Dachshund

When I began to look forward to getting my treat in the car every morning (and seemed less interested in exploring the yard) mom removed my leash and continued to lure me to the car.

Train Your Dog to Get in the Car // Ammo the Dachshund

Another few weeks passed and mom stopped walking right next to me and instead went ahead of me to the car and cued me to come load up (and get my treat).

Train Your Dog to Get in the Car // Ammo the Dachshund

A few more weeks later mom stopped carrying the treats in her hand and instead left my Blue Buffalo Wilderness Treats in the car (the handy resealable bag is great for on-the-go-training). She also started allowing me out of the house in front of her.

Train Your Dog to Get in the Car // Ammo the Dachshund

And before she knew it I was running to the car (off leash) each morning and waiting to be lifted into my booster seat.

Now it’s not to say along the training route I didn’t occasionally try to wander off. But when I did mom was quick to retrieve me and return me to the car (without a treat reward for wandering). It didn’t take me long to realize that if I just went directly to the car I’d get a treat every single time.

The key here is routine, consistency, and very very yummy treats.

Train Your Dog to Get in the Car // Ammo the Dachshund

So if you’d like to give this training method a try, or if you simply want a great high-value treat to reward your dog with, I highly recommend the Blue Buffalo Wilderness Treats from Chewy.com.

Blue Buffalo Wilderness Treats:

  • Grain-free treats
  • High-quality protein source
  • DHA to help support cognitive development
  • Omega 3 & 6 fatty acids to promote skin and coat health
  • Great for training
  • No corn, wheat or soy
  • Made in the USA

How trustworthy is your dog off leash? 

Disclaimer: My mom is not a professional trainer and theseAmmo the Dachshund are just methods that have worked for me. They may not be suitable for all dogs and always exercise caution when allowing your dog off-leash especially near busy roads or dangerous areas. Happy Training!