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Four red Dachshund puppies tumble and wrestle together on a green lawn, one lying upside down at the bottom of the pile. 11 / 31

Backyard Wrestling Season Opened. One Little Puppy Ended Up at the Bottom.

AI imagedachshundred dachshundpuppy play

Wrestling season is in full swing on this backyard lawn. Four red Dachshund puppies have tumbled into a cheerful tangle, paws flying and floppy ears every which way. One pup has ended up flat on its back at the bottom, staring up with an upside-down expression of pure delight. Another has its paw draped over a sibling's shoulder, while two more peer in from either side, ready to pounce again. Their coats glow a warm russet against the green grass, with a wooden fence and a few fallen leaves in the background.

Rough-and-tumble play is how puppies learn many of their most important social skills. While wrestling, they practice body language, take turns being on top, and learn bite inhibition when a littermate yelps to say that was too hard. These lessons help them grow into well-mannered adult dogs. Healthy play usually looks loose and bouncy, with both pups going back for more. If one puppy keeps trying to escape or seems frightened, it's a good time for a break. Dachshunds can be spirited and a bit bossy, so early socialization with a variety of gentle dogs and people helps them stay friendly and confident as they grow.

Nobody here is keeping score, and that's probably for the best. In a match this adorable, everyone's a winner, especially the little one at the bottom of the pile.

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