Not only is it big, but there are adventures to be had here. After just a couple of steps, I catch the scent of the first rabbits and squirrels. I try to start running, when a rude jolt to my neck reminds me that Caroline got me something that I’m absolutely unaccustomed to: a sort of rope that she attached to my collar. Ouch! What kind of thing is this? I turn round, put the thing in my mouth and pull at it a bit. Caroline kneels down to me.

‘What’s going on, Hercules; don’t you like your new lead? Maybe you’ve never gone for a walk like this. I’m not at all sure whether a little dog like you can do this straight away – walk with a lead, I mean. But unfortunately, there are lead laws here, and I can’t just let you run around.’

When I hear ‘lead laws’, I start chomping at the rope even more frantically. Not that I know what the term means, but it definitely sounds like something aimed at dogs.

‘Tsk, tsk!’ Caroline says, and pats my head gently. I let go of the lead and look at her.

‘I think I’ll have to buy a book about dog training. Or maybe enrol you for a few hours of obedience classes? You’re the first dog I’ve ever owned. But yesterday I suddenly had the feeling it would be nice to have a friendly, loyal creature around me.’

OK, that business about dog training is of course absolute nonsense, and I hope Caroline realizes that herself. But the part about the friendly, loyal creature fits me to a T, as it does all von Eschersbach dachshunds. I would even go so far as to claim that we’re renowned for that. A von Eschersbach never leaves his owner. Never! Remember that, Carl-Leopold! I hear Grandpa’s words ringing in my ears. But what about if the owner leaves the dachshund? Grandpa would certainly have drawn a blank on that one too, I add grimly. Just as a bad mood comes over me, Caroline starts rustling around in her pocket and comes out with something. Hmm, not just any old thing. I know that smell! It’s pork sausage. Sure enough, that’s exactly what she’s holding under my nose.

‘Here, sweetheart. Let’s begin our first lesson in taking a walk with something you’ll like. I hope you like this.’

I grab the piece of sausage and jump up and down for joy. Caroline needs to know that this was definitely the right idea.

‘You like that, don’t you? Maybe we should stop the lead training for now and drop in on Daniel instead. It’s time for you to meet him. At this time of day he’s bound to be hard at work and might be grateful for a little change of pace.’