Not all puppies are destined to be blood trackers... and the lack of tracking ability might not be a reason

Ranger von Moosbach-Zuzelek aka Petey is an example of this kind of puppy. Ranger was born on May 25, 2010, and his parents were FC Joeri vom Nonnenschlag and FC Gilda v Moosbach-Zuzelek. This was a highly anticipated litter, and we had high hopes for the pups. Ranger was very handsome, and he had some striking features - strong, beautiful head and excellent harsh wiry coat.

Ranger at four weeks

Ranger at 12 weeks

We start to work with our puppies quite early and the below video shows how five-week-old pups reacted to the sound made by popping bubble wrap (the sound is similar to that of a cap pistol). Ranger did not like the sound at all and he tried to get away from it as far as possible. He is the one in the video who tries to hide under a crate and behind a dog bed.

Ranger used his nose well and his tracking ability was all right but his weakness was in his temperament. We could see that he was not a resilient, easy going pup that would take stress well so we decided that he would be better off in a pet home. He went to live with Gail and Vince Latella on Long Island, the couple who already have one dog from us - an eight-year-old Hannah. What a pair of good looking dachshunds they are!

Relaxed Ranger aka Petey in his new home

In the beginnig Hannah was not thrilled at all with the new puppy. In October we received a letter from Gail: Just a brief note to let you know how Ranger, now Petey, is doing. He is currently in puppy kindergarten where he is learning to play well with others. He is learning to be friendly and less snarly around puppies and little dogs that are over-active. He is becoming more secure and less skittish. Noises do not seem to bother him as much. He still has incidents of submissive peeing, buy we are getting that under control. I think he is getting the housebreaking because he has not had any accidents in about two weeks, so I am giving him more credit and me less.

He and Hannah are becoming companions, although he is still a big nuisance to her at times. He models her and she is very patient with him, although there are times when she will nip him. Usually, he dominates her when it comes to toys and chewies. Their play is quite wild and sounds very ferocious with a lot of wrestling and growling and snarling, but no one seems to be getting hurt. The yard provides a great place for chasing each other and squirrels. Petey has already caught a mole and a mouse and his nose is always to the ground. He is a very affectionate and funny little guy. They run in figure eights around our dining room table through the kitchen and into the living room. He has given Hannah a great opportunity to be in great shape for a dog who is eight years old. She is enjoying the fruits of her added activity because we do not worry so much when we give her extra treats and leftover protein from our dinner table. She looks trim and healthy.

Petey and Hannah

Hannah is a daughter of Drake v Moosbach-Zuzelek  "Jake" and FC Gela von Rauhenstein

In December we received the note:  Petey is as big as a Hannah.  He is a rip and as different from her as day and night.  He is a mischievous, funny puppy with loads of personality.  He is initially shy around new people, but warms quickly and soon becomes a bundle of wiggling happiness.  Hannah and he play together well, but she does request alone time with one of us when she has had enough of his antics.

Now six weeks later Gail wrote: Petey is quite the character. He is driving Hannah crazy because he is always trying to mount her, so there is lots of snarling and gnashing of teeth, but most of it is quite harmless. He is a good boy, but he is so different from Hannah. He is a big, big chewer. He is obsessed with balls of any size. He is crazed by squirrels, so this summer should be interesting. We will have to be careful. Thanks so much for allowing us to purchase two of your pups. They really are terrific dogs and they bring joy to our lives.

We are very happy to hear that Petey and Hannah play together well, and that Gail and Vincent are happy with them. Our responsibility as breeders is to do what's in the best interest of a puppy. Sometimes in spite of a long list of people waiting for a tracking puppy, the best home for a puppy with some weaknesses is a pet home.