my dog

I do not remember dogs being this hard. You would think that the older you get the easier it is to know what you want out of a dog but I clearly did not. I had to have a dog that was smart, playful, small, and did I say smart. what I got was pig headed, hard to catch, small, and hard to train. The worst part is that I really love him so I have a hard time correcting him. I am the "TYPE" that would spank my kids (in Walmart) if I had any. But spanking an animal is out of the question. They can not grow up and do mean things back like never visiting with the grand kids or not change your depends all day. Anyway I watch the dog whisperer (religiously) but I am lost on the "energy" thing I try to be calm assertive but he still barks every time my dad moves (he is terrified of daddy since we brought him home).
This dog will chew up anything he can steal and boy howdy can he steal. Mj has five left slippers we have no idea where even one right slipper is. he has stolen my watches, rings, books, glasses, jewelry and anything he can find on my night stand that he can fit in his mouth. No stuffed animal is safe anywhere in the house he will climb for them. I have found him on the TV in my room because I had a stuffy on a dresser that is over 5ft tall next to it. I keep checking him for wings but I have not found any "yet".
Last night he had a taste for electronics Mj's mini-mouse, leather laptop bag,and portable DVD player was on the menu. I can not afford to replace any of it. What to do? what to do? NO I will not get rid of him. What I do not understand is he will go for two or three days just as good as an angel and then his horns pop out and then for a week the only sound I hear is his full name over and over. I am told by my 2 best friends that maybe I should kennel him at night and when I am gone but I do not know if I can imprison him again. The first 7months of his life was spent in a 3x5ft cage. He was freaked out by grass the day I got him because he had only ever felt cement under his paws. If you have any tips please pass them on because I love him very much.

quick intro

hello everyone this is our family blog to keep you all updated on what is going on with us