Announcing our puppy... Hunter!

Yesterday we picked up our miniature dachshund puppy from a private breeder and family in Durham (near Chico). It was a LONG day and we are so glad to be home with him.

After a lot of discussion, trials, and changing our minds, we decided to name him Hunter because of his love of sniffing, his breed, and it just seemed to fit. Not to mention we happen to love that name. Part of our struggle was that one of our good friends has a dog named Hunter too, and we struggled with naming our dogs the same thing, but she was sweet enough to give her blessing on it. Thanks Lindsay!

He is about 4 pounds, about the length of my foot, and should grow to be about 11 pounds as an adult. We are working on several main commands with him such as Leave It, Outside, Inside, and Hurry Up (for the bathroom). So far he seems to be doing pretty well with listening and mostly with obeying. :) He is very affectionate and curious, which we like, because he so far he hasn't been scared by anything. One of his favorite friends he has met at our house so far has been the broom. We are working with him becoming comfortable sleeping alone and in his crate for naps and nighttime.

We have some pictures and short videos for you to enjoy!

Leaving the breeder's home with Hunter!

I held him in the back for the first part so he would get used to us and bond better.  Don't worry, I put my seatbelt on before we drove off. 

First time on the grass. At first he wasn't so sure but now he loves it!

I'm not sure who was happier- the dog or Matt.

Most of the ride he just hung out or napped in his crate in the back seat. I was worried he would get carsick but he did great! This means we should be good to go when we drive down south for visits.

Welcome home Hunter!

Last night Matt was a trooper and did puppy duty and I think we'll take turns. For the most part he's adjusting pretty well but when he is left alone and is awake there is no doubt he is pure hound. The howls and whines are LOUD! He tends to play for an hour or two and then sleep for an hour or two. I am pretty sure puppies are more work than babies, but on the bright side, this should mean that someday a baby will seem easy! (No babies for now though!) Here't to hoping he'll give us more sleep soon!