12 Life Lessons from a Very Small Dachshund

I recently had the privilege of puppysitting a very tiny, very adorable dachshund named Libby. It was sweet, chaotic, hilarious, and occasionally infuriating. Here’s what I learned:

1. Independence is a myth.

We’re never as independent as we think we are.

Libby, a classic “independent” dachshund, was supposed to be chill—entertaining herself, napping peacefully, maybe solving the problems of the world. Nope. What she was good at? Ignoring all my attempts to be the pack leader, demanding entertainment, and making her own rules until I nearly lost my mind. Hats off to her mama though—weeks later, Libby’s training has come a long way. That kind of calm, consistent persistence? Big admiration.

I also thought I could handle puppysitting solo. It was a light week for client sessions, so I figured: no problem. I was wrong. Libby needed to go outside every three minutes or she’d pee on the floor. Even though she was potty trained, the change in environment must have thrown her off. By the end of the week, I’d figured out how to time our outdoor breaks around meals and water—but by then, she'd started ringing the “I need to go out” bell just because the weather was nice and she wanted to play. I relied on so many others for support - my partner, my mom, my grandparents… Community is vital.

2. Going outside (even when it sucks) is good for your soul.

Libby hated the rain. Like, four-paws-braced-at-the-door level hate. She’d stop by the open door, watch the rain and pee on the rug.

As for me? I also didn’t want to go out in the cold drizzle—but I really didn’t want to scrub pee out of the carpet again. So out we went. I’d carry her outside and wait her out.

And honestly? Every time we came back in, I felt calmer. More grounded. Libby would either zoom around or pass out in my lap, and I’d get a solid hour to focus on work. Rain or not, those moments outside were weirdly magical.

3. We all have our weaknesses.

Libby’s? Doors that open toward her. She just couldn’t figure them out.

4. Boredom is glorious… until it’s not.

For a while, it was kind of nice to only focus on whether a small dog had to pee. No emails. No admin. No doom-scrolling.

But then, the boredom set in. And not the kind that sparks creativity or a new project. No, the kind that comes when you have to keep both eyes on a tiny chaos creature at all times.

5. Crows are cooler than robins (according to Libby).

So, go ahead—embrace your dark, mysterious, shiny-thing-obsessed side.

6. Sunbathing is a legit activity.

During our longer post-meal outdoor stretches, Libby and I would sit on the deck, faces to the sun, disconnected from everything else. Despite the chilly Canadian March breeze and the hours of “lost” productivity, I grew to love those quiet, grounding pauses. I kind of wish I had a little accountability buddy like her more often. (But, like, maybe one that doesn’t require three hours of outdoor time daily, even when the weather is uncomfy.)

7. Positive reinforcement > loud correction.

Libby loved when I got riled up. Yelling? Almost as rewarding as treats. The only thing that worked? Redirection and emphatic praise. Cue: happy dance, head pats, and “GOOD GIRL, YOU PEED OUTSIDE!!!”

It was the absolute most consistent way to get her to do it again next time. And it reminded me why, in my own leadership and coaching style, I emphasize acknowledgement, encouragement, and celebration - because our own minds punish us enough. Positive feedback is more effective—and way more fun to give.

8. No one likes a sh*t-eater.

Yep. Literal. Disgusting. Also metaphorical.

This was a clear reminder to resist short-term “feel goods” you know aren’t aligned. If your gut (and your people) are saying “don’t go there,” trust them. That energetic ick (read: poop breath) can stick around longer than you’d like—and you may find yourself suddenly less popular.

9. If they didn’t acknowledge you… kiss them harder. (Figuratively.)

Libby doesn’t lick—she boops. With her nose. And if you ignore the first boop, she’ll keep trying. Slightly harder each time.

Eventually, the boop becomes a warning: I love you, and also I am MAD. But once I acknowledged her (“Thanks for the kisses!” or “Okay, Libby, that’s enough”), she would stop and go about her day.

There’s something beautiful in that. What if we all reminded our people, persistently but kindly, that we’re here? That we care? And what if we let people off the hook after being seen? More of that, please.

10. Play hard. Sleep harder. Hydrate.

I have never seen anyone love drinking water like Libby. She inspired me to hydrate more… and also earned herself a little water restriction after a vet visit. Balance.

11. Puppies are adorable, and I do not want one.

My partner and I had been talking about getting a dog before Libby’s visit. Now? We’re clear. So, so clear. That’s a no for us—for now, at least.

We’ve officially identified as cat people. And you know what? Being the fun, loving auntie to other people’s dogs is plenty for me.

12. Moms are superheroes.

There was a point during the week when I fully broke down—crying into my lunch, exhausted, worn down by pee clean-up, barking, and one very gross behavior I will not mention again.

My partner lovingly suggested I ask for help, and my mom swooped in to save the day. She took Libby for the afternoon so I could sleep and meet a few looming deadlines. When I picked Libby up, she looked me dead in the eye and said, “Yeah, her pee routine is a lot.” I felt so validated. Moms are the best.

To all the moms out there—whether you’re raising kids, puppies, or just holding it down for your people—you deserve medals and cake and hugs and a standing ovation.

If you’ve had a week like mine was—with emotional breakdowns, chaotic little creatures (human or not), or just a serious need for support—I’d love to offer you some space to breathe, laugh, and re-center.

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