In a small bowl, combine the warm water, yeast and the sugar, cover with a kitchen towel and let sit for about 5 minutes, until the mixture is frothy.

Pour the mixture into your electric mixer bowl, add the flour and the butter and mix until a soft dough forms.

Knead for 5 minutes with the dough hook attachment.

Form the dough into a ball, place in a greased bowl, cover and let rise in a warm spot for an hour, or until it has doubled in size.

Preheat your oven to 450 deg F and grease your baking sheets.

In a large pot, bring the 10 cups of water to a boil with the baking soda.

Take out your dough and divide it into 8 equal pieces.

Roll each piece into a rope long enough to wrap around the hot dog, pinching down the ends on either side.

Place the pretzel dogs in the boiling water (about 2 or 3 at a time, depending on the size of the pot) for 30 seconds, then take them out and place them on your prepared baking sheets, and brush them with your egg wash (whisk together 1 egg and 1 tbs of water), and sprinkle with salt or poppy seeds.

Bake for 12 to 14 minutes, or until the pretzel dogs are golden brown!