That’s one ‘hot’ dog: Suzy Azalea shares amazing facts about dachshunds

Hi there, dog lovers! Suzy Azalea here.

From Suzy Azalea

I’m sure you’ve all heard about Bomber, my handsome and affectionate dachshund. Well guess what? He’s just turned 2 years old! I can’t believe how fast he went from a puppy to a grown-up doxie. As my family and I celebrate Bomber’s birthday, I’d like to share some interesting information about his breed.

“Dachshund” is German for “badger hound.” In fact, dachshunds were first developed by German foresters in the 18th and 19th centuries from several existing breeds of taller hunting hounds (like the bloodhound and the Bibarhund). The Germans’ goal was to produce intrepid, elongated canines that could excavate badger burrows. In other words, dachshunds were originally bred to hunt and fight badgers. Remarkably, dachshunds were also used to hunt foxes and wild boars.

“Suzy Azalea, if dachshunds were originally bred as hunters, when did they become popular as pets?” asked one of my clients. Good question, dear.

Suzy Azalea. Photo credit: Care2.com

According to the Almost Home Dachshund Rescue Society, it was in the 1800s when dachshunds were bred more as pets than as hunters. This was particularly the trend in Great Britain, where the dachshund’s size was slowly reduced by 10 pounds. Consequently, the miniature dachshund (which weighs 11 pounds or less) was bred.

Here are other fun facts about dachshunds you may want to know:

• Dachshunds are also called “Teckels,” “Dachels,” or “Dachsels.” In the United States, they earned the monikers “hot dog,” “sausage dog,” and “wiener dog” due to their long, narrow build.

• Most dog trainers, including Suzy Azalea (ahem, yours truly), find it easier to train male dachshunds than females. This is only because female dachshunds tend to be more independent, whereas male doxies are more eager to please.

• Dachshunds are far-sighted. They can detect movement at a very far distance, but they cannot see as well up close.

• A dachshund named “Otto” was cast in the 1939 film “Wizard of Oz,” but was fired and replaced with “Toto” because of a strong anti-German sentiment during World War II.

• Dachshunds’ sense of smell is their best sensory organ. They can even track a scent that is weeks old.

• Dachshunds aren’t picky eaters. As they have fewer taste buds than people, they will try to eat most anything.

Suzy Azalea. Photo credit: almosthomerescue.org

Well, there you have it. There’s a lot more to say about dachshunds, but I’ll save it for another day. Right now, it’s time to open Bomber’s birthday presents, so…Suzy Azalea, signing off.

My name is Suzy Azalea, and I am a private dog breeder and trainer from LA, California. To learn more about me, catch up with me on Facebook.

Be in charge: Suzy Azalea on dog emergencies and first-aid remedies

Accidents happen, even to dogs. That’s why I, Suzy Azalea, suggest that dog owners equip themselves with proper knowledge on the various types of dog emergencies and their respective first-aid remedies.


As a dog breeder and trainer, I have experienced attending to different dog emergencies throughout the years. To help other dog owners out there, here’s a list of mishaps that their dogs might experience:

Suzy Azalea. Photo credit: Listverse.com

- Consumed the wrong food. Dogs are like babies in such a way that they are fond of putting things into their mouth (for dogs, it’s more of licking or nibbling). This is why experts believe that most emergencies like acute abdominal pain, breathing difficulties, and even kidney failure, according to Readers Digest, are caused by the intake of wrong food.

Suzy Azalea helps dog owners to properly take care of their pets through her blogs.

- Get into accidents. Car accidents may cause broken bones and other internal injuries to dogs. In this case, it is better to rush the dog to the vet clinic. Other dog experts also suggest that owners wrap their dogs in a blanket to make them feel warm and to relieve them from the shock.

Suzy Azalea. Photo credit: Pets.webmd.com

- Choking. Petplace.com shares that most dog owners confuse choking with coughing or vomiting. Moreover, choking is crucial especially if the airway is obstructed completely. If faced with this problem, owners are advised to check the neck of their pets for any item that may be constricting it. Check the insides of the mouth and remove any foreign object. If the condition persists, rush the dog to a veterinarian.

Suzy Azalea. Photo credit: blog.idtag.com

For more tips on how to care for your dog, visit Suzy Azalea’s Tumblr page.

Suzy Azalea translates “Arrffff!”: What your canine preference says about you

Don’t congratulate yourself too much or berate yourself either—your choices are half chance, so are everybody else’s. —Baz Luhrmann

Suzy Azalea Petswelcome.com

Did you know that choices reflect your personality? I, Suzy Azalea, your canine specialist, will uncover what your doggie preference reveals about who you are.

From Suzy Azalea

Breeder’s Choice

Prospective pet owners have to consider a lot of things before they decide on which breed to get. With that, pet owners who are attracted to a particular breed have the tendency to be organized, have distinctive set of tastes, and are natural-born planners. On the other hand, people who prefer mixed breeds tend to make spur-of-the-moment decisions based on emotions.

Aside from the breed, most people look at the dog’s size before deciding. Large dogs need more space and exercise, while smaller dogs need lesser space and attention. Owners of large dogs are often seen as sporty and outdoorsy, while pet owners with small dogs are seen as daintier. Thankfully, Suzy Azalea’s Kennel is made up of both big and small dogs, so you couldn’t typecast me of being either.

There is also the coat length to consider. Dogs with long coats need frequent trips to the groomers’, while dogs with short coats shed less and are often associated with individuals who want a well-kept home.

Bad Dog vs. Good Dog

Of course, the pet’s behavior also reflects the personality of its owner. As I say, “There are no bad dogs, only bad trainers.” People who have misbehaving pets are often viewed as unsatisfied and lacking in empathy; a pet who is robust and well-trained reflects a happy and balanced pet owner.

Suzy Azalea Sanjuandirectory.com

While these are general observations I made from people who visit Suzy Azalea’s Kennel, they are not necessarily true for all cases. Additional information about yours truly may be accessed at SuzyAzalea.net.

Chill out: Suzy Azalea explains methods to keep your dog warm in winter

Suzy Azalea Photo credit: BaxterBoo.com

Suzy Azalea knows that the winter season can be harsh on animals. An independent dog breeder and trainer, she has seen her fair share of dog owners who are confused with which ways to care for their beloved pets when the cold sets in. While covering one's dog with a blanket is helpful, there are many other ways to keep one's prized canines feeling nice and cozy when the season of frost sets in.

Suzy Azalea Photo credit: cute-pets.net

• Outside dogs will need copious amounts of hay in their doghouses. This is done in order to prevent the pads of their feet from coming into direct contact with ice or snow.


• Inside dogs benefit the most from snuggling under a blanket during winter. Suzy Azalea explains that as they are used to living in a nice, warm environment, they cannot be placed outside for very long in winter weather. Doing so will result in them easily freezing to death or getting pneumonia.


• Keeping your pet’s heavy fur brushed is also important at this time. That prevents the forming of knots, which bare the dog's skin to the elements and could possibly pull hard enough to tear the skin loose.


• Small, short-haired dogs like chihuahuas and rat-terriers need special attention as they have very little built-in natural protection.

Suzy Azalea Photo credit: Petswelcome.com

For more helpful hints, follow Suzy Azalea on Twitter.

Bringing Gioia: Suzy Azalea on transcending stereotypes by bringing joy

Pit bulls are notorious for being temperamental and violent. Many are scared of adopting them because of the breed's unfavorable reputation. Canine expert Suzy Azalea begs to differ.

Suzy Azalea Photo credit: audreyjm529

Having lived in California most of her life, Suzy is familiar with the horror stories and stereotyping of pits. She owns a pit bull and enjoys bonding with the dog. Yet one day while driving along South Central Los Angeles, she witnessed a scene that's bound to change the way the world perceives pit bulls forever.


Suzy saw a small and dirty pit bull running up and down a street in downtown Los Angeles. The puppy was running from one person to the other, begging wordlessly to be picked up. Suzy was about to act when she saw a woman inside a car from across the street watching the stray dog earnestly.

Suzy Azalea Photo credit: tearsofscarletx

As someone who knew the strength of the bond between a dog and its owner, Suzy Azalea decided to watch what would happen next. The woman, Cora Palma, pulled over her car. The pit immediately ran up to her and almost leaped into her arms.


Suzy witnessed the initial bond between the two of them, and knew that the dog had then and there been placed in good hands. A week ago, as she was browsing the Dog Whisperer Cesar Millan's site, she read about the story of Cora and how she adopted Gioia, an Italian girl’s name that means Joy.


True to her name, Gioia proceeded to provide Cora as well as her friends and family with joy, given her boundless energy and innate friendliness. Their full story may be accessed here.

Suzy Azalea Photo Credit: ZooToo.Com

Suzy Azalea is a dog breeder and trainer. Additional information about her is available at SuzyAzalea.com.

Suzy Azalea on finding dog boarding facilities

From parkerblog.wordpress.com

Hi! I’m Suzy Azalea, your friendly dog trainer.

When the need for you to travel comes, as pet owners, you get anxious about leaving your dogs behind. Some of you hire dog sitters or ask help from relatives or neighbors. However, you are bothered whether your dogs are in the best of care while you’re gone. Here is one of the best ways that you can do to dismiss any thoughts of worries: doggie day cares.

The coolest and most reputable boarding facilities house will handle your darling dogs with utmost care and individualized supervision. Most of them don’t just provide temporary space for dogs but also give pet guests freebies like doggie treats and fun activities. With these, you can take that much needed worry-free vacation.

From anjuandirectory.com

However, I, Suzy Azalea, must warn you pet owners that not all pet accommodation facilities are competitive enough to provide the best in dog boarding. Read on and find out why. Veteran dog owners may even miss out on things that should be considered in choosing the facility. Before making that decision to enrol your pooch into a dog boarding facility, make a checklist like the one below:
• Plan and avoid drastic decisions. Visit the facilities to check their cleanliness and safety standards. Find out how much exposure your dogs are going to have with other animals.
• Know if your dogs will be provided with walking sessions, playing time, and grooming periods.
• See what your dogs are going to eat. If your pets need special diets, then provide food for your dog and be sure to leave instructions to those caring for them.
• Ask what happens if your dog gets sick while in their care.

Learn more about dogs by following me on Twitter.

From europeanhavanese.com

A clean dog is a happy dog: Suzy Azalea shares some grooming tips for your dogs

This is Suzy Azalea, a dog trainer and breeder, and blogger. My friends have been asking me questions about proper dog grooming. Here are my answers to the FAQs regarding this matter:

From Suzy Azalea

1. Is it advisable to shave the coat?
While shaving can make you cut down on dog hair product expenses, it is not a good idea. Dog hair is there for a purpose – to protect the dog from cold and hot temperatures, and other elements that are harmful for them.
2. Is pulling hair from the ears harmful for dogs?
Hair growth is normal but too much of it can cause irritation or infection. Take special attention to this Suzy Azalea tip because a dog’s ears are very sensitive. For the dog to not feel so much pain, the best way to remove the unwanted dog hair is by pulling a few hair strands at a time and applying ear powder afterwards.

From Suzy Azalea

3. What is the proper way of brushing dog hair?
This is easy to do but if not done conscientiously, it can spell trouble. Slowly brush or comb the hair beginning at your dog’s neck moving down to his belly and then to his tail. Do this to create a flat and shiny effect on the coat. Always praise your pet after this by giving treats. This will motivate him to cooperate more whenever he is being groomed.

From Suzy Azalea

More Suzy Azalea blogs can be found atBlogspot.