7 Tips You Must Know Before Training Your Chihuahua

Training your Chihuahua to be your Best Bud

We have all seen the tiny Chiwawa, small enough to fit in the crook of your arm but mighty enough to take on an intruder ten times its size. The Chi dog is a special breed of dog that craves attention and will strive very hard to make you happy. But just like any other dog, attitude comes with discipline and puppy training is the key.

Start with the Number One Basic Rule

The first sixteen weeks of your Chihuahua s life are very formidable. Since many live to be eighteen years old, what you do in the beginning can shape them into either a personable companion or a snippy little tyrant. Dogs are all creatures of their heredity when they used to run in packs and every pack has a leader. Puppy training your Chiwawa to recognize you, as the leader is the very first thing that they need to learn to put them at ease.

How do I know my Chihuahua is Happy with Puppy Training?

The Chi dog is intelligent and attentive to its leader, which is you. Beginning with potty training, spend the necessary time, encouraging and praising your dog and reward with treats. Be careful not to fuss over your Chi dog and do not reward unless an order is obeyed. When one puppy-training goal has been reached, move on to the next. Crate training is important in establishing their territory and when praised and rewarded, your dog will look forward to learning a new lesson. Remember, when you are happy, your Chiwawa is happy.

The Chihuahua , A Social Butterfly

Socialization and obedience is part of puppy training. Your Chiwawa needs to know what is expected of them in public and around other dogs and people. This is a huge step in building your bond that will last a lifetime. You will begin to form as a team, each knowing the others moves, just like a best friend. Your dog wants to be a huge part of your life and going on outings can be a real treat for both of you when your Chi dog is trained to interact well with others.

Should I let my Chihuahua have the Run of the House?

A Chiwawa does not like to be alone but you cant take him/her to work with you or to church. Puppy training to stay alone without anxiety separation is another hurdle that must be jumped. Remember, you are the leader and your Chi needs guidance as to what his/her role is when you are away. With proper training, your dog will not be afraid, anxious or angry upon your leaving. It will just be a part of the routine to go to the crate when you need to depart.

Keeping your Chihuahua Healthy

Do not overfeed your Chiwawa. An overweight dog gets tired and sluggish and is bad for their health and attitude. Dogs are not people and their systems do not react the same as ours. You are doing damage when sharing your food or overfeeding because you think they are hungry. Get tips on the proper weight from your vet and stick to it. Having a Chi as your best bud can be very rewarding for a long time for both of you when proper puppy training is correctly put into action.

Last thing - Be Consistent in Your Puppy Training!

I cant stress how important it is to be consistent in training your Chi. If you allow your Chi to bite and tear an old t-shirt, you are actually expecting it to do the same thing your beautiful dinner gown one day. They do not know how to differentiate which fabric is allowed to bite and which is not.
to your success in dogtraining

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Dog Behavior and Exercise a look at before and after

My friend Emilia just emailed me a great photo of her dog Nellie. They were in my Manners Class this last Autumn, along with Nellies dad Nick. Nellie is an absolute sweetheart! Friendly as can be, totally outgoing, motivated to learn, pays attention in class! Her mom and dad have always said she has lots of energy, and that sometimes its hard to deal with, as you can see from this picture... You can also check out her energy level on my "chewing illegal items" post. 

Well they went on a little getaway where Nellie was able to run like the wind forever and a day... and when she got home she could barely chew her dinner let alone get into mischief. This is living proof why our domestic dogs need more exercise than they often receive. As I often say in my classes and privates: A tired dog is a happy dog, and a happier owner! A pictures worth a thousand words... and proof of how good a run-around session really is!  

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Is a New Pet the Right Gift for the Holidays What to Consider Before Getting One

This is such a hot topic right now, dont you think? I hear it every day, "Im going to get the kids a puppy for Christmas. What do you think?" Hmm... Im thinking SO many things, I dont know where to begin. Instead of bursting anyones "Hallmark moment" bubble, I just smile, giggle, and agree that having a puppy (or adult dog, or cat, etc...) is magical - there really isnt anything like the love and joy of a furry friend...trust me!

I get it! Im sitting here right now with mine, Poncho, on a Friday night, playing training games, kissy face, and fighting for the computer...instead of out with my hubby at one of his holiday office parties... but when it comes to buying one for someone else, even if its within the same household, I encourage people to really think hard about this type of "purchase", for both the giver and the recipient(s). 

The following are questions posted by a journalist through a friend of mine: 

1. Is a new pet a good gift to a child or loved one for the holidays? This is a "yes" and "no" question. If the person on the receiving end is an adult who is expecting one, then I would say it would be a great gift. If its been discussed and planned out then yes. If its for a child in the family, then I would want the entire family to agree to welcoming the new pet, and realize that everyone will be involved, one way or another. 
2. Should the giver ruin the surprise by asking if the recipient wants that pet and breed before giving it? Definitely yes! Because the recipient not wanting such a "gift" could be a bigger surprise! An alternative would be to give someone items related to the pet they intend to give: books, pictures, toys, etc... along with a "gift certificate" good for "shopping" together. This way if the person really wants this pet, it can be a shared experience, which can be more meaningful. 
3. What are the dangers/risks/drawbacks of giving an animal as a present? The biggest one is the person doesnt want it, and the innocent animal has to be returned. It can be very traumatic for all involved. The person may want it, but then doesnt realize the responsibility thats involved with owning an animal. Its the pet that ends up suffering the most if it ends up in a neglectful home, even if unintentional. It can also damage the relationship between the giver and recipient if one feels imposed upon or slighted, and neither feels comfortable talking about it. 
4. What is a more appropriate vs. a less appropriate pet gift to give a child? It really depends upon the child, how involved they intend to be, and how responsible they are. It also depends upon what the parents expectations of the child are. Parents should investigate different types of animals that can be kept as pets, and the needs of that particular animal. Then match it to what the child can do to participate in its care. There are also many toys and virtual games that help build responsibility in pet care. 
5. Are there any special things the gift giver should do or consider before giving the pet as a present (i.e., they should ensure that the pet has all its vaccinations, is microchipped, etc.)? Assuming that it is a welcomed gift, taking care of the initial health care needs and requirements is always nice. The gift giver may also want to include a items including: a carrier, crate, bedding, proper collars, leashes, car seat-belt, walking harness, food, treats, elimination box if necessary, elimination bags, ID tags, licensing fees, a gift certificate for a veterinarian wellness visit, training class if its a dog, a few toys, books or other information about the specific pet. 
6. Where should a gift-giver try to get an appropriate pet (i.e., a reputable breeder or shelter)? What sources should the giver avoid? When it comes to adopting a pet or buying a pet, its really up to the individual. There are reputable Web sites that can help the decision making process. With millions of shelter animals being killed every year because of irresponsible breeding, irresponsible ownership, etc... shelters are certainly a good choice. However there are responsible breeders as well, and should be considered if that is the persons desire. The American Kennel Club has information on helping people choose a breeder. 
7. Is it a good idea to research and suggest a reputable veterinarian/animal hospital in the recipients area at the time you give the pet gift? Yes. This would be a nice gesture for the new pet owners. I would investigate, then provide a list of a few names, allowing the recipient to make the final choice. They might also want to provide a "gift certificate" for a wellness exam. 
8. Any special tips in terms of how to actually present the gift? Any creative ideas that wont threaten the animals safety? A client of mine gave their son a puppy last Christmas. She placed the puppy in a large stocking for the presentation. Very cute. Attaching a fabric bow to the collar is sweet, and shouldnt endanger the animal. A large basket on the floor with the animal nestled in can be cute, but it may jump out, so you need to be careful. You can also gift-wrap all of the accompanying goodies. 
9. What are some good alternative gifts to giving a pet animal (i.e., membership to the zoo, donation to an animal-friendly cause or shelter, virtual reality pet game, etc.)? All of these ideas are good. If possible, the person can get involved with the local shelters. They always need volunteers. This way they can get the "pet fix" without the responsibility at home. 
10. Any other thoughts or recommendations on this topic? Pets are an absolute joy to have as part of any family. Unfortunately, they are still considered property. With that, folks sometimes treat them like inanimate objects, and not like the living, breathing, individual beings that they are. If they dont want it, they cant just stick it in the back closet and ignore it. Its also very difficult to return. Giving someone a pet as a gift is like giving someone a baby. It needs constant care and attention, and not just for a year or two. Adopting a puppy means having a dog for around ten years or more. Parents buying a puppy for their pre-teen kids means the parents will still be taking care of the dog once their child heads off to college...unless the child continues to live at home. There is also a financial responsibility. Id say before buying someone a pet as a gift, make sure the recipient really wants it, and knows the responsibilities that go with it. 

So, is a pet a good gift? Again, it is if the recipient not only wants it, but is responsible enough to take care of it, for the lifetime of the pet. 

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Important Preparation Before Dog Training

PREPARATION
Before Starting
Before we begin to do our dog training activity, there are some rules of the game in this training:
* Short.
Do not be too long giving or repeating the training. just 15 minutes 2 times a day for each lesson.

* Simple.
Repeat until dog training materials we understand well, do not proceed to another matter.

* Nice.
Make this exercise into an exciting moment for us and dog.

Our mood during the training is as important as the mood of our dog. If we and the dog are not in a good mood, you should postpone the exercises. Remember, the objective is to strengthen our relationship (bonding) with our dog. We are the leaders of them and the doggie must be a faithful follower.

For thousands of years, dog always use their mental and physical. While todays dog always stayed at home and protected from harm. This condition can make dog become bored and ultimately encourage the emergence of problems in behavior. All this can be avoided by training our doggie by a short, simple, and fun to be interwoven relationships (bounding) between us and the dog.

Personality Type
Although the breed or breeds of dogs already have a personality profile of each, but ultimately every dog ??has a unique personality. Some dogs are extroverts and love to be center of attention, while the other is more submissive. Both types of dog can be trained, but different ways of handling. The origins of our dog and what theyve done in the past could affect his ability in the training process.

Personality traits
Compromise
Most dogs are not exactly submissive or domineering. Conditions and different owners could lead to different situations. Well, most of the doggie has a mix of submissive or dominate nature. But basically they want to open with their owners to be given lessons.

Manipulation
Lots of dog we really thought they were obedient, but in fact they manipulate their owners. Instance, we have a dog who often scratch / bite our feet with the intention of asking us to hold them. Create from some of us feel this is a sweet (cute), but in fact these dogs have been studying different methods in determining authority.

Coward
Dogs with an attitude of submission (head down) and they avoid eye relationships (with owner), hiding their tails between their legs, and frightened when someone close to them. These dogs require a slow and gentle approach during training, we should not issue orders to rough. For this type, you should ask for help from a professional trainer, if we have not previously been trained dog.

Intruder
Some dogs are more interested in playing with other dogs than their owners obey. Often, the cause is in the puppy less socializing with people (more likely to play at home with other puppies).


Cooperative and willing to listen
This is the easiest doggie to be trained because they have a natural curiosity and want to give attention to their surroundings, especially with humans. Dogs who have this type would be easier to train than the doggie who have other types.

Dominant and confidence
Some dogs, regardless of ancestry, have profiles that are naturally confident. The sex of the dog also affect the trainability. Doggie doggie who has been castrated and females who are not loops are the easiest to train. While males (especially who are in conditions of high lust) tend to be more dominant and confidence, as a result, they may become less willing to listen to instruction training, especially training obey.

Things you need to know before you do the training
Before we start training, you should be prepared treats / snacks as a reward and punishment as a water pistol. Training should be started on an empty stomach dog (so hes more focused on our command, and certainly more hope treat analysis).

Reward and Punishment
Every time doggie we follow what we tell it, give him a treat reward while accompanied by praise "Yes" or "Smart". Meanwhile, if he made a mistake, shoot water Pistor behind ears or on her back while saying "No" or "Bad". If over time the doggiem used to following orders, then little by little treat / snack is reduced but still give praise in the form of "Yes" or "Smart" was.

Body Language
During training watch doggie body language. If he looks tired or lose concentration, you should stop exercising while. Coaches should also be in a state of mood. show expression and establish eye-contact with the doggie during exercise.

Release Command
In this exercise doggie must be disciplined, but we must also teach the word "Free" or "Done" when we want a doggie to relax or exercise that is also complete.

Things that need to be avoided during the training:
1. Do not give treats to doggie except during exercise.
2. Do not make doggie treats to lure to stop doing something. For example there are doggie who is pursuing a bicycle, we continue to call with food. This means we teach him that the pursuit of a good bike.
3. Do not hit the doggie for any reason during the training.
4. If training with another doggie, doggie should not until we locked eyes with another doggie. because this can lead to fights. divert his eyes with our hands so that no eye-contact.

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Before You Adopt A Dog Questions to ask yourself

I met with Sharon of the Canine Adoption and Rescue League (CARL) today. I wanted to discuss the possibility of offering a complementary talk for potential adopters, as well as those who have newly adopted a puppy or adult dog. Good news! She loved the idea! 

Its going to be a 75 minute talk over at the Adoption Center (behind the Ventura Pet Barn), held on the third Saturday of each month. I begin August 15th! I will be going over the ever important pre-adoptions questions surrounding the "Why?" and the post-adoption topics of "Yikes! Now what to I do?" 

These are a few of the topics I will be discussing, and inspiring people to ask themselves:

• Why do I want a dog?
• Is this the best time in my life to get a dog?
• Are there any foreseeable life-changing events that may occur?
• Can I afford to keep a dog, for its lifetime?
• What type of dog do I want? 
• Am I more concerned with breed or temperament?

If youre considering adopting a dog, or know someone who is, you may want to come by on August 15th and check it out. Ask questions? Of if youve adopted a dog and need help with behavior issues, or maybe just want some general information about making life better with each other, please come by. This talk is free to the public, although donations to CARL are always welcome. 

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