Oh yes, I'm a sucker for a sob story. Marley needs a home and I have a home. Marley's family circumstances have changed every couple of months of her fist year. They got her to breed her, so she needs a hysterectomy. And her ex parents have agreed to take care of the neutering. She also needs a microchip and her nails trimmed and her anal glands cleared and her teeth cleaned and her nails trimmed. All this is in her near future, but for now she's getting acquainted with Cyrus (he likes her) and Roscoe (he'll tolerate her) and Tassman (who will probably want to play with her). Marley needs training and I'm a good trainer. Marley is pretty damn cute and I've never had a little dog, nor a pure breed dog. I've always believed that a mixed breed is a less neurotic dog and less prone to breed problems. Marley will be one year old in August, so hopefully, Marley will be very trainable. But so far in her first night at my house, she woke me up every two hours. I was a good sport and took Marley outside to do her business, but Marley just wanted to explore the area around the house, or my feet or the deck, but Marley refused to pee or poop. So back to bed. First thing out of bed this morning I took Marley and Cyrus to pee. Then when I came in to pee, Marley squatted on the bathroom rug and peed right in front of me. I have a girlfriend who is very ill and is having a surgical procedure done today. So the plan was that she would come to my house at 10:30 this morning and I would take her to the hospital. This morning just as my friend sat down in a chair, Marley took a crap on the floor right in front of her.
So now the work of training begins. One of my friends lives three houses up the street. She is a Chihuahua mama. And like many little dog owners, she claims training a little dog is different than training a big dog. I don't believe that, mainly because I've had such a variety of big dogs. But also because there are all the aspects of dog evolution and genetics breeding to tell us that no matter what size or breed they are pack animals and need a pack leader to feel secure. I am the pack leader and I expect all the dogs in my pack to behave well. So Marley and I are going to have some serious potty training sessions over the next few days. I think one of the things that makes little dogs neurotic is that so many little dog owners treat their pint sized pups like tiny human babies who will be little babies forever. Well, Marley is going to be a smart, happy, secure, healthy dog member of the pack at Chez Savage.
And I start doing research on little Dachshunds now.
23 comments:
I have to babysit my sister's dog when she's at work from time to time and have come to have some degree of affection for the mutt.
The problem with him is that if you're too nice to him, he perceives that to mean that he's then allowed to shit in every room you inhabit. Sort of like the old phrase that no good deeds goes unpunished. So as long as I keep the doors closed and watch him like a hawk, he's alright.
Very funny comment. And the very best illustration of the No good deed rule. What kind of dog is he?
I haven't had to housebreak a dog in forever. This mammoth I have now, which was "dumped" in our neighborhood - came completely hospitable to the home. If I could only keep the damn cat from hacking all over the place, I would be happy. Good luck with the task and keep us abreast of the developments.
Congratulations! What a wonderful clan you have. For animal lovers all over the world, I thank you for watching over needy creatures.
You are very nice to take in another dog. How would you feel about a 13 year old boy, a 10 year old girl, four cats and a forty-something math teacher?
I assure you, all but one is perfectly potty-trained and we're hoping that he'll have it mastered soon.
Congratulations on your new companion! As you know, it's always hard at first - it takes time for them to become comfortable in their new home. But I'm sure you and Cyrus will have Marley feeling happy and secure in no time. Marley has certainly won the dog-momma lottery with you!
Thanks guys! Marly's acted like a real dog all afternoon and peed outside three times. I'm so proud. Marley is settling in very quickly. I treat her just like a real big dog and she's already beginning to act like a real big dog. Ms M came home from an afternoon at the pottery studio to have a cup of tea and as she opened the screen she awakend Marley from a nap. Marley barked ferociously with great gestures to go with the bark. Quite impressive, Marley!
Lisa, how about you just run away and come live with me.
Perfect. I'll bring some doggy treats, too.
Apparently Marley thinks it is entertaining to do her business on display. Marley will get with the program... dogs new to places/people may have a nervous reaction at first? Lets hope its just a quick adjustment.
Sweet doggy face & eyes.
How sweet is Marley!!
Well done you for giving the little thing a home, I wasted most of yesterday researching Basset Hounds and trying to convince the other half it would be a great idea to get a puppy, even though I know in my heart it is a no go as we both work full time and it would be completely unfair.
Good luck with the potty training, easier with dogs than with 3 legged, 7 year old cats such as my tripod.
Since moving to France with me, he has taken to leaving a big poo by the front door every morning..right next to the litter tray. All follow up poos for the day are then 'dropped off' in the designated cat loo.
I think he is protesting to not being able to go out anymore, which is unfortunate but completely out of my hands as we live in a flat on the first floor.
I keep asking him to level with me but he just doesn't seem to want to talk about it when I bring the subject up...
sigh.
Marley is cute!!
I have been rescuing English bulldogs for a while now - I totally get what drives a person to do this - and what a cute little Marley.
Have a great weekend!
Well Marley, They think you're cute, so I guess it's a go.
By the way, Marly is doing very well with the potty training and slept through the night. I had a bad dream and woke up early and had to wake Marly up to go outside. Quick work, no?
Sounds like you are off to a great start. He is adorable. I didn't realize you had more dogs than Cyrus. Have a great day and anyone who rescues dogs are my hero! I am so hooked on the tv show Dogtown. Have you seen it?
You big sap. Since you're in the sucker mood, and are taking Lisa's offspring, do you want mine? You can even make them pick up all the tree refuse off of your driveway.
What Pyzahn said!!!!
oh how wonderful.
max thinks he is a big dog and i've had 2 of my 3 boxers that i had, firmly believe they were small lap dogs and could fit under the furniture. the furniture took it badly, far worse than they did.
if i could just get max to calm down when people come to visit it would be a perfect little world petwise.
but he acts like the tazmainian devil of joy when someone stops by.
you are a good soul.
This is wonderful news, Utah. The first of 2 dogs in my life was a female dachshund called 'Liebchen'. Not only convinced she was a big dog, she was also very protective of her territory and her house mates. The breed name means badger hunter because they were bred to dig. Just as well they didn't call them rathunds or rabbithunds.
She is now totally comfortable and secure in her place. And what a character she is. Also potty trained in two days. Yea me, yea smart little Marley.
So nice that you are taking in Marley!
oooh, love that Mawley! Once she knows it's HER house, she won't be so inclined to pee/poop in it! That's the George Carlin dog rule (ie, no pooping in your own home; other homes are not included in the rule).
i just love little dachsaunds - there is one right next door to me and he just loves me and he especially loves carlos the cat - who cannot be bothered
you are an angel (anyone who can care so much for animals.....)
Post a Comment