It’s only been a month since we brought our chocolate brown Sproodle pup Dixie home, but she’s already taken over our lives in so many ways.
I can barely remember what it was like before she arrived.
If you’re thinking about getting a dog, there are a few things to bear in mind…
The fanciest toys are never the most fun
She might only be 12 weeks old, but Dixie has already acquired quite the collection of toys. Usually they can be found spread out across the living room floor, as she enjoys scuttling back and forth to her bed and retrieving one toy after another.
But the ones she gets the most enjoyment from don’t cost much at all…
Whether it’s a plastic bottle, an ice cube, or a cardboard box, she loves chasing them endlessly round the house, just waiting for the right moment to pounce.
Tummy rubs are epic
There’s not much cuter than a puppy sprawled out on her back begging for a tummy rub, legs waving around in the air.
And I can’t help but oblige.
If you can’t hear them, they’re up to something…
…in Dixie’s case, that usually means doing a poo underneath the dining room table.
When your dog is small, you’ve got to keep an eye on them. It’s exhausting, but it’s worth it if you don’t want to be cleaning up endless messes from the carpet.
Small spaces are the place to be
Dixie loves to explore, particularly underneath the furniture. She’s spent hours crawling underneath the bookshelves – have you ever seen a war film with a training sequence, where the soldiers are crawling through the mud, dragging themselves along on their forearms? That’s exactly what she looks like during that particular manoeuvre.
She also enjoys worming her way behind the sofa and trying to come out the other side. No matter how many times she gets stuck, she never learns that she’s getting too big!
When the need to chew strikes, nothing is off limits
If you’re particularly attached to your clothes, shoes or even your ankles, keep them away from your puppy’s razor sharp little shark teeth.
Puppies bite and chew a lot. It isn’t because they’re badly behaved, it’s how they learn and experience much of the world around them.
That’s why it’s worth buying plenty of sturdy toys, so when the dog is attached to your shoelaces, you can shove a toy in their mouth instead.
The house will never be clean again
Admittedly, I’m not the most meticulous when it comes to housework, but I do like having a clean and (reasonably) tidy house. Unfortunately, that’s not very compatible with Dixie and her dirty little puppy feet whenever they come scurrying back in from the garden, leaving bits of grass and leaves in their wake.
There are only so many times a day you can hoover and mop the floor.
Puppy cuddles are the best
Nothing beats snuggling up with that furry little hot water bottle as they enjoy a snooze. Dixie makes the cutest noises when she’s asleep, and I love watching her feet twitch as though she’s dreaming about chasing rabbits.
Dogs can be so trusting and affectionate – it’s hard not to fall completely in love with that.
Do you have a dog in your family? I’d love to hear all about them in the comments.
Rachel says
Your dog is absolutely adorable and makes me want one so, so bad! Also loving your new blog design!! R xx
Amy Lord says
Thanks Rachel, glad you like it (and Dixie!)
Ellie Crossley says
This post made me giggle because I went through it all with my labrador a few months ago! Ahh the memories…
Amy Lord says
It’s great having a dog, even the times when they’re hard work!