Dogs are part of life

As many of you know from Facebook or other sources, a few months ago I got a call from my daughter about a dachshund puppy that was in danger of abandonment or worse. You may also know I have a four year old miniature dachshund named Ellie. Well, silly me, I thought I could rescue the puppy and give Ellie a companion to keep her company when I'm busy.
Let me tell you what I've learned. A four year old "only dog" does not take kindly to the addition of a bouncing, irrepressible puppy! Ellie loves cats but they stay outside. This pup invaded her home! And takes a great deal of Mommy's attention. It took her two weeks before she started asserting dominance but she now does it with a vengeance. She has even nipped him a couple of times. I do NOT punish her for this. He's going to be a lot bigger than she is, in fact at about six months he's already double her size almost.
Let me tell you about puppies, dachshund puppies especially! They are very difficult to house train. I've left Rascal outside for an hour at a time, on a cable because dachshunds of all ages are escape artists and without serious obedience training will not come when called. Anyway after all that time outside he will come in and IMMEDIATELY poop wherever he wants! Luckily he will do his best to "hold it" when he's kenneled.
To this little darling "come here" means dance just out of reach or run away as far as you can. He's not sure if his name is Rascal, stop that, get out of there or NO! He does know that "give me that" means to grab whatever it is and RUN! Two things he has down pat. One is "cookie" and the other is "eat".
I'm getting ready to move. Whether the house I buy has a fence or not, a fence will be there and with no delay! Dachshunds in general are great escape artists and will go to anybody but the one who is trying to get them back home. Bless all the strangers who have held Rascal and Ellie for me after an escape!
With all this I am so glad I rescued Rascal. He's a joy to play with and to cuddle.
Although his head is hard as a rock he is gradually learning what he needs to know to stay out of trouble. I figure it won't be more than two or three years more... I see obedience school in our future. Momma needs training!