An Orange Butterfly Drifted Over the Yard. Four Puppies Saw It at Once.

An orange butterfly drifts over the backyard, and four chocolate Dachshund puppies are in hot pursuit. They tumble across the grass in a tight little pack, ears flapping, paws mid-stride, mouths open in excitement. Their glossy coats shine a rich cocoa brown, and their bright eyes are full of mischief. One pup has already pulled ahead of the others, while the rest scramble to keep up. A weathered wooden fence and leafy shrubs line the yard behind them, giving the whole scene the feel of a lazy summer afternoon.

Chasing moving things is a deeply rooted instinct in Dachshunds. They were bred as hunting dogs, with a keen nose and a strong drive to follow small animals, which is why many of them love chasing toys, leaves, and yes, butterflies. Channeling that energy into play is great exercise for growing puppies. Short bursts of activity are best, since young dogs tire quickly and their bones and joints are still developing. A securely fenced yard is important for this breed, because a Dachshund on the trail of something interesting may ignore calls to come back. Practicing recall early, with plenty of treats and praise, pays off as they grow.

The butterfly will almost certainly get away. That's all right. For this gang of puppies, the joy is in the chase, and they'll be ready for round two after a quick nap.