I own a 4 month old mini dashund. He is great. Potty trained, crate trained, and he has a great personality. My husband and I have began to talk about getting another one from the same breeder in May when they have their next litter. But then this happened.

A co-worker (who I have become friends with) has a miniture as well named Ollie (almost 2 years old). Ollie is actually the reason we got our dog. On a family emergency my friend asked if I could take Ollie for a couple of weeks (ended up being a month), when Ollie was only 9 weeks old. So we had him from 9-13 weeks...while he was with us we worked on housebreaking and crate training. While he was not as easy as Tuscany (our dog), it was really not that bad. And when he went back home he was housebroken, and sleeping in his crate at night. My heartbreak at giving him back was what prompted us to get Tuscany.

Anyway, Ollie's Mom came to me on Monday and said that they are getting rid of Ollie because he is a bad dog. He is messing in the house again, refuses to get into his crate, and barks continuously. She is taking him to the pound because she can't take it anymore. Her boys are heartbroken, but she says she can't have that dog in her house. It kills me because he was such a nice puppy. She has asked me if I would like to take him. I don't know what to do!!

Will Ollie's bad habits be something we can break? Will they rub off on Tuscany? We do want another dog, but I am just not sure if this is the way to go? I can't stand the thought of him going to a pound. HELP!!

labman

I hope it works out good for Ollie. I think it will if they give him the structure and leadership dogs need.

Our house has been a revolving door for dogs in the dog guide program for years. Most recently we took in a couple of 7 week old Goldens, the one staying over a week. Usually our puppies are happy to have some body to play with, but some of them are not too happy about sharing their people and toys with the visitors. Aster could always do without the visitors, and complains anytime the young hellions get within 4 feet of her.

Tuscany

Labman,

Tuscany was fine with the toys and such. But, it was the lap time that he did not like to share. If Ollie was on my lap and Tuscany on my husband's Tuscany would immediately try to come and get Ollie off of my lap. He never bit or growled, just sort of pushed him.

It makes me nervous as we try and start a family. I have started carrying a doll around every now and then. I sit with the doll, call the doll the baby. Just to get him used to seeing me with a small child. Do you know if this works?

labman

I can't say. I don't see how it can hurt. The essential thing is good leadership as I keep saying. They give a link to children and dogs at the Establishing and Keeping Alpha Position site I frequently suggest.

Oh, congratulations. I was much lower on the dog learning curve when our children were born. In fact, much of what I know, I first learned taking our youngest to 4-H.

Tuscany

Thanks so much.

Actually I have learned so much from being here and reading all of your posts. So again Thank you!!