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Young House Love » Random » Dog Adjusting To A New House

| By John Petersik | February 18, 2011 | 223 Comments

Dog Adjusting To A New House

Some of you have asked how Burger’s getting along in the new house. Short answer: great. Short answer with a fancy Mary-Poppins-ish twist: just splendidly.

It only took him a day or two to figure out where his food bowl now lives and which door to wait at when he needs to go out. Other than that, he seems to be having fun discovering (and re-discovering) his favorite spots to hang. Here are some shots from the last two months to document his love for the new casa.

This one was taken pretty much right after we moved in. He quickly identified this sun-warmed corner of the rug in the living room and loved to park his keister there every morning.

Burger Sun Spot Far

It was part of his very own GTL routine – growl, tan, lick myself. Yes, we watch Jersey Shore since it’s my wife’s home state.

Burger Sun Spot Close

Though that routine has been interrupted by the introduction of Karl the sectional (since he blocks the sunspot), Burger has discovered a few new sun-drenched locations lately- including the windowsill itself. He’s such a cat sometimes. Here he is snuggled up in Clara’s hospital blanket (we brought it home for him to get used to her scent and now it’s his official “blankie”).

Burger Window Sill

Sometimes he’ll move his relaxing into one of our laps, which really is a win-win for everyone on a cold morning.

Burger Johns Lap

And occasionally he even helps supervise Clara during playtime. Although he tends to sleep on the job. Unless of course a noise is heard outside. Then all howl breaks loose. See what I did there? I replaced h-e-double-hockey-sticks with the word howl. Booyah.

Burger Clara On Couch

But when he’s not campaigning for the laziest chihuahua in the world title, he does his fair share of “quality control” – which basically means he helps us test out new purchases. Like our duvet:

Pillows With Burger

And our new sectional pillows (even before the sectional was here, we tossed them on the sleeper sofa in the office and Burger took them for a test ride):

Target Pillows Burger Testi

He also manages to squeeze in some playtime too, usually with his favorite toy: Divalectible. It was a gift (for Clara, actually) that Burger took an enthusiastic liking to. Don’t judge us for the name of this tiny stuffed chihuahua with a pink feather boa on it (Divalectible is actually its given “Beanie Baby name” and somehow it stuck). But feel free to judge Sherry for the weird noise that she makes during this video. I call it her “excited dolphin call.” She does it to get the dog to come a runnin’. Just not usually in public. Or on youtube.

Of course, it should come as no surprise that Burger continues to spend most of his days under the covers. So even though there’s a whole new house for him to explore, we’ve definitely got the same ol’ Burger on our hands.

Burger Under Covers

So that’s what our oldest kiddo has been up to when he’s not “supervising” as we paint or demo something around the house. Life’s good when you’re an eight pound chihuahua.

Psst- If all goes well we might just have another post today or tomorrow for ya. Let’s just say that we’ve finally started gaining guest bedroom momentum (with just 6 days until the inlaws arrive – yikes) so we’re most likely working away as you read this. And Burger’s probably supervising.

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Filed Under: Random

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Comments

  1. Green Dog Wine says

    February 18, 2011 at 11:36 am

    Aww I love burger – he’s got such personality! :) (love the crossed paws in his sunspot picture)

    Also – seriously – I’m sorry – Clara is the CUTEST thing on the face of this earth! She is ALWAYS SO HAPPY!!! Do you guys only post happy pics, or is she really just like that all of the time? It kills me how happy that kid always looks! :)

    Reply
    • YoungHouseLove says

      February 18, 2011 at 11:38 am

      She’s a pretty happy girl. I mean she does get sleepy or hungry and become kinda whiny, but for the most part she’s just an amazing little chill girl who loves to permasmile. We hit the baby jackpot. Both of our parents agree that we’re spoiled and our next kid will likely kill us. Haha.

      xo,
      s

  2. Linda O says

    February 18, 2011 at 11:38 am

    Ha ! Love the dolphin noise. Thought for a minute you had a bird. Great video. Burger tick ticking across the floor. Clara looking at him with such joy!! Glad you got it on tape.

    Reply
  3. Erika says

    February 18, 2011 at 11:38 am

    Burger is the cutest dog – seriously, he almost steals the thunder from Clara, but then she smiles and lights up my computer screen!

    Reply
  4. Lindsay says

    February 18, 2011 at 11:42 am

    Love this post! Anything dog related is always good! Glad the Burger is adjusting well and him and Clara get along.

    My family is having our family reunion at the Jersey Shore this summer. My mom grew up on the east coast, so lots of her family is still there. I have to say, our vacations there haven’t been as crazy as Jersey Shore on MTV, but it sure is funny to watch!

    Happy Friday!

    Reply
  5. Letty says

    February 18, 2011 at 11:47 am

    Awww! Love me some Burger!!

    Reply
  6. Lisa says

    February 18, 2011 at 11:47 am

    cute adorable video!
    you all look/sound very happy like debbie said.
    are there ever any days that you aren’t having the best of days all together?
    i’d love to read a post about days where you wake up snapping at eachother, not agreeing, etc…that would be funny to read. i remember reading a post on your friend katie’s site when she got into an arguement with her husband, she said, but then they made up after.
    thanks for all the inetersting posts!:)

    Reply
    • YoungHouseLove says

      February 18, 2011 at 12:01 pm

      Of course we get into tiffs and have bad days. We’re human!!! I promise. We often write about our failures (like this one and this smaller one) and document our design disagreements (like this one). And we talk about arguing here. Life isn’t always roses but we have each other and our health so there’s a lot to be thankful for!

      xo,
      s

  7. Justine @ you're so martha says

    February 18, 2011 at 11:50 am

    my favorite part is just watching clara and how much she loves burger and is entertained by him. too adorable!

    burger reminds me so much of my dog, though mine is a pug and miniature pinscher mix. laying in the sunlight, reminding us of a cat, sleeping on pillows and snuggling under the bed covers (he doesn’t get out of bed until like 2pm!)

    Reply
  8. Serah says

    February 18, 2011 at 11:51 am

    Oh my gosh that picture of Burger with the pillows is beyond precious! Also, Clara is so cute in that youtube video…how can you stand all the cuteness?! Thanks for bringing me some sunshine on this rainy Portland (OR) day!

    Reply
  9. Tovah says

    February 18, 2011 at 11:54 am

    Loved the GTL reference. I’m glad Burger is settling in so well. We’ve moved enough times with the navy that we now know how to make sure our dog settles in quickly. That first move before we knew was bad—the first time we left him alone in the house he was so stressed out he ate the arm of one of my favorite stuffed chairs. Little bits of foam and fabric everywhere! Luckily he hasn’t done that again!

    Reply
  10. Morgan G says

    February 18, 2011 at 11:54 am

    It’s amazing how much warmth, humor and love dogs can bring into a home. Looks like you’ve got a true character on your hands with Burger.

    Reply
  11. Stephanie says

    February 18, 2011 at 11:59 am

    Hi John and Sherry. I just wanted to tell you how wonderful it is to see a family really give a dog the attention and time they deserve. Our wonderful dog died yesterday. She was healthy and happy for 10 years and suddenly got very sick only 17 days ago. We are only comforted with the thought that we did not take her for granted throughout her life. Their little puppy lives are short but add so much to our lives. Give that little burger and extra scratch behind the ears.

    Reply
    • Anne says

      February 18, 2011 at 3:25 pm

      I’m really sorry to hear about your dog. When you love them so much it’s incredibly hard to lose them. We lost ours 4 years ago now and while it’s certainly gotten easier, we still miss him terribly. Take good care of yourselves.

    • Stephanie says

      February 18, 2011 at 8:49 pm

      So sorry to hear about your dog! I think everyone could use a little reminder to give their dog a little extra scratching behind the ears, thanks for the reminder.

    • YoungHouseLove says

      February 18, 2011 at 11:17 pm

      So sorry to hear about your loss Stephanie, but so glad to hear you had a wonderful decade of time with her. That in and of itself is quite a blessing. We’ll definitely give Burger an extra scratch and squeeze for you!

      -John

  12. Megan says

    February 18, 2011 at 12:02 pm

    The video of Burger & Clara was so cute!!

    Reply
  13. Sara @ House Bella says

    February 18, 2011 at 12:05 pm

    What a cutie. When we first moved into our house, and the living room had no furniture, our dogs played like maniacs in the big, open great room. It was insanity. And hilarious.

    Reply
  14. Samantha says

    February 18, 2011 at 12:07 pm

    The picture of Burger curled up on John is the cutest thing ever!

    Reply
  15. Sara says

    February 18, 2011 at 12:08 pm

    I can’t get enough Burger, keep it coming! (PS – do you ever watch Top Chef? Fabio, one of the contestants who is from Italy, pronounces burger “booger” because of his thick accent – hysterical, but somewhat unappetizing when talking about food).

    Reply
    • YoungHouseLove says

      February 18, 2011 at 2:13 pm

      Yes!!!! We loved that! We kept recapping so we could hear him say Boooger again- and then for the night Burger was known as Boooger!

      xo,
      s

  16. Christine says

    February 18, 2011 at 12:08 pm

    that girl seriously makes the cutest faces!

    what’s with the tiny little smiley face at the bottom of the page? I never noticed it before..

    Reply
    • YoungHouseLove says

      February 18, 2011 at 2:13 pm

      That actually tracks our stats. Isn’t that funny? I love that it’s a little smile.

      xo,
      s

  17. misa says

    February 18, 2011 at 12:10 pm

    we have two chihuahuas and they have absolutely crushed our throw pillows completely out of shape. there are also drool marks all over them.

    Reply
  18. Tanya from dans-le-townhouse.blogspot.com says

    February 18, 2011 at 12:11 pm

    What cute pics! I’m having such a stress-ball day, it was super nice to take a break and look at the world’s cutest dog. Thanks for sharing.

    Reply
  19. Nikki says

    February 18, 2011 at 12:15 pm

    Hey guys,
    I have a question for you…maybe im not looking in the right place but we were looking to do a patio behind our house like yall’s at the old house and i cant find a post on the breakdown on cost type of stones used and where you got them at. We are looking to do it by end of spring.

    Reply
    • YoungHouseLove says

      February 18, 2011 at 2:12 pm

      We hired that out. It was a few weeks before our backyard wedding (way before we started the blog) and we thought it was too big of a risk to try to take in on ourselves. As for the stones, we’d best describe them as cobblestone pavers. Hope it helps!

      xo,
      s

  20. Lindsay says

    February 18, 2011 at 12:17 pm

    I thought little beaner was going to have a close call with Burger running into her, or getting a tongue in face.

    So cute! Happy Friday.

    Reply
  21. City Chic - Jamie says

    February 18, 2011 at 12:18 pm

    They are so cute together! When I watch your videos that have Burger in them, my dogs always get excited and start barking, I guess they are trying to say hi!

    Reply
  22. Jordan (the2seasons) says

    February 18, 2011 at 12:30 pm

    Cute. Do you have a doggie door? Or do you ever have plans to put one in? Just curious how that would all go down.

    Reply
    • YoungHouseLove says

      February 18, 2011 at 2:11 pm

      Nope, we have always had glass sliders so we don’t have a doggie door, but Burger’s really good about telling us he needs to go (he huffs, it’s very funny).

      xo,
      s

  23. Jenae says

    February 18, 2011 at 12:30 pm

    Is it just me or does anyone else see a creepy face smiling back in Burger’s reflection in the windowsill?? Love the post though!

    Reply
    • YoungHouseLove says

      February 18, 2011 at 2:11 pm

      Oh no I’m immune. I can’t see it!

      xo,
      s

    • Karen says

      February 18, 2011 at 2:40 pm

      I’m can! Like a little alien…

      It’s like one of those pictures where you can go back and forth between distinguishing Burger’s reflection and the freaky face. Haha!

    • Lisa says

      February 18, 2011 at 2:47 pm

      yes, i see it too. that’s funny how it’s his face, yet it looks different in the window. haha.

  24. Jill says

    February 18, 2011 at 12:32 pm

    Caaabs are heeaaarrr and so is Burger! Glad to get an update on him and learn that you also watch my guilty pleasure.

    Reply
  25. Lindsay @ A Walk in the Closet says

    February 18, 2011 at 12:33 pm

    Burger reminds me of a little man. Lol! He seems to have so much personality!

    These photos are so adorable, especially the ones of him and Clara together. Thanks for sharing!

    Reply
  26. Katherine says

    February 18, 2011 at 12:35 pm

    You know, I’m not really the biggest chihuahua fan, but he is super cute! Looks like a big ol’ snuggler.

    Reply
  27. Lindsey Portugal says

    February 18, 2011 at 12:37 pm

    Omgosh soooo cute! My dog (4lb pomeranian) heard the video and started going nuts barking! I have no clue how to make her understand it is a video of a dog, and NOT a real life dog in front of her! haha :)

    Reply
  28. Kathy says

    February 18, 2011 at 12:42 pm

    Such an adorable family. :)
    I love reading your blog, and hearing about interactions with Clara and Burger.

    Cute post!

    Reply
  29. Stephanie@Geezees says

    February 18, 2011 at 12:44 pm

    Burger is such a rockstar! Thanks for making me smile with this video, i love watching your daughter laugh and interact with him.

    Reply
  30. Jill says

    February 18, 2011 at 12:55 pm

    Burger is making me a huge fan of small doggies! We have a big ol’ retriever, and he’s lovely, but a little big for sitting in our laps.

    Reply
  31. Cara says

    February 18, 2011 at 12:55 pm

    I cannot judge the dolphin sound. My husband and I yell “ooga booga” to get our bulldog to run laps around the coffee table.

    Reply
  32. CasaCullen says

    February 18, 2011 at 12:56 pm

    love this post…so freakin’ CUTE! burger totally makes me laugh and clara just loves him so much, you can tell in the video! also, her sweet smile and big rosy cheeks are TOO MUCH! awwwww, such a sweet angel baby face!

    Reply
  33. mya says

    February 18, 2011 at 1:04 pm

    Oh Clara looks so happy playing with Burger!!

    Mya
    http://inlieuif.blogspot.com/

    Reply
  34. Jill says

    February 18, 2011 at 1:10 pm

    I have a question for Burger about the duvet cover. What blanket do you use on the inside? I just bought a very nice west elm duvet and need to get a new blanket for the inside, should I do Ikea? Is there another inexpensive option?

    Reply
    • YoungHouseLove says

      February 18, 2011 at 2:08 pm

      We got our duvet insert from Ikea. Don’t remember the name but I think it was $45 or so for a queen. We love it and it’s super fluffy. You could try HomeGoods or TJ Maxx too.

      xo,
      s

  35. Patience says

    February 18, 2011 at 1:14 pm

    OMG! I found a noise making twin. My boyfriend tells me I’m the only one that makes weird noises like that, so glad he’s wrong!

    Love following your blog, thank you for all the fabulous ideas!!

    xoxo,

    Patience

    Reply
    • YoungHouseLove says

      February 18, 2011 at 2:08 pm

      Love it! Let’s both do our dolphin call tonight at midnight. Maybe something magical will happen if we join forces.

      xo,
      s

  36. Joi says

    February 18, 2011 at 1:15 pm

    Second post! I LOVE that 40 week picture fabric that Clara’s on. I saw the same fabric on a memo board in a home tour via Made By Girl and I’ve been searching for it ever since.

    Do you know the name of it? Or where I can find it?

    Thanks for any help, guys!

    Reply
    • YoungHouseLove says

      February 18, 2011 at 2:07 pm

      So sorry I don’t know the name but it was on clearance at JoAnn Fabrics. Maybe you can find some there too!

      xo,
      s

  37. Ton says

    February 18, 2011 at 1:18 pm

    That is too funny! I have 3 year old chihuahua (female) and she is just as lazy as Burger…probably more so since she won’t even jump up on the bed or the couch. I used to think maybe she was just a “dud.” We had gotten her to play with our other dog, but she wants nothing to do with him! I even call her a cat most times! Sounds like she has a brother! :)

    Reply
  38. emily @ the happy home says

    February 18, 2011 at 1:24 pm

    ahh! someone once gave me “Divalectable” for a gag gift! she’s totally at my parents’ house!

    Reply
    • YoungHouseLove says

      February 18, 2011 at 2:06 pm

      No way! Tell her Burger says hi!

      xo,
      s

  39. Sarah says

    February 18, 2011 at 1:29 pm

    I will never think of GTL in the same way again! LOL! Love it!

    Reply
  40. rachel says

    February 18, 2011 at 1:32 pm

    I hope you guys know that i have a new found appreciation for small dogs and chihuahuas because of Mr. Burger… never used to like dogs under 30 pounds but I’ve actually (somewhat) considered maybe looking into the possibility of thinking about getting a small dog… baby steps, people!

    Reply
  41. Tuesday says

    February 18, 2011 at 1:40 pm

    I LOVE a Burger post.

    Reply
  42. Darla Bennett says

    February 18, 2011 at 1:44 pm

    Oh my goodness, Clara’s rosy cheeks and sweet smile as she watched “your first born” run amuck with that little chew toy? I can’t get enough. What a sweet baby!!

    Reply
  43. bridget b. says

    February 18, 2011 at 1:45 pm

    aw! Clara loves her brother. Cute how she smiles watching him.

    Reply
  44. Mel says

    February 18, 2011 at 1:47 pm

    cutest post ever!

    Reply
  45. kat says

    February 18, 2011 at 1:59 pm

    I love Clara’s face in the video – she seems like such a happy baby! you guys are lucky :)

    Reply
  46. Leigh Anne says

    February 18, 2011 at 2:04 pm

    I loooove reading about your new home and all the DIY projects that are in progress and that have been done in the past. But reading about your babies really brightened my work day. What a great post – maybe one of my all-time favs!

    Reply
  47. Wendy says

    February 18, 2011 at 2:11 pm

    OMG – Burger is a Siamese Cat in a dog’s body. Seriously, my siamese cat, Pickles does the same exactly thing. I agree…win-win when pets snuggle on your lap. I love the one of B under the covers. Pickles does the same thing.
    I can tell you love your fur-fam, just as much as we do!

    Thanks for sharing a view on Burger’s World.

    Reply
  48. Lori @ Richmond, BABY! says

    February 18, 2011 at 2:12 pm

    Burger is such a cutie! I hope he was able to run around outside today- what a glorious day! Happy Friday!

    Reply
  49. RLB says

    February 18, 2011 at 2:17 pm

    The shot of burger cuddling with the sectional pillows is, as ShayCarl says, PDP! Pretty Darn Precious.

    Reply
  50. Jenna {Jenna Sais Quois} says

    February 18, 2011 at 2:20 pm

    Clara and Burger are so cute! I love how she’s not even a little bit scared of him zooming back and forth in front of her. I need to take a lesson from Clara on how to stay cool!

    Reply
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John and Sherry Sitting On Woven ChairHey, we’re John & Sherry. We’ve fixed up 7 homes, written books, designed products, started a podcast, and then downsized & moved to the beach! Here you’ll find over 3,000 DIY projects & home updates. More about us…
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