Awwww...congratulations on your new addition. She is adorable and Master 10 looks smitten.

Oh enjoy the cuteness - master 10 looks like he is ready and able for this adorable responsiblity!

Oh congratulations! There is nothing like the joy and love a dog can bring to our lives. The picture of her with your son is amazing.

Congratulations on your new addition. The pictures are precious.

The picture of Master 10 and Dexter just melts my heart Deborah Such wonderful adventures in front of you.

Thanks so much. Such collective wisdom as always. It is much appreciated.

Angie, I had no idea how much puppies are like children...but they are:) And Adelpha, you have pinpointed my pet (excuse the pun) annoyance re human parenting... not addressing issues with children as they happen regardless of the age...grrr.

Well we are two days in and I do think Dexter has had some basic training. No accidents inside, she seems to know to go to the toilet outside (phew). Night 1 we popped he, in her bed, on Master 10's bed and she was so happy:) Master 10 couldn't relax so we had to relocate Dex. So Dex slept in her kennel, in the garage. She whined a little, but no barking and after a few mins was quiet. In the morning I found her happily in the kennel.

Night 2, in the kennel again and no trouble in the night. She did do a poop in the garage, which Master 10 managed to not see, step in and then clean up!! We move her kenel to the backyard in the morning. Today is her first day with us all at school and work, but given she has been in the shelter for a little while, she seems ok being alone.

Will be looking for a good puppy school asap.

Lots of great suggestions, and I'm just going to repeat two -

crate train - we didn't do it with our first dog (didn't even know about it then) but we did do it with our current pup, and I highly recommend it.

socialize - obedience classes, walks, etc. - get them familiar with places and people and different situations.

congratulations!

What an adorable pup and how amazing is that pic of Master10! Welcome to the Fab family Dexter!

My daughter was terrified of dogs and my son was nagging for a puppy. We nervously gave in to his requests, hoping that our daughter (who was 6 at the time) would get over her fear of dogs. When we went to choose our puppy from a litter of Labrador pups, she was reticent. We chose Gemma and brought her home. DS was sweet with her but after only a few hours, DD was in love. Fear of dogs was gone almost instantly. We have since adopted another dog who needed a home when her family moved to Australia. The bond between my kids (particularly my daughter) and our dogs is amazingly sweet.

My only advice to you is patience!

Aww, Congrats to you all and, esp. Master 10! So cute

What a beauty the puppy is, and Master 10 is very handsome. Wishing the four of you many happy years together!

Aww what a cutie! Master 10 looks enthralled with his new family member

My FIL was a veterinarian and saw this fellow (Brian Kilcommons) speak at one of the yearly meetings he attended. For year afterward he would give the book "Good Owners, Great Dogs" to new dog owners b/c he thought it was so helpful. We have found it very useful as well. It covers crate training and many other topics but isnt too long or overwhelming for a quick read.

http://www.amazon.com/Good-Own.....0446675385

Deborah, how is your puppy going?
I bet she is creating extra work just when you are extra busy, but you would not be without her now
I wanted to recommend a 'Kong' stuffit toy- they are made from very tough rubber, and you can put peanut butter in them for your dog to try to extract.
Great for dogs left on their own during the day to stop digging or barking when they are lonely or bored.
They are pricey but worth it, and should last for ages.
BTW- I payed a visit to Rivers today and nabbed the last black ankle bootie in my size and on sale. Thanks for the recommendation.

What a lovely puppy, Deborah! May she and Master 10 have many wonderful years together.

Master 10 looks so deeply happy

There is something about a boy and his dog! You are a better mother than I am Deborah. This non-dog person was never able to give in. My son will probably need therapy some day. Your son will rise up and call you blessed for sure now! They are quite the pair.