My adorable, but bratty doxies!

Question
Hi Cindy, first of all I have to say that I'm obsessed with dachshunds!  I absolutely love them.  I have a 3 year old red short hair female, Gabbie and a 1 and a half year old black and tan male, Rudy.  I got Rudy about a year ago from petfinder (he was rescued from a breeder).  Anyway, I absolutely adore them, they are my life.  They are so sweet to my family and I, but they hate strangers! I know a lot of dachshunds are like this, but I don't know what to do to help them.  Whenever I take them anywhere, even to go outside they growl and bark at anyone that walks by, including other dogs.  It's so embarassing!  I try taking them to petstores to get them more socialized and they're actually pretty good there (I think because they're scared).  I'm just afraid that one day they're going to bite someone.  Do you have any suggestions?  Thanks so much!

Answer
My dogs do not like strangers either - they are all rescues.  Only 1 is friendly.  They are all rescues.  It will take a lot of patience.  Try taking them one at a time to see how that works too since they may make each other anxious too.  Being scared does not mean they will bite but you must be careful - I have one that I think may bite so I keep him from strangers but I have had people come up and pet him - I just watch his mouth and hold his head.  My dogs go on vacation with me now.  They love it.  It took a LOT of car rides for them to stop barking at people and even now they will bark like crazy unless they go our regularly on little trips.  They will also bark if someone walks by the car but they settle down quicker now.  I started out putting them in a large wire crate so they could see out and yet feel safer in the car and I left them there when I would go to the grocery store or something.  You must be careful when leaving dogs in your car - especially when the weather gets warm because the car heats up fast so I never take them and leave them if it is warm outside - they go for rides with the AC on only.  I also walk them at a nearby park that allows dogs.  Just remember that they are afraid and that they did not have a happy life until they came there - it makes it easier to deal with them.  No need to be embarrassed - lots of people go out with very bratty kids!  You can also try Rescue Remedy - give to them before going out abt half an hour.  I used it when I had a dog afraid of thunder storms and it worked well for her.  Lots of love and patience!