Nicole Richie: Daughter Harlow Madden, 4, Does Not Like Our New German Shepherd

USMagazine, Wednesday, October 17, 2012, 3:30pm (PDT)

Beware of dog!

Nicole Richie appears on the October 18 episode of The Ellen DeGeneres Show, where she opens up about her family's latest addition. "We just got a puppy, a German Shepherd named Ero," the 31-year-old clothing and jewelry designer says. "He is 18 months."

"This is our first family pet," explains Richie, mom to daughter Harlow, 4, and son Sparrow, 3 (with husband Joel Madden, 33). "He's a great dog. I've only had him about a week but he's so sweet."

PHOTOS: Celebs and their pets

"He's really Joel's dog," she continues. "I actually told Joel, 'I don't want to pick up after any thing ever again. I've got my kids so I'm going to let you do that.' It's his dog, but I like to, you know, snuggle. I like to hug him and kiss him."

PHOTOS: Nicole Richie and Joel Madden's road to romance

Though Sparrow "was really excited" to welcome the canine, Harlow "did not want a dog," Richie admits. "She's very delicate. She doesn't like anything disturbing her space. Delicate would be the best way to put it."

PHOTOS: Celebrity animal charities

Host Ellen DeGeneres, 54, then jokes that Richie "really respected [Harlow's] wishes" by bringing home the pooch. "I like to make my kids happy," Richie laughs. "I'm a really good mom, you guys!"

"Big dogs are much more calm than little dogs," Richie adds.

According to Richie, Harlow may change her mind in time. "She's definitely coming around," the former Simple Life star says. "She's down."

This article originally appeared on Usmagazine.com: Nicole Richie: Daughter Harlow Madden, 4, Does Not Like Our New German Shepherd