Big Paws Only Dog Forums

OH MY GOODNESS!!!  I want to smooch those puppy toes.  What precious pictures.

Hello there.  I can PROMISE you that if you take the pup's for a very long walk together before you allow them to "play" that will give them the chance to get to know one another while also establishing you as the pack leader.  I'm a huge believer in Cesar Milan and that was his advice for introducing a new member to your pack.  We did that very same thing with Tonka when we brought him into our family.  He was 2 1/2 years old and we introduced him to Gracie (1 year) and Rosco (6 mo) without a hitch due to the walk.  If done properly (meaning you do not allow them to walk ahead of you or pull you or attempt to engage in play or aggression with one another)for at least a good 45 minutes to an hour while walking that will make a huge difference. He also recommends that you try to avoid too much affection in the beginning.  This too will teach the new dog his rules and it will also show the other pet that you are in control therefore your existing pet will not feel the need to take control and teach him on his own.  One more thing.  Avoid too much excitement.  Try not to use high pitched overly affectionate voices or yelling for that matter.  That helps too.   

We also have our puppy in the crate still while Gracie and Tonka have run of the house during the day.  When we let Gracie finally have run of the house we did it by letting her out maybe an hour at a time (when we ran an errand or two) here and there.  That way we were able to gauge how she would do.  Also if they are getting plenty of exercise then you shouldn't really have to worry too much about them destroying the house or unwanted elimination.  Though that too I also believe is a case by case issue.  I know of a BPO'er here who can attest to that one.  

I certainly wish you luck and congratulation s on your new addition.  I can't wait to see pictures.

I love Marley so much.  What a mug that dude has.  Tell him I love him! 

I can see how much that would bother you.  We actually call Gracie our "mini mastiff" as she's a year and a half and she's pushing a whopping 95 lbs at about 26 inches.  The standard states that females should be about 27 1/2 inches and about 120 to 170 pounds.  You know I don't really know what will help you not be so annoyed with the silly comments.  Now I too am extremely sensitive to comments about my pets and sometimes I think I may SNAP at the next dork who asks me if Gracie is a boxer.  Another way I can sort of relate is I'm totally over the "where is that horse's saddle" comments we get for Tonka, our Great Dane.  But we manage.  We've turned it into a game and just keep a continuing running tally of the comments.  54 since we got him about 2 months ago.    Also it makes me laugh when people ask what breed Rosco is.  We oblige and state he's our Toy German Shettwieller.  So, just keep a fun attitude and shake'em off.  I personally think that maybe I'm a bit jaded on size as if you really stop to consider the height and weight of our dogs, even if they are on the smaller side of the scale, they are still rather BIG.  And Sierra to me is no exception.  I think SIERRA IS PERFECT AND ABSOLUTELY STUNNING.  As you stated, you are very lucky and so is she to have one another and if her size never grows beyond where she is now, to me that would make her that much more special and unique.  Your dainty gorgeous princess Sierra.  By the way, her pictures are all beautiful.  I sort of like the short do..  She wears it very well.   But I am extremely excited to see all her beautiful locks grow back in.  Hang in there.  You may have a small Newf but she totally outweighs her size in personality and beauty.       

Oh Mabel.      You will be missed sweet girl and to the family you are all in my thoughts.  Mark, your efforts were not in vain.  You are for sure Mabel's hero and savior in her heart forever now.  As is the rest of the family.  Big hugs to you all. 

I never get around to making scrapbooks    But, I have saved all the baby teeth I found from all my "kids" human and fur.  They are in my jewelry box with my other valuable gems 

HA HA HA!!!!  This is good.  It's funny because that is where Gracie's little pearls are.   

HA HA HA!!!!!!!!!!!!!  Those are so funny.  I think they belong on "The reason dog's bite" site.  They are super cute.