Early Christmas family gift

Papa introducing Porter to the kids for the first time.

A little bit (about 10 lbs) of Christmas came early this year to the Linden household.  Saturday December 3rd we surprised the kids with a new member of our family.  Porter joined us in full holiday spirit sitting pretty on papa's lap. The kids, when they saw this, didn't really react. We expected screeching and jumping, but we got nothing. Come to discover, they thought it was a stuffed animal. He was so calm, and relaxed. And what a cutie! He's so adorable, and for the most part a good dog. We've had a handful of small accidents in the house, but we're trying hard to remain positive about his housebreaking training.

Porter in  front of his crate.

I'm finishing a book called How to Housebreak Your Dog in 7 Days. It's short and sweet, and has some great simple techniques. We have a pen set up in the basement which contains his crate, a soft bed and lots of toys.  He loves, loves, loves to chew everything.  I've caught him mouthing the kitchen chair legs, bottom of the kitchen table leg, and even the corner of cabinets. Having a plethora of toys available for him all around come in handy, so that when I do catch him in the act of chewing something he's not supposed to chew, I just distract him with one of his toys.  Seems to be working so far.

What I'm finding this week is that keeping an eye on him is exhausting. Although he's on a lease upstairs with me, I'm constantly looking for him to see what he's doing. It's consuming and reminds me somewhat of having a very young child.  I haven't really 'puppy proofed' the house yet; but as he goes for something, I move it.

All in all, he's one cute puppy who will grow into an adorable, dependable family pet. And I'm looking forward to having him with us for many, many loving years to come.