New Family Members

No, it's not a baby. Well, not a human baby anyway.
Our 8 year old has been asking for a dog since she was, well, born. So my husband, of all people said,
"I think we should get her a dog for her birthday."
"Seriously?!" I said. "How do yout hink that will make our other daughter feel? She has been asking for a dog too, since forever."
"Well get her in on it and make it a surprise." He said.
I didn't think it would work but it did. She was very excited at the prospect of surprising her little sister with the coolest present EVER. Plus, I'm sure she figured that she would reap the benefits of a puppy too.

Now keep in mind I realized that this would mean more work for me, being the one who is home and a grown-up and stuff. But I'm at a point where that is ok. Well, we rescued the best pup EVER from MiracleDogRescue. He is a little mini dachshund something mix. Smart as a whip and just a little cute.
Our daughter named him Arthur.

I was reading some stuff on why little dogs tend to be snappy and yappy and why that is. It turns out that 99% of the problems stem from how people treat the dogs. Entertain this:
A little dog jumps on you or up on your lap, growls at someone or barks in their tiny voice at a big dog or one of your guests. Ahhh how cute, he trying to be a big doggie.
Now picture a doberman or rottweiler doing the same thing. It is cute? No! It's a problem. Well guess what, to the dog, it is exactly the same thing, regardless of their size. Both are showing dominant behavior. For the big dog it's a problem that gets addressed, for the tiny dog it isn't considered a big deal because they are cute. But it is a big deal. I don't like most dogs because they lack respect and training and knowledge of certain boundaries.

Reading this was a big relief because it made a lot of sense to me. Dogs should never be allowed to exhibit dominate behavior no matter how big they are. That includes walking on a lead. They should never walk out in front (leader of the pack) they must always walk next to you or behind you. I don't think I know a single dog, of all my friend's dogs, that knows how to walk properly on a leash!

I'm looking forward to helping this little adorable bundle of love be the biggest small dog on the block. Well behaved, well adjusted, knowing his place in our "pack."

For more fabulous dog tips, check out this insightful website:
THE HUMAN DOG
The number one biggest mistake dog owners can make with their dogs is to treat them like humans. The human race is such a kind, compassionate species that we tend to look at our canine companions as little humans. When in reality, they are canines and have a very different thought process. This is what differentiates mankind from other species in pack societies; there must be a specific order, from the leader on down to the last follower. Everyone has a place. The leaders are the strength of the pack. The followers need the leader to guide them. This primal instinct keeps the pack secure and happy...