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This post kicks off my new series of owner interviews. My hope is that this series will become a useful resource for people to learn about owner experiences.
Today’s interview is with Amber, the owner of a Whiphund (a Whippet Dachshund mix). Amber provides us with an insight into what it’s like to live with a Whiphund and gives useful advice for would-be Whiphund owners.
So without further fuss, here’s Amber’s interview.
Lilah the Whiphund
Hi Amber. Please Can You Tell us a Little About Your Whiphund?
I have a rescue Whiphund called Lilah and she is very smart, very stubborn and the most loving dog. Sadly she was abused by men at an early age, so in order to train that fear out of her I took her everywhere with me in a sling carrier. That way she felt safe and close to me when men would pet her.
Often though I regret how well trained she is because she’s a traitor and goes to ANY man to get love!
Did You Find Your Whiphund Easy to train?
It took almost 2 years to potty train her. Having a mix with both stubborn breeds definitely can test your patience. Lilah responds to the most random commands and knows them all very well:
- Sidewalk: she’s often off leash!
- Car seat: buckle your dog!
- Get dressed: dives headfirst.
- Up: she leaps up into our arms.
She’s trained in both verbal and hand commands. But… if she doesn’t want to do something, she does a very reluctant crawl that has me in stitches every single time.
What Are Some Characteristics About Whiphunds That Everyone Should Know?
Constant companionship is a requirement or they will be defiant… like destroying your door trying to escape or pee / defecate in the house.
Lilah HATES being alone. Even if it’s as short as walking to the car and back. However, much of this is probably down to me and not necessarily a fault of Whiphunds.
I’m a stay at home mom and am almost never gone for long periods of time. Therefore, it throws her off her routine when I’m out.
I’m sure you can crate train Whiphunds, but I don’t have the heart. I had tried crating her and she chewed off the lock, the D-ring AND ate through the door… all within 2 hours!
I also failed in the very beginning because I let her sleep with me. So now, she sleeps in my bed with me or with my daughter in her bed. Yes she has two separate beds… she is spoiled!
Lilah plays well with cats and dogs and knew not to hunt for my hamster when she would escape!
What Equipment / Accessories Would You Recommend For Whippet Dachshund Mixes?
Having everything together in an emergency bag helps keep things to a minimum in your home so you’re not constantly looking for things.
My dog Lilah has a Paw Patrol (Skye) themed emergency bag. We actually use it all the time because we often travel and we hang it on the back of the front seat headrest, which makes everything super easy and fast to access.
My Emergency bag contains:
- Tupperware bowls (for them to eat/drink out of).
- Water bottle.
- A toy.
- A dog blanket.
- Dove soap (it’s small and safe).
- A washcloth.
- A small towel or hand towel.
- Nail clippers.
- Qwick (stops bleeding).
- A leash.
- A collar with ID tags.
- Dog clothing (if needed).
- Pee pads (in case you don’t have outdoor access for any reason).
- Compostable poo bags.
- Information and updated records for each animal.
What Tips Do You Have For Potential Whippet Dachshund Mix Owners?
Whiphunds get cold very easily so I have sweaters on standby and baby blankets in each of her beds as well as the car.
I’m a bit of a prepper and have 3 day go bags for each animal as well as myself and my daughter. We’re in Southern California so fire central. I highly recommend everyone do this.
Always buckle your dog. They can become a flying object and snap your kid’s neck in a car accident. Even large dogs need to be buckled. Dogs deserve the same safety precautions as we do. Less injuries and less of a chance of fatalities.
Last but not least please get an emergency contact kit that includes a keychain or wallet card and stickers for your front and back door letting the emergency workers know your animals are in your home. They will even save your rodents if they know about them.
If there’s an emergency and you heaven forbid are in the hospital the emergency workers will know from your wallet insert or keychain that you have animals that need checked on.
3 month supply of meds (ask your vet, tell them why).
Summary
I’d like to thank Amber for taking the time to tell us about her Whiphund, Lilah. Visit my post about the Whippet Dachshund mix to find out more about this lovable cross.
Do you have any questions for Amber or would you like to know more about Whiphunds? Please leave your queries or comments in the comments section at the foot of this page.
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- How Fast Do Whippets Run?
- Why Do Whippets Shake?
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