Right now, Jake wants a tummy rub.

My friends have called Jake the perfect dog.

Loving, well behaved and 99 percent house-trained, Jake knows how to live life. At 12 or 13, he is going strong. He has to be in charge of Hope and Windy, stand watch, and love his mom and dad. Retirement is not in his future.

Jake is our first dachshund. A few years ago we had Angel Dog Alex, who was a dachshund-terrier mix. We learned from him that dachshunds seemed to be the ultimate cuddlers.

However, Jake also is assertive. He know when he wants dinner, or to go to bed, or to take a walk. But he is most assertive when he wants a treat. I admit — this is when I fail to be the pack leader. Yes, the perfect dog is a perfect nag.

Angel Dog Alex, a dachshund-terrier mix, had the best, and worst, traits of terriers and dachshunds.