Recently a reader wrote in and asked advice on naming her new pet. Naming your pet is one of the most intimate experiences you will have with your new best friend. So choose a name you really like as you will be saying it a lot. 

Don't be in a hurry to name your pet. You can take your time. Observe your dog's personality. Watch it play. Watch it interact with other people and other animals.

Some people choose a name that reflects their new pets physical characteristics. For instance, you could affectionately call this breed of dog shorty, doxie or low rider. My brother's small dapple dachshund is very appropriately named "Lil Bit", and he could have very easily named him Spot! Or  you could do the reverse if you have a good sense of humor and use a name that indicates a large breed such as Max or Hulk or Xena.

If you have a petite little female as is common with this breed, the name could reflect how dainty she is, such Precious or Princess or Daisy or Crystal. I have a small miniature dachshund which I affectionately call "Minnie" for obvious reasons.

If your pet is AKC registered maybe that name may come into play. Our standard red dachshund's AKC middle name is Kahlua reflecting the color of his coat, so we nicknamed him "Louie".

Some people prefer to go with more traditional names such as Sam or Hank or Lucky, or for the girls - Sally or Peggy or Debbie. And some people like to give names that are funny or just plain fun to say.

The name of your pet could also reflect their personality. A precious little girl dog could be named Angel. My brother also has a big boxer which is named Bruno which totally fits him. 

If you are an avid sports fan as I am, you could always name your pet after your favorite team such as Buck for the Tampa Bay Bucaneers or Ray after the Tampa Bay Rays baseball team. Or after your favorite player on the team.

So be creative. Brainstorm. Ask your friends and family members for suggestions. And have fun!

Recent Study Affirms Benefits of Dogs in the Workplace

WASHINGTON — The Humane Society of the United States encourages employers to implement programs to allow dogs in the workplace, and a recent study conducted by Central Michigan University confirms the benefits of such programs. The new research found that when dogs were present in a group, employees were more likely to trust each other and collaborate more effectively in the office.

 "It's heartening when research confirms our instincts and our practices," commented Jennifer Fearing, co-author of Dogs at Work: A Practical Guide to Creating Dog-Friendly Workplaces and California senior state director for The Humane Society of the United States. "We heartily agree with the positive impact that dogs can have on workplace morale, collaboration and productivity. The more than 50 dogs that 'work' in The HSUS offices every day have been a huge boost that more companies should be enjoying."

The CMU study involved several experiments; one involving groups of four individuals, some with or without dogs. Each group member was charged with a fake crime, and surveyed to see if they would report their fellow group members. Groups with dogs present made employees 30 percent less likely to report each other, showing that canine co-workers make for a more cohesive and trustworthy workplace environment. To assist employers in implementing a dogs at work program, Humane Society Press, the publishing division of The HSUS, published Dogs at Work: A Practical Guide to Creating Dog-Friendly Workplaces, the definitive guide to creating a business environment where employees' dogs are welcome.

Authors Fearing and Liz Palika present the tangible benefits of dog-friendly policies and provide step-by-step advice on obtaining management buy-in, setting fair procedures and protocols, and dealing with any concerns about dog-friendly policies in the workplace. Dogs at Work also includes detailed advice about how to prepare dogs for the office environment, provides sample policies and handouts and provides two comprehensive case studies describing successful dog-friendly workplaces.

The 202-page soft-cover book, Dogs at Work, lists for $21.95 and is available for purchase at humanesociety.org/hspress.

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Follow The HSUS on Twitter. See our work for animals on your iPhone by searching "HumaneTV" in the App Store.

The Humane Society of the United States is the nation's largest animal protection organization — backed by 11 million Americans, or one of every 28. For more than a half-century, The HSUS has been fighting for the protection of all animals through advocacy, education and hands-on programs. Celebrating animals and confronting cruelty — On the Web at humanesociety.org.

Well today was a very rainy and overcast day so the wieners were not real excited about going outside to frolich, at all. Instead they choose to sleep and snuggle and cuddle all day. For everyone who owns a dachshund, you know these dogs love to tunnel under whatever is on your bed - sheets, blankets, comforters, pillows - whatever is there. And they do it so intently it is just a riot! They burrow and roll around and bury themselves for quite a few minutes until they are certain they have just the right spot!!

I began walking a few years ago due to sugar, cholesterol and weight issues and it really helped. it is so much more enjoyable if you do so with a friend - whether that is a person or a canine! If no one is available then you can always grab you ipod or mp3 player and get lost in the music to pass the time. It makes me walk a whole lot longer. Also where you choose to talk is important as to how long you will walk. Going to a park located along the water is very relaxing or across a bridge rather than a busy road with a lot of traffic to watch for. Walk on!