Thanks- I am eager to learn more about this breed and dogs in general. Been a long time since I had one-:D

If there is cat odor hanging around, get Natures Miracle for Cats. It's is a miracle.

Oh, great stuff! It worked for me!

I stopped peeing on the doggy door.

:D

Ok- so I have a few more questions.....

He doesn't bark. I mean hardly ever! Quietest dog I have ever seen. He has barked twice I know of- once when he got agitated at my mom's dog. Then he barked at my dad when he came home yesterday (he spent the day there)

Is that normal?

He doesn't drink much water. I am worried about that- he eats, he pees and he poops- but I almost never see him drink water! Though I have seen him eat snow and drink some milk the cat left behind- how do I encourage him to drink? Is his behavior normal? Will he drink when he needs it?

Every now and then he huffs, almost like he is going to throw up. He does not do this often and I have heard that some breathing issues are normal for the breed?

He has a check up at the vet this coming Saturday-so I will also take these up with them.

Some dogs are just quiet. Believe me, be thankful he's on that extreme vs. one that barks if a snail crosses your front yard. He may start to bark more in time as he feels more comfortable in your home and decides that it is indeed his territory. Right now he may just be feeling like too much of a visitor to have the right to bark much.

He'll drink when he needs to. As long as he knows where the water is, it shouldn't be a problem.

I wouldn't worry. The barking will come when he gets more comfortable with his surroundings - at some point that he will "find his voice". Cherish the silence.

As far as the not drinking is concerned - it's a little more worrisome, but definitely not serious. As long as he's excreting regularly - he's getting his fluid somewhere. Are you feeding him wet or dry food? If you're only feeding him dry (which is actually recommended for dogs - esp. small ones) and he's not drinking, you might be a little concerned.

I'm sure you're a great doggy mommy, Nephy. Plus, according to today's news, owning a dog is beneficial to your health.

Having children, on the other hand...

Thanks GD and MP-

I will check with the vet about the drinking thing- he is on dry food and he will drink. It's just that he doesn't do it as often as I would think he needs to....

Last night he fell asleep curled up on my chest like a human baby- all tucked in a ball. Sweet little thing- he likes to sleep under, and I mean totally under- a small blanket.

I just love that little doggy face-those big eyes. "cuddle me, feed me, hug me!"

Yay on the new doggy!

(As long as he is peeing regularly, I wouldn't worry about how much he is drinking. Generally you only need to be worried if he goes 24 hours without peeing.)