Yesterday was National Puppy Day, so what's life like with a puppy?
Well, he joined us on Halloween...looks like an angel, but don't be fooled, there's a little devil in there ;)
He wants to be in the centre of whatever we are doing. Really, even the most mundane things he's finds exciting...removal of washing, from the washing machine, is particularly interesting.
He loves to chew, anything and everything. He has lots of chew toys but mums best cardy is preferable.
Oh those eyes, that face...very hard to stay cross for long. Although I did last a good 30 minutes after the cardy episode. Swore too.
He just loves tummy tickles.
He didn't sleep for the first three weeks we had him, we stuck things out as we didn't want him in our bedroom. He sleeps in his crate downstairs. I still feel like I'm catching up with my sleep.
We laugh so much with him. He is forever the comedian.
He's desperate to be Minnie's best friend, she's having none of it and blanks him completely (although I do think she secretly loves to tease him).
He loves eating plants, especially those just popping up from the ground. Urrrrgggghhhh.
He's just loves tummy tickles.
When you walk through the door he makes you feel like you're the most important person in the world.
He could whip up a meringue with his wagging tail.
He could quite possibly fly with those ears.
He's very vocal, that's a polite way of saying he's noisy...we have yet to successfully teach him the quiet command (I'm not sure we ever will).
He's very clever, I think more than I am. No definately more than I am.
He's quick, very quick, again much quicker than I am...but then most of the world is.
Have I said he loves tummy tickles.
He's taught my little family that germs, especially those on the end of a long doxie tongue, aren't too bad, and that a bit of unpredictability isn't too bad either. I will be eternally grateful for this.
He just loves to play catch, he can play catch for hours...and hours...and hours. Trouble is, he hasn't yet learnt that a human has to be allowed to pick up ball, prior to throwing it.
He hates getting his harness and lead on, but then once he is out, all is forgiven.
He loves humping, anything and everything. Especially my leg. It's quite disgraceful really, and makes outings embarrassing. He's a very uninhibited dog. (He has the snip in a few months, I'm really hoping this helps curb his urges).
He really loves tummy tickles.
He's never happier than when he's by your side, or in a pool of sunshine, or eating one of his favourite treats, or curled up on his blanket, or playing catch, or running after the squirrels in the garden, or sniffing in the woods. In fact, I think he's happy just about every minute!
So life with Otto, full on, to say the least. We are still adjusting. I have to say that I think it's been much, much harder than having my babies. We thought long and hard about having a dog, years really. Would I do it again, probably not, if I'm honest, well not with a puppy. I don't think chronic fatigue and puppyhood are the best combination. Perhaps an older rescue dog would have been better? Otto however, is getting older, he's changing all the time, eventually he will slow down more to my pace, (in about ten years!). He is making me more mobile, which was one of our reasons to get a dog. I manage a short walk with him most days, and he gets his longer walks with other family members.
Life with Otto, funny, exhausting, noisy, full of love. Well, that's the beep of the washing machine...must go, Otto and I need to get the washing out!
Have a lovely Easter weekend!
Amanda :) xxx
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He loves his Human and his Human loves him. He is gorgeous. I especially love the picture of him laying in his bed with the blue stripy blanket.
ReplyDeleteJulie xxxxxxx
That was his blanket from his breeder, it had his mum and siblings scent on it, he chewed it! We do love him ;) xxx
DeleteI think Otto is just adorable. I love him...
ReplyDeleteWhat a cuty.
Love,
Mirjam
He's certainly oozes cuteness Mirjam ;) xxx
DeleteHe'a adorable!
ReplyDeleteOur little girl turned our life's upside down but I wouldn't change it for the world, she really is my fur baby. And...after months of consideration we have decided to mate her and keep one of her pups, yikes! We'll know in about 2 weeks if she's pregnant, nail biteing times. But what's even scarier is she might have 8? Thank goodness she's a small dog. 🐶😊
How exciting...my girls keep saying we should mate Otto, I'd be too afraid I wouldn't be able to resist one of his puppies though! ;) xxx
DeleteDogs are lovely. Otto is lovely but I just think it is a shame that there are so many health issues as a result of breeding pedigree animals, or perhaps over-breeding is more what I mean. Breeders just go too far and the result is animals with very distressing health problems. I was distressed to find out that Cavalier King Charles spaniels sometimes have brains that grow too big for their skulls, due to breeding. My family used to have one many years ago. Breathing issues are common in dogs too.
ReplyDeleteIt is too upsetting having animals suffer from spinal and hip complaints that are bred into them which Dachshunds frequently do. For that reason I would only have a non pedigree dog. The fact that a dog was able to win best in category at Crufts (the German Shepherd) when it was obviously suffering is outrageous and just encourages breeders to not give a thought to the poor animal. Dachshunds suffer from having those little legs and an overlong spine. It looks cute but I'm not sure that is what should be important.
I know what you are saying anonymous. We did rule out several breeds because of health problems, due to years of breeding methods. A miniature dachshund was my daughters choice, and we chose a reputable breeder, one that had DNA checks done, Otto doesn't have the gene that causes so many back issues with dachshunds. From an owner point of view we will keep his weight healthy, make sure he gets regular walks and treat any medical needs quickly. He's not allowed upstairs and the steps in the garden were especially designed to accommodate his long length. I hope he will have a long happy life and not be plagued with health conditions, only time will tell. Should we have purchased a dog that's been breed in this way? You have a valid question there :) xxx
DeleteA lovely post you wrote there. However bad he has been, how could you resist that face? He's gorgeous xx
ReplyDeleteI know...he knows it too! ;) xxx
DeleteWhat a sweetheart, so cute, if we ever have a dog again, I would go for the same breed x
ReplyDeleteThey are certainly a lot of fun! ;) xxx
DeleteLoved reading this Amanda, especially your last paragraph. We went to look at some rescue centres last weekend - I felt so emotional! But as we have a holiday coming up (just Cornwall) they have advised us to wait until after this, which makes sense. So we'll be back looking in May. Thinking about smallish dog under 5. I think you've persuaded me to avoid a puppy! But Otto is completely and utterly adorable. Z xxx
ReplyDeleteI would hold off on a puppy Zoe, it's very difficult with the fatigue especially if you want to give them everything they need and be a good owner! I think a rescue dog sounds ideal, there are so many unwanted dogs out there that need good homes. I've been looking at the Borrow My Doggy organisation, they have volunteers who can help families look after their dogs, bit like a dog sitting service, for when I have really bad days :) xxx
DeleteI guess any pet changes your way of life. They do bring comfort and pleasure too and Otto does have a cute face. Minnie still looks quite content. Have a good weekend, don't think gardening will get done this long weekend judging by the weather forecast.
ReplyDeleteHe's lovely Alison, we do love him loads. Minnie is fine as long as there's food, cuddles and somewhere comfy to sleep :) xxx
DeleteOtto sounds like a wonderful companion, especially for someone who is home a lot, a really happy friend to have with you! Don't you just love how dogs are always happy and pleased to see you no matter what, their unconditional love is wonderful isn't it. xx
ReplyDeleteThey really do think us humans are the bees knees don't they! ;) xxx
DeleteYou have some amazing photos of Otto. The one of him leaping in the snow, ears aloft actually made me snort with laughter. Sounds like there's never a dull moment with a puppy like Otto around. Although sounds like hard work in some ways too. But I'm sure the companionship & love given to you by your dog makes you forgive anything. Even cardi-eating!
ReplyDeleteI love that shot too, I was laughing that much at him leaping about in the snow it's a wonder I managed to get any photos! ;) xxx
DeleteYour lines are so full of love for this dog,
ReplyDeletethis is so wonderful to read about.
Give a hug to your Cutie
and have a beautiful Easter-Weekend, too.
Angela
Thank you so much Angela...hope you have a lovely weekend too :) xxx
DeleteHe is honestly as cute as a button, absolutely gorgeous. Especially that picture of him flying through the snow. Good job you're telling me about the harder bits otherwise I'd go out and get one just like him tomorrow. CJ xx
ReplyDeleteIt is hard work but I'm sure it will all be worth it...eventually! ;) xxx
DeleteYou forgot to mention how photogenic he is! My Mr. Darcy would rather eat dirt than have his pic taken lol - a good shot takes forever. Your little man is one handsome dude :)
ReplyDeleteThat should have been number one point! :) xxx
DeleteReading your reply to a comment above I don't think there can be any doubt that you're a responsible owner and you made sure to buy from an equally responsible breeder.
ReplyDeleteI've had dogs all my life (67 years) and had both puppies and adult rescue dogs. Both have their pros and cons although both are equally lovable! Yes, a puppy can be exhausting when you've not got full health but an adult rescue dog can have it's problems too due to previous owners.
The Parsons Jack Russell we have now was an adult rescue dog, 5 years old when we got him 5 years ago. He's obviously had hard times and is still nervous of certain things and still needs reassurance at times. But overall he's such a happy chap with so much love to give, his most favourite thing is a cuddle.
About Otto's urges - the snip will certainly put an end to that! It can take a few weeks after the op to have full effect.
Have a lovely Easter. I'm hoping to be out in the garden tomorrow but there's rain forecast for Saturday.
Thanks Jan, I do hope we are. My sisters has a rescue dog so we understand the challenges they can bring, although her dog is adorable. I think it's just the extra energy a puppy needs that's a bit of a challenge for me. I do hope the snip helps, it must be very frustrating for him! :) xxx
DeleteOtto has certainly woven himself into the family, looks as if butter would not melt in his mouth but we all know that is not true
ReplyDeleteYou have him well and truly Sussex out. Yes, he's certainly in the fabric...usually eating it! ;) xxx
DeleteHe is so...sweeeeeeeeet :-))) that you can forgive him everything and, it seems he is good company!
ReplyDeleteHappy Easter, Amanda to you and to all your dearest!
Miriam
He's great company Miriam, in fact I have some really good conversations with him! ;) xxx
DeleteOtto is adorale but no I don't think I could handle all the energy that a puppy has. You deserve a medal! I have two cats and that's enough for me. I hope you and your family have a wonderful Easter!!
ReplyDeleteHe he Judy! ;) xxx
DeleteThose are such lovely pictures of Otto! I do agree that puppies although so adorable are hard work. They are so full of energy and want to explore their new and exciting world. The snip didn't make a big difference with us. We have had rescue dogs too which can also be challenging. Sarah x
ReplyDeleteYour right Sarah, there's challenges with both, just wish my energy levels we the same as his! ;) xxx
DeleteI grew up with 50 dachs - my mother bred, showed and judged them. They are lovely little dogs but very wilful and quite hard to train.... They are true hound dogs despite their size. He'll be inquisitive and love to hunt, chase, dig - and bark, all his life. I'd love a dachs now - a standard wire haired, I think.
ReplyDeleteHe has a real zest for life Stephanie, when we take him out for walks he's constantly sniffing, it good really because we walk at quite a slow pace! ;) xxx
DeleteAw love this, he's adorable! Love the picture of him flying in the snow.
ReplyDeleteHave a lovely weekend and a wonderful Easter. xx
Think we should have called him Dumbo ;) xxx
DeleteOh he is so adorable. Iw would put up with all of that too if I had him. But then again I'm a sucker when it comes to dogs.
ReplyDeleteMe too! ;) xxx
DeleteHe is such a cutie, and his name..... is just perfect.
ReplyDeletePlease blog often about this Sweetie Pie and his cat mate.
Have a blessed Easter
maria
Thank you Maria, I'm sure they will both pop up often ;) xxx
Deletereading this reallly made me laugh ! most of it sounds so familiar too ! Sausage dogs - whats not to love (apart from the inapropriate humping!)Otto is gorgeous xxx
ReplyDeleteVery inappropriate, I do hope the snip helps! ;) xxx
DeleteHe is such a cutie, you will forgive him anything. I keep thinking we should have another dog … it's been a long time since our old springer left us aged 14 years. But we would be away too much I guess, and …. ah well, maybe it's too late now.But I often do hanker for a dog around the house again…. Lxxx
ReplyDeleteYou can borrow otto any time Lynne ;) xxx
DeleteSuch a beautiful boy! Interesting reading your thoughts, ETA on our new puppy is end of May, I am beyond excited...but also slightly terrified...! X
ReplyDeletePuppies are hard work but they aren't puppies forever! ;) xxx
DeleteOh, but goodness me, he's just SO CUTE. And I bet that gets him out of all sorts of trouble. We've been going back and forth about whether to get a dog for a year or so now, and think that an older, rescue dog (retired greyhound perhaps) might suit us better than a puppy. But goodness me I like Otto very much. xx
ReplyDeleteI think if I wasn't so fatiqued then I would have been fine with having a puppy, but there are so many unwanted dogs out there that deserve a loving home :) xxx
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