The Big Day – Rocky Gets Neutered

The Big Day – Rocky Gets Neutered

Breakfast

What’s with my owner today?  She’s forgetting everything.  She didn’t give me a treat when I went to bed last night and now she has forgotten to give me breakfast.  I think she might be ignoring me.  I tried to gently remind her by patting her leg but she is being completely brainless today. 

When my gentle reminders don’t do anything I have to resort to more drastic measures.  I will be so loud and obnoxious that she will be forced to look at me and give me breakfast.  I start to bark my big boy bark.  It’s pretty forceful and I couple it with a few jumps worthy of Olympic high jumpers.  Unfortunately, I guess the sheer magnitude of my barking backfires when my owner chooses to protect her eardrums and leave the room.

At The Hospital

This day is getting weirder by the minute.  First of all I never did get breakfast and my tummy is rumbling like crazy and now we are at that strange place where they always poke me and then give me a cookie.  Except they didn’t give me a cookie. 

Now my owner is walking away and leaving me with these people.  I start to whine a little bit.  I try to be brave because I am a big boy but when none of them explain what is going on it’s a little scary.  They put me in a cage like the one I have at home and I can hear another dog in a cage next to me.

Hey, maybe this is a play centre for dogs.  I went to one once and it was great fun.  I ran around so much that I had to sleep for hours afterward.  There were so many great things to see and smell it was almost too much for me – but I loved it.  Except now that I think of it they didn’t use cages there.

When they take me out of the cage I am very happy.  I’m ready to play and be friendly but these people hold me too tight and then try to poke me with something sharp in my leg.  I start to struggle a little bit and when they hold me even tighter I try to give them a little nip just to show them who’s boss.

I’m pretty gentle when I have to discipline these people because I know that I could really hurt them if I tried.  The poking is over so now I assume I will be getting a cookie.  Instead I find myself getting very sleepy.  It’s not time for my nap yet so I don’t know why I am so tired.  I might just have to have a little sleeeee......

Going Home

I can hear my owner’s voice which means hopefully I’m going home soon.  I’m almost embarrassed to have her see me.  I’m a long haired Chihuahua and something happened while I was napping because my beautiful coat is all gone from my tummy area.  I have no idea what these people did to me but my back end hurts a little bit too.

I hope my owner brought me something to wear.  I have a lot of handsome Chihuahua clothes that will help cover up the bald spot so I hope she thought to bring something. 

There she is!  I don’t care about the coat or the bald spot or anything.  I just want to go home.

Later That Evening

I don’t know what’s going on but I like it.  My owner hasn’t let me out of her sight since we got home.  She has spent so much time talking to me and petting me I’m beginning to feel incredibly spoiled.  I know I deserve it because I was such a good boy today but she keeps giving me treats until I’m sure I’ll ruin my dinner.

When she gets ready for bed she puts me on my doggy bed in her room.  I’m happy because even though I had a really long nap earlier I’m still pretty tired from all the excitement of the day.  Just as I’m about to settle down she comes at me with a big plastic thing that looks like one of the lamps in the living room.

Even though I struggle she manages to tie it around my neck.  It is the ugliest, most uncomfortable thing I’ve ever worn.  It’s even worse than the leather vest she once made me wear that had “Biker Boy” written on the back.  I managed to get out of that vest and I’ll get out of this horrible hat as well.  As soon as she turns off the light, I’ll do my Houdini act.  Besides I can’t lick myself with this thing on – it makes no sense at all. 

The Dog Park

There is a famous quote from the movie Forrest Gump that says, “Life is like a box of chocolates. 

You never know what you’re gonna get.” 

That same adage can definitely be applied to the dog park.

A dog park or dog off-leash area is a wonderful idea.  Our four legged friends need to be able to run around and get some free-spirited exercise.  If you’ve ever had the pleasure of watching two dogs romp together there is nothing quite like it.  The play is sometimes a little boisterous and there may even be some scary growling noises done in the name of play but it’s all good fun.

For those of you who are fortunate enough to have a fenced back yard that allows your dog ample exercise room a dog park can still provide valuable socialization opportunities.  For people who live in homes with no yards or people who are apartment dwellers, the dog park is a lifesaver.

But just like Forrest said you don’t know what you’re going to get at the dog park.  If you frequent the park at a regular day and time you may run into other “regulars” as well.  Even then, however, there will be new dogs every time.    

Sometimes you are lucky enough to connect with another Chihuahua owner who goes to the park at the same time you do.  This is an ideal situation where you can swap Chihuahua training tips, funny stories and even ideas on where to find the best Chihuahua clothes.  You may find that your Chi is drawn to a different breed of dog altogether.  Many Chihuahua owners end up making “play dates” with owners of larger breed dogs, such as Cocker Spaniels or even Huskies.

Dog parks allow your Chi to burn off some excess energy, exercise their bodies and improve their socialization skills.  With a new mix of dogs every day it is a great way for your Chi to learn how to act correctly with dogs of many different breeds and temperaments.

All the positive social reasons for going to the dog park are also all the reasons to beware of going to the dog park.  This type of off leash play is meant to be a supervised environment.  As a dedicated Chi owner you will probably pay care and attention to how your dog is behaving at the park.  Unfortunately, not all dog owners are as diligent. 

As stated earlier dog play can be loud and energetic and it is sometimes difficult to tell when the play stops and a fight begins.  When you own a toy breed like a Chihuahua it is very important to be aware of the interactions happening between your dog and the other dogs at the park.  Chihuahuas are known to have big dog personalities in little dog bodies so they are more inclined than other small dogs to get into situations they are not able to handle. 

The next time you go to the dog park remember to watch your Chi closely.  Just because they think they can steal a ball from a Rottweiler doesn’t mean it’s a good idea.  If situations get out of control and it looks like the Rotti might eat your dog for dinner, it’s time to head home.  Enough socializing for one day.

Buster and Belle at the Beach

Buster and Belle at the Beach

We are in the car on the way to the beach for a couple of hours of fun in the sun.  I first met Belle about a week ago when she came over to my house for a walk.  Apparently Belinda and Belle’s owner, Kelsey, were old friends but Kelsey didn’t live in Kent anymore.  Now that she has moved back she and Belinda are spending a lot of time together.  I’m okay with this because whenever we see Kelsey she has Belle with her. 

My name is Buster and I’m a four year old short haired Chihuahua.  Belle is a beautiful female with a short, shiny black coat and the most expressive eyes I have ever seen.  She wouldn’t tell me how old she was but I’m think she’s probably about two years old.  I felt an instant connection but I don’t think the feeling was mutual.

I didn’t make a very good impression on her before we even left our house the other day so I am hoping to redeem myself today.  At least today I’m not wearing a ridiculous sailor suit.  I have on a plain white tee shirt to help reflect the sun and keep me cool.

We’re here!  Belinda and Kelsey open our crates and let us greet each other.  I am very careful not to sniff for too long even though Belle smells wonderful.  The first time we met she turned on me when I spent too much time getting to know her by smell.  She’s wearing a white tee shirt too but hers is emblazoned with sparkling gems forming the picture of a princess’ crown.  Belle has the nicest Chihuahua clothes and her Chihuahua collar today is pink studded with rhinestones.  Very fashionable!

As we head to the beach we spot a long haired Chihuahua a little distance away.  Belle and I look at each other.  We share a disdain for our long haired counterparts.  They always look so messy and flyaway, not like us short haired Chis with our neat, trim coat.

 

The sea air is intriguing and we both raise our noses to catch the scent.  The beach is empty because it’s not a very nice day.  The sky is overcast but it’s still warm enough that Belle and I don’t need to worry about getting cold.  Kelsey and Belinda unclick our leashes and let us run free on the beach.

 

The sand feels gritty and a little hot on my feet but I don’t care.  I am following the most interesting scent.  I run toward it but skid to a stop when I reach the object.  I don’t know what it is but it’s a reddish brown colour and has a lot of legs and a couple of pinching claws in the front.  I sniff it carefully but can tell its dead.  I start to roll on it because it smells so nice that I want to cover myself with the scent.

 

I stop when I hear Belinda shouting.  She doesn’t like it when I roll in things.  In fact, she almost always takes me home and gives me a bath which I find quite sad.  I took care to spread the lovely aromas all over me and Belinda immediately washes them off.  It just doesn’t seem fair.  I run back to Belinda, Kelsey and Belle and realize right away that they don’t appreciate the smell as much as I do.

 

Belinda has that funny look on her face that she always has when I roll in things and Kelsey has the same look.  I turn my attention to Belle thinking that she, at least, must appreciate the effort I took to cover myself with this great smell.  She takes one tentative sniff and then turns her head!   I do not understand this girl.  I come to her, smelling fantastic, and she snubs me.

 

I try to enjoy the rest of the day but a lot of the fun has gone out of it.  Belinda and Kelsey keep wrinkling their noses whenever I get too close and Belle won’t even talk to me.  This is our second date and it’s not going any better than the first.  Where is John when I need him?  John is my other owner and he’s a guy.  I’m sure he would appreciate my smell. 

 

After a couple of hours the smell wears off enough that the girls will at least speak to me again.  We get back in the car and I know that there is a bathtub full of water with my name on it when we get home.

Buster and Belle Go For a Walk

Buster Meets Belle

Belinda just got me dressed for my walk. 

Usually John takes me out but today Belinda is home so I guess she’s taking me for my walk. 

I looked out the window earlier and it doesn’t look very cold, but perhaps just a little cool.  Belinda has dressed me in one of my least favourite outfits today – a blue and white sailor suit.  She thinks it makes me look cute, and I have to admit that I do look smart.  However, I prefer to wear more manly clothes like vests and hoodies. 

The outfit doesn’t really matter because we hardly ever see anybody on our walks.  Sometimes we see the old Beagle from down the road but his eyesight is so bad he won’t even be able to tell what I’m wearing.  As long as I don’t get cold the clothes don’t matter.  I’m so excited about the walk that I can hardly stand still.  Belinda is trying to get on my leash and Chihuahua collar but I’m making it a bit difficult with all the dancing about.

What’s that?  The doorbell just rang.  I start to bark my most savage bark to scare off the intruder and to let Belinda know to protect herself.  As Belinda opens the door I continue to bark.  I have to show the stranger that this is my house and Belinda is my owner.  Whoever is at the door must be getting the message that they can’t hurt us when I’m around.

Whoa!!  It’s another Chihuahua.  A girl Chihuahua.  I know it’s a girl just from the way she smells.  The fact that she is wearing a little pink dress is a dead giveaway as well.  Belinda is talking to the women with this girl and I hear the word “walk”.  I’m going for a walk with this girl?  I start to prance about even more.  I can’t help myself. 

I try to calm down but find that I am still jumping about and barking.  Belinda tells me to shush but I can’t stop altogether – I’m too excited.  I don’t visit with other Chis very often.  I heard John and Belinda talking about it once and it was something about me being too excitable and aggressive.  I have no idea what they are talking about.

Belle Meets Buster

I have no idea where we are but there is a very rude dog on the other side of the door who started barking the minute we rang the doorbell.  I can’t even hear myself think with all the racket he is making.  I just know that it’s a boy because no self-respecting girl dog would carry on that way.

As the door opens I put on my best facial expression – it’s a cross between curious and shy with my ears cocked a little bit sideways.  People love this expression and I find it helps break the ice when meeting new people.  I do like to be admired and this look never fails to get me what I want.

When I see what’s been making all the noise I’m not surprised that it is another Chihuahua.  I met a long haired Chihuahua once who sounded almost identical.  I know that these boys think they are being ferocious but really it is just a loud annoying yap. 

When I see what he is wearing I try not to react.  A sailor suit?  Who wears a sailor suit these days?  I have the very latest in Chihuahua clothes and there is nothing with a nautical theme.  Oh my goodness, he is still yapping.  Somebody make him stop.

From what I understand I am supposed to be going for a walk with this dog.  I hope he calms down before too long or it will be a long and painful experience with him barking incessantly the entire time.  Once my owner puts me down I will let him sniff me for a moment and then he had better back off.  I act shy and timid but if I think he is taking advantage of the sniffing time I won’t hesitate to nip him.  Nobody sniffs me inappropriately.

Chihuahuas Through the Eyes of Big Dog Owners

We all love our little Chis for a variety of reasons and we sometimes wonder why people would want any other type of dog.

Chi owners particular wonder why people would want to own large breed dogs when they could have everything they want in one wonderful, small package.

Chihuahua Size and Function

Small dogs, and particularly Chihuahuas, are looked upon by big dog owners as little more than rats. 

“What’s the point of having a dog that is smaller than my cat?” is a common comment from large breed dog owners. 

The thought that dogs are meant to be hunters or guard dogs is another myth that circulates the doggy world.

What these owners don’t appreciate is the many wonderful aspects of owning a dog that can fit in your purse.  Whether your pet is a short or long haired Chihuahua you know the benefits that come from owning a dog that you can easily pick up and move about however you like.  As far as dogs needing a purpose such as hunting or guarding, Chihuahuas do serve a purpose.

Chihuahuas have not been bred for any other purpose than to be a companion animal.  In this task, they perform their duties admirably.  No, your Chihuahua won’t be leaping into the woods to fetch your latest kill and he or she certainly won’t be guarding the flocks against wolves.  However, a territorial Chi will let you know when an intruder is at the door and they will provide endless hours of devoted love and companionship as well.

Chihuahua Clothes

Owners of large breed dogs often look down upon the practise of dressing up smaller dogs.  In many cases, sweaters and coats serve a practical purpose in keeping the dog warm.  Larger breed dogs don’t need this same kind of protection from the elements.  However, if you visit any truly cold environment all dogs should be wearing foot protection to prevent frost bite of the foot pads.

Almost every Chihuahua owner will admit that dressing their pet goes way beyond practicality.  The sheer array of possibilities available both in stores and on websites like www.chihuahua-clothes.co.uk prove this point.  Every person, young or old, single or married has the need to give and receive affection.  This is one of the reasons that people have pets.

Small dogs go a step beyond what other pets can provide.  The list of people who like to dress their Chi is extensive:  singles, young married couples not yet ready for children, childless couples or empty nesters are just a few examples of people who need an outlet for their love and affection.  Dressing up a Chihuahua is a way of showing love.

It’s not just the physical act of dressing the dog that brings such joy either.  Buying the clothes and seeing what the latest fads are is just as exciting.  Holiday clothing opens up a whole other realm of clothing possibilities for Chi owners.  For those Chi owners who don’t like to go overboard on clothing there are so many Chihuahua collars to choose from that it’s mind boggling. 

The very best thing about owning a Chihuahua is that it is socially acceptable to dote on them and dress them up in sometimes formal, sometimes silly outfits.  It’s fun!  Perhaps big dog owners are jealous because they know that their Great Dane wouldn’t look cute dressed as a biker chick for Halloween, but any female Chi would.

So the next time you slip on your Chis fancy duds or spend a quiet weekend afternoon snuggled together on the couch enjoy every moment.  Forget about the views of large dog owners.  Chihuahua owners can rest easy in the knowledge that we have the best of the best.  Once you’ve had a Chi, nothing else will do.  

Buster’s Best Friend

I woke up this morning and Milo was still here. 

I guess that’s not too surprising because he was here when I went to bed last night but I’ve never woken up in my own house to find Milo here as well. 

Milo’s a three year old Shih Tzu/Maltese cross and I suppose you could say he is my best friend.

Milo’s younger than me and doesn’t have my pedigree but I still like him.  I’m a year older and a purebred short haired Chihuahua.  Milo isn’t lucky enough to have my sleek and shiny coat.  His fur is wavy and longer than mine, but not as fine as a long haired Chihuahua, and he has a tendency to get dirty because his fur is white.  I try not to act superior because I’m a purebred and he’s not.  In fact, sometimes I even forget about it altogether.

I’ve known Milo for a couple of years now and last year our families went camping together in the New Forest.  We had great fun running around together and barking at the horses which wandered through our campsite.  John, Belinda and I slept in one little canvas house and Milo and his family slept in another.

I guess Milo was there when I woke up then too but this morning it happened in my house.  I heard my owners talking to Milo’s owners about a holiday but I didn’t realize that meant Milo was staying at our house. As long as he doesn’t try to sleep on John and Belinda’s bed or play with my favourite toy then I guess I’m okay with him staying.  I know that he won’t be wearing any of my Chihuahua clothes because he’s too big for them.  Besides he has a little blue knitted sweater that he wears when he gets cold.  I’ve never seen him in anything else and I feel a little bit sorry for him only having the one outfit.

Yesterday I taught Milo to bark at the mailman.  Apparently Milo’s family gets their mail from a store but ours is delivered through a hole in the front door.  Every day I keep watch through the living room window for the mailman and when I see him coming up our driveway I start barking.  I may be small but I have a ferocious bark so I run to the front door and try to stop him from putting letters through the hole.  I don’t know what would happen if I wasn’t there.

When we came back from camping with Milo’s family last year there was so much mail by the front door it was unbelievable.  Without me there to scare him away, that mailman just kept piling things through the front door hole.  I take my mailman duties very seriously so yesterday I got Milo to join in the barking and it worked.  The mailman only dropped two things through the hole.  Maybe today we’ll scare him away before he pushes anything through.  If I ever get outside when the mailman is coming I’m going to bite his leg – that should teach him not to keep pushing letters into my house.

I guess it’s time to go for my morning walk.  I see Belinda putting on Milo’s sweater and John walking toward me with one of my hoodies.  It’s one of my favourites because it has a little hat and the saying “Bad to the Bone” on the back.  What until the mailman reads that!

Finding a Reputable Breeder

Checking the Internet

Finding a good breeder when you are looking for a new Chihuahua is worth the effort. 

It is important to find a pup with a good temperament and a family history of good health before you buy. 

It is also vital to know exactly what you are getting into before you fall in love with your new Chi. 

The internet is a wonderful tool in allowing you to find breeders both near and far.  In the best case scenario you want to be able to visit the breeder and meet your new pup’s mother so try not to pick a breeder that is too far afield.

If you are good at searching online, try to find a Chihuahua chat room and ask opinions about different breeders you have researched.  Just remember that you can’t always take what you read online as gospel and that you often get more comments from disgruntled people than happy ones.

Ask Your Veterinarian

Staff at your local veterinarian hospital can sometimes provide the names of reputable Chihuahua breeders.  There are several ways that staff will become aware of a breeder.  Often they simply have better access to breeder directories and will be able to give you a list of local breeders registered with the directory.

Sometimes veterinary staff will hear about breeder recommendations from other clients.  If enough happy Chi owners have spoken highly about a breeder that is a name they are happy and willing to pass along.

The best recommendation will be for a breeder who actually attends that particular veterinarian.  The vet will know the health standard of the puppies, the general beliefs of the breeder in question and can assure you that all puppies come vet checked and vaccinated.

When asking veterinary staff for recommendations try to find out how they know the breeder.  Staff should be more than willing to give you whatever information they can and will openly tell you if they are simply looking at a breed directory or whether they know the breeder as a client.

Chihuahua Owners

The absolute best way to find a good Chihuahua breeder is by word of mouth.  Ask other Chihuahua owners where they got their pet.  Perhaps you will see a long haired Chihuahua of exactly the right size and coat colour that you’re looking for.  If that pup is also well mannered with an even temperament and is free from physical defects, then follow up with the breeder they recommend. 

Chihuahua owners are happy to talk about their pets.  The bond between Chi and owner is very strong and Chi owners often underplay temperament issues with their pets.  Have a little visit with the dog yourself if possible.  When you approach is the dog happy and curious or fearful and aggressive?  Use your judgement about whether this is a dog from a breeder you wish to meet.

Things to Look For

Reputable breeders will be happy to show you around their home.  If you encounter reluctance on this point it is a sign that the breeding situation is less than ideal.  You should be able to meet your pup’s mother and have a chance to assess her temperament.

Mother and pups should have ample opportunity to interact with other members of the household, both human and animal.  Early socialization is extremely important in getting an even tempered pet.  The dogs should be able to move about freely with supervision and shouldn’t be restrained with a Chihuahua collar at this early age.

Good breeders are concerned about the welfare of their animals and don’t over breed their dogs.  They will also be concerned about the health of any puppy you chose and may even want to do a visit to your home to make sure that you will be a good Chi owner.  Don’t take this as an insult.  This is the sign of someone who truly cares for the puppies they sell and wants to ensure many years of health and happiness.

Choosing a new puppy is a very exciting but daunting task.  Select a breeder that you “click” with because they are often great sources of information for the entire lifetime of your Chi.  

The Dog Park

There is a famous quote from the movie Forrest Gump that says, “Life is like a box of chocolates. 

You never know what you’re gonna get.” 

That same adage can definitely be applied to the dog park.

A dog park or dog off-leash area is a wonderful idea.  Our four legged friends need to be able to run around and get some free-spirited exercise.  If you’ve ever had the pleasure of watching two dogs romp together there is nothing quite like it.  The play is sometimes a little boisterous and there may even be some scary growling noises done in the name of play but it’s all good fun.

For those of you who are fortunate enough to have a fenced back yard that allows your dog ample exercise room a dog park can still provide valuable socialization opportunities.  For people who live in homes with no yards or people who are apartment dwellers, the dog park is a lifesaver.

But just like Forrest said you don’t know what you’re going to get at the dog park.  If you frequent the park at a regular day and time you may run into other “regulars” as well.  Even then, however, there will be new dogs every time.    

Sometimes you are lucky enough to connect with another Chihuahua owner who goes to the park at the same time you do.  This is an ideal situation where you can swap Chihuahua training tips, funny stories and even ideas on where to find the best Chihuahua clothes.  You may find that your Chi is drawn to a different breed of dog altogether.  Many Chihuahua owners end up making “play dates” with owners of larger breed dogs, such as Cocker Spaniels or even Huskies.

Dog parks allow your Chi to burn off some excess energy, exercise their bodies and improve their socialization skills.  With a new mix of dogs every day it is a great way for your Chi to learn how to act correctly with dogs of many different breeds and temperaments.

All the positive social reasons for going to the dog park are also all the reasons to beware of going to the dog park.  This type of off leash play is meant to be a supervised environment.  As a dedicated Chi owner you will probably pay care and attention to how your dog is behaving at the park.  Unfortunately, not all dog owners are as diligent. 

As stated earlier dog play can be loud and energetic and it is sometimes difficult to tell when the play stops and a fight begins.  When you own a toy breed like a Chihuahua it is very important to be aware of the interactions happening between your dog and the other dogs at the park.  Chihuahuas are known to have big dog personalities in little dog bodies so they are more inclined than other small dogs to get into situations they are not able to handle. 

The next time you go to the dog park remember to watch your Chi closely.  Just because they think they can steal a ball from a Rottweiler doesn’t mean it’s a good idea.  If situations get out of control and it looks like the Rotti might eat your dog for dinner, it’s time to head home.  Enough socializing for one day.

Chihuahua Rescue Organizations

What Are They?

Chihuahua rescue organizations are exactly what they sound like.  They are groups of dedicated Chihuahua lovers who are passionate about finding homes for all the neglected, abused and abandoned Chis out there.

Across the U.K., Canada and the United States there are literally thousands of rescue organizations.  Some of these groups rescue all breeds of dogs from tea cup Chihuahuas to Great Danes.  Other groups specialize in breed specific rescue, and yet others are more determined by size.  There are rescue organizations dedicated to both small breed and large breed dogs.

Some rescue groups are fortunate enough to receive funding and are run in much the same way as a business.  They have paid employees, set hours of business, sponsors and budgets.  Other less formal groups are run solely by volunteers in their spare time.  Often these smaller groups are run out of someone’s home.  These types of set ups are less structured, more casual affairs which require a little more planning to visit.

Large rescue organizations usually have visiting hours where you can go and view the pets they have for adoption.  Often they also have websites which list which dogs are available for adoption and show a photograph and a brief history of the pet.  This type of listing will give you an idea of the dogs needing a home and many owners have fallen in love with their new dog simply from the picture.

Smaller groups may not have a website or set visiting hours but still work incredibly hard to provide rescue services to those dogs most in need.  Take the time to seek out these groups by asking veterinarians for recommendations or looking in the phone book for listings. 

Why Are They Necessary?

If you are reading this you are probably a dedicated Chihuahua owner who spends time with your pet.  You groom your long haired Chihuahua, buy Chihuahua gifts, and dress your pet in funky Chihuahua clothing.  Your little one is very lucky indeed.

Unfortunately, the cold, hard truth is that many Chis aren’t that lucky.  The number of unwanted, abandoned, neglected or abused animals is staggering.  You may not be able to fathom the conditions in which some Chis live or the abuse to which they are subject.

Chihuahuas have strong little personalities and they aren’t for everyone.  Once you love a Chi there is no going back, but not everyone can handle their sometimes touchy temperament.  Some owners simply do not have the knowledge or financial means to take care of a Chihuahua properly and these unfortunate creatures are left homeless and sick.

Rescue organizations provide a much deserved second chance for many Chihuahuas.  These groups will prepare the dog for adoption by looking after them medically and socially.  Rescue dogs are often placed with loving foster families who help teach the dog proper socialization skills prior to being adopted.  These foster families are true heroes who dedicate their time and energy into rehabilitating rescued animals with no thought of gain for themselves.

The Cost of Adopting Through a Rescue Organization

Each organization will have its own set of fees associated with adoption.  Often new owners will be expected to pay a fee that covers the cost of spaying or neutering as well as a small administration fee.  However these costs will reflect whatever discount the group may receive through local veterinarians.

Getting a Chihuahua from a breeder can be a costly endeavour.  Make sure to check out your local rescue organizations before choosing a new pet.  Not only will you save money but you will be providing a loving home to an animal in need.

 

Clicker Training for Your Chihuahua

Clicker Training for Your Chihuahua

What is Clicker Training?

Clicker training is a form of conditioning training that is relatively new to the world of dog training. 

A clicker is a small mechanical device which will make a clicking noise when you push a button. 

Proponents of this form of training will tell you that the benefit is the immediacy of your response to positive behaviour.

When you are training your Chihuahua part of the challenge is to make your little one understand which behaviour you are trying to reinforce.  There is always a pause between your Chi’s action and you offering a treat or verbal praise.  If your Chi does not make the connection between the action and the reward they will not know to repeat the behaviour.

With clicker training you can push the button almost instantaneously.  There is no delay between action and your response.  The idea is that if you can eliminate any delay your Chi will learn more quickly.

How To Clicker Train

The first thing to do when using clicker training is to make your Chihuahua associate the click sound with a reward, usually food.  Start with a handful of treats and a hungry Chi.  You may need to feed only part of your Chi’s regular portion of food while actively training in order to make sure he or she is hungry and motivated to perform for food.

When you have your Chi’s attention, click the clicker and give a treat.  Keep repeating this process until your Chihuahua responds every time you click the clicker by looking for the treat.  Your Chi is now trained to associate the clicker with a reward.

You can use your Chi’s response to the clicker to reward instantly when your pet exhibits behaviour you want to reinforce.  Make sure you attach a command to the behaviour so that your Chi will begin to associate certain actions with certain verbal commands.

Repetition is the key to success with any form of training.  Clicker training will hopefully allow your Chi to learn more quickly but be prepared to repeat commands over and over before your Chi reliably associates your verbal command with an action.

Trainers who do not like clicker training point out that unless you keep the clicker with you at all times your dog will not respond.  There may be some truth to this but if you are diligent in saying a command each time you click the clicker so that your Chihuahua learns to respond to verbal commands as well you will hopefully not have this problem. 

Benefits of Training

Training your Chihuahua to follow your commands helps keep them safe.  Knowing that your Chi will come to you on recall in case of danger could save their life.  Teaching your Chi to sit also helps if you need to administer medication and need them to stay quietly.

Chihuahua owners love to show off their pets.  That is why they keep their long haired Chihuahuas looking so beautifully groomed.  It is also why owners spend money on fancy Chihuahua clothing and Chihuahua collars.  You will enjoy displaying your Chi even more when they behave nicely, obey commands and display appropriate social behaviours.

Naming Your Chihuahua

What’s In A Name?

In ancient times people were named after the jobs they performed.  Some of our simple last names came from this time period.  The local miller was called Miller, the local Painter was called Painter, and the local farmer was called Farmer.  Obviously we’ve expanded from this simplistic form of naming.

Many names have their origin in a meaning.  Aboriginal names are perhaps the ones we associate most often with this phenomenon.  However, the origin of many first and last names is simply a mystery. 

Animal naming has also become more sophisticated.  We don’t simply turn around to the farm work dog and whistle or call “Dog” to get a response.  In Western culture dogs have become members of our family and are treated as such.  Therefore, they need a well thought out name to fit their status within the family structure.

Chihuahua Names

Often you can’t pick a name for your new Chi until you’ve lived with them for a few days.  You need to assess their personality, find out some of their funny little quirks and figure out which name feels right for them.

Some people have a name picked out before they ever find their Chi but this probably isn’t as common.  If you’ve have your heart set on owning a long haired Chihuahua named Tiny since you were a child, you’re unlikely to be swayed from the name now.

If there are children in your household you may want to let them name the new addition.  Be prepared for a simplistic name.  It would be interesting to see how many new dogs are named “Puppy” and how many cats are named “Kitty” because the kids did the naming.

Most of us need to look at our dog and assess whether or not a name fits them before we use it.  Sometimes we use the name for a couple of day to see if it works.  Sometimes it does, and sometimes it doesn’t.  Naming your Chi something funny like “Goliath” only works if your Chi has a big attitude and you have a quirky sense of humour.

There are internet sites devoted to helping you find a name for your new Chi.   There are sites specific to Chihuahuas and sites that encompass all dog breeds.  The most popular male dog name in the United States according to the US Department of Health is “Max”, while the most popular female dog name is “Maggie”.

Popular Chihuahua names include the cutesy ones you would expect:  Gizmo, Bambam, Chi Chi, Tikki and Tinkerbell.  Teenie and Tiny must be on that list somewhere as well.  Other popular names seemed to be figured around stereotypical male and female names.  Rocky and Rusty are strong male names which denote a rough and tumble character and are popular with Chi owners.  For female Chis the dainty princess type names are common:  Belle, Peaches or Honey for example.

A Name is A Name

Whatever you decide to name your Chi make sure it is a name you can live with for many years.  The average Chi lives 10-15 years so don’t chose a name in a fit of cutesy one night that you don’t think you can live with in a couple of years time.

Ultimately the name has to suit you almost more than your Chihuahua.  Your Chihuahua will answer to any name you pick as long as you have developed a bond.  Try to keep in mind the types of activities you will be doing with your Chi when you are thinking of names.  If you plan on spending a lot of time dressing your male Chi in fancy Chihuahua clothing perhaps a name that is fancier than “Rusty” would be appropriate.  If your little girl Chi will be constantly decked out in the fanciest rhinestone encrusted Chihuahua collars then a name like “Precious” or “Princess” or even “Paris” would be ideal.

Have fun with your Chi and take your time picking a name you love.  Both you and your little one will have to live with it for a long time to come.

Car Safety Restraint

Restraining Your Chi During Travel is Important

Whether you are planning a long road trip or a short trip to the local pet store it is extremely important that your Chihuahua be properly restrained in the car. 

Many owners of small and large dogs simply let their dogs sit either on the floor or seat while travelling. 

Chi owners often have a passenger hold their pet on their laps during the ride.

All these options are unacceptable for a variety of reasons.  Should you be involved in a car accident, your beloved little one can become seriously injured by hitting the windshield or other parts of the interior of the car.  People are required by law to wear seatbelts to protect them from the same fate.  It only makes sense to protect our pets as well.

In addition to the injuries that your Chi may sustain there are other dangers in having your pet unrestrained in the car.  Dogs that are free to walk around the car often seek reassurance from you, the driver, and attempt to sit on your lap.  Having a dog on your lap while driving can be a fatal distraction.  In other cases the dogs have fallen off the owner’s laps and onto the brake or gas pedals posing an even greater danger.

Even if your Chi never attempts to sit with you while you are driving, it is still easy to be distracted by your pet when they are rummaging around in the back seat.  It is better to have them restrained in one location so that you know they are safe and sound and you can concentrate on driving.

If you are involved in an accident and your Chi is unrestrained they could escape into the road.  It would be a pity for your Chihuahua to survive the accident unharmed, only to run into the road in terror and be struck by another car.  In this case your Chi poses a threat not only to itself and you but to other motorists as well.  There are also many cases of rescue workers being hindered in their job by the presence of an unrestrained, angry dog loose in the car with an owner.

Types of Restraints

There are many different types of restraints available that will help keep your Chihuahua safe in the event of an accident.  It doesn’t matter whether you own a short or long haired Chihuahua as all these methods of restraint work on all breeds of dogs.

A dog crate or carrier is an ideal method of restraint.  For a little dog like a Chi a carrier is great because it doesn’t take up much room.  Trying to find room in your hatchback for a crate large enough for a Bull Mastiff is a challenge.  A Chi-sized crate takes up very little room and can be restrained in your car with a regular seatbelt.  Make sure to put the belt through the handle or openings in the crate, not just around the outside of the box.  In the case of an accident the crate may shift or move but will never become a projectile.

Harnesses are also available that work with your car’s seatbelt system.  Once your dog is wearing the harness it can be hooked with a seatbelt providing security for you and your pet.  It is important to buy the correct sized harness for you Chi.  If you buy one that is too big, or borrow one from a friend, it will not work properly or provide adequate protection.

Some owners choose to use a pet barrier which stops their pet from launching into the front of the car if they are involved in an accident.  While this does protect the driver and passenger it does little to protect your Chi from flying around the back of the car and being injured.  It also does nothing for the distraction factor of an unrestrained pet.

Protecting yourself and your family is extremely important when travelling by car.  Your Chi is a member of your family so make sure to take steps to protect him or her as well.  The next time you are out buying Chihuahua clothing or other Chihuahua gifts, stop by the pet store and pick up an appropriate restraint device.

Training Your Chihuahua

Why to Train

A well trained dog is not only easier to love for you and your family and friends but they are also happier and safer.  Dogs need guidance from a pack leader.  That’s how dogs live in the wild and that’s the instincts they still possess.  Being the pack leader is a stressful situation for a dog and only a very few want to take on this job.

When you allow your Chi to rule the roost you are forcing them into the role of pack leader with all its added stresses.  If you have ever seen a pack of wild dogs on a nature show on television you will see the almost constant vigil of the leader to keep everyone in line.  Your Chi will try to do this in your home with you and your family.

Most dogs will gladly give this stressful job of pack leader to another being if one takes control.  That is your job.  You need to be in control of your Chi and his or her behaviour.  Your Chi will be happier and will experience less bouts of aggression or bad behaviour if they know the limits set by their leader – YOU!

Why Chihuahuas Are Not Trained

Chihuahua owners are some of the most fiercely loving and loyal people out here and this is mirrored by their dogs.  The bond between Chihuahua and owner is commonly cited as one of the strongest between man and man’s best friend. 

The strength of this bond can pose a few problems.  Unfortunately, many people who share their lives with a Chi are blind to bad behaviour and opportunities to correct temperament issues.  Just because you love your little girl or boy is no reason that they shouldn’t be expected to behave in an acceptable manner.

The other reason that owners have for not training their Chi is size related.  Many people think of training as hard leash corrections, swats with newspapers or serious levels of man-handling to achieve success.  A Chi’s small size makes them vulnerable to injury and some owners are simply afraid of hurting their little one.  Training does not need to be aggressive or violent.  There is no reason that your Chi can’t learn to behave properly without coming to any harm.

Types of Training Methods

There are almost as many training methods as there are trainers.  However, as a rule of thumb most training falls into the category of positive reinforcement with corrections for incorrect behaviour.

Positive reinforcement for most dogs means a food reward.  At later stages in training rewards are given less frequently or are substituted by praise alone.  Corrections are usually done by leash control and verbal commands.

Obviously for Chihuahuas the force of the correction is considerably less than the correction given to a German Shepherd.  Common sense is the key.  It doesn’t make sense to buy your little one a fabulous, decked out Chihuahua collar studded with rhinestones only to use it to yank him or her off his feet with a violent correction. 

Seek out a professional trainer who specializes in small breed dogs to gain some valuable Chihuahua training tips.  You can often choose from individual training or group classes and both have their benefits.  Some trainers will offer a combination of both options.

If your Chi has socialization issues getting him or her together with other small breed dogs in a structured setting with a professional trainer leading the dogs is extremely beneficial.  If nothing else these types of classes can show you the potential of your dog to be socially appropriate.  Watching a trainer lead your dog is an eye opener.  The trainer is definitely the pack leader and your Chi will know it almost immediately.  The change in behaviour is sometimes remarkable.

If you are still reluctant to train your Chi and feel that you can live with any behaviour problems, think of this one fact.  If your Chi gets away from you near a busy street will he or she respond to your command to “Come” or will they run into the street and be hit by a car.  Are you willing to risk your Chi’s life because you don’t want to undertake basic training?  The choice is yours.