Most dogs love cars and all the accompanying excitement of going for a drive. They associate cars with fun-being with you, going on a hunt, a walk in the park. Riding in the car has all the visual stimulus of a hunt, with other dogs and animals flashing by. Dogs that express this excitement […]
If you pay attention to your dog’s body language, you soon find out how to read her needs and even predict her next moves. Your Chihuahua communicates through her facial expressions, using her ears, eyes, brows, lips, nose, and mouth. She also talks through her tail, coat (hackles), and body position, and she emits […]
Think of socialization as a game with two rules: Never pet your dog when she’s scared. Always praise your puppy for being brave. When you’re dealing with a scared dog, you’ll want to comfort her, but that’s a major mistake. Why? Because she interprets your pats and soothing words as praise. Anything a puppy […]
What’s more fun than watching a puppy play? Watching several puppies frolic together and then your Chi being invited to join in. This treat awaits you after your dog has been immunized and can safely attend puppy kindergarten. When your puppy is between 4 and 6 months old, she’s fully developed mentally but not […]
Grooming your Chi’s coat daily is ideal, but if that isn’t possible, make three times a week the bare minimum. Caring for his coat gives you a chance to look for lumps and bruises, scratches and skin infections, and for signs of external parasites like fleas and ticks. Everything is easier to treat when […]
It is very important to start your dog dental care as early as possible to avoid later complications such as gum disease. According to the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA), 80% of adult dogs develop gum disease by the time they’re 3 years old. That is outrageous and unnecessary. If you brush your Chihuahua’s […]
A Chihuahua’s toenails are too long if they make clicking noises on the floor when he walks or touch the ground when he stands still. Dogs with long nails are forced to walk on the backs of their feet, leading to splayed toes and an awkward gait. When untrimmed for months, toenails and dewclaws […]
Your Chihuahua seldom needs a bath if you brush him regularly. And that’s a good thing. Shampooing washes away the natural oils that moisturize his coat and skin, so bathe your Chi only when necessary- no more than once a month, unless he rolls in something smelly. Actually, many experts say, bathing Chihuahua puppies […]
Here we list a few common questions with answers to it, what most dog owners are having problem with. Some of these questions are related to different dog behavior issues, dog health issues and other general problems. How do I correct my puppy after an accident? You can’t. You need to correct him in […]
Bath time is an excellent opportunity for ear cleaning, but it should not be the only time for this task. Unlike a human’s, the dog ear canal is L-shaped, creating a moist environment that is both difficult to properly clean and especially susceptible to infection. Ear problems are uncommon in Chihuahuas due to their […]
There’s a wide-open field for different types of dog sports. Purebreds and mixed breeds compete against each other for a prize or national title. Other times they do it just for fun. Whether your dog performs flawlessly to the applause of hundreds or stumbles on the course, he must be obedience trained to compete. […]
If your puppy starts to cry when it’s alone in its pen, wait until silence occurs, then go in and make a mild fuss, but not too much, otherwise you may encourage separation anxiety. Don’t let the dog think that every time you come to its area it will be let out; sometimes leave […]
Sometimes your Chihuahua may exhibit a dry, honking cough after excitement or play. After exercise or a big burst of excitement, your Chi might have labored breathing, be overly fatigued, even faint. The honking cough and these other clinical signs suggest your dog may have a tracheal collapse. This condition is a malformation seen […]
Agility has quickly become an exciting pastime in the US for many dogs and owners, as well as a mass of intrigued onlookers. Developed in England in the late 1970s, the sport was first recognized by the AKC in 1994. Dog agility resembles equestrian jumping competitions. It is conducted on courses built to a […]
In the 1970s a group of dog trainers added tennis balls to an obedience and scent-discrimination exercise. At first the addition seemed like no big deal, but dogs and their owners picked up on the intensity of the new sport, and it slowly built up a steady fan base. A performance on the Johnny […]
Although Chihuahuas can generally do anything a larger breed can, there are some dogs that should not be involved in certain physical activities. Puppies less than eight months old should avoid rigorous jumping, as the landing process can easily injure their immature legs. Overweight dogs can also easily injure their joints and ligaments, even […]
Potty training a Chihuahua can be easily done, by following some simple, but important rules. But first you need to recognize the signs of needs. Recognizing the sign of need Many times, your Chihuahua must relieve himself more often than other larger breeds. When house training, prevention works wonders, so watch him closely. […]
Pet therapy , also known as animal assisted therapy, has come a long way since the 1960s. Patients with problem behaviors displayed improvements when the dog was present. Today four-footed therapists provide therapy in hospitals, long-term care centers, schools, day care centers, domestic violence shelters, and crisis nurseries. Therapy animals are mostly dogs, but […]
Developed in 1989 by the American Kennel Club (AKC), the Canine Good Citizen test is a ten-step program that evaluates all breeds for temperament, behavior, obedience, and other relevant skills. Dogs do not have to be agility champs or show stars to earn a certificate either. Any well-mannered dog, regardless of breed, age, or […]
The great outdoors appeals to millions of Americans. Every summer they pile into cars and head for the national parks to enjoy hiking, swimming, picnics, and camping. Camping and hiking with your dog can be a lot of fun. If your Chihuahua joins the family for camping trips, he should be healthy and in […]
Having dogs with separation anxiety can be quite a big problem, when it comes to leaving your puppy alone while at work. Especially if you don’t have nobody to keep on eye on him while you’re gone. Home Alone and Feeling Frantic Most mature dogs catch a nap when their owners leave the house, […]
When you come home, does your dog greet you happily but with a hint of shyness, while squatting and dribbling several drops of urine? That’s called submissive urination. Though often mistaken for a house training problem, this is really an anxiety problem and has nothing to do with house training at all. The tendency may […]
Quite common among Chihuahuas, bad knees known as Patellar luxation (slipped kneecap), an orthopedic problem, is one of the most common causes of lameness. It’s usually caused by abnormalities in the patella ( a flat, movable bone at the front of the knee) and is a hereditary disorder. Generally, the problem starts when the dog […]
Many times you ask yourself: why is my Chihuahua aggressive towards me? Aggressive Chihuahua behavior in many cases may extend beyond the food dish. Some Chihuahuas demand sole ownership of their favorite chairs, their end of sofa, or even their snuggle spots on the bed. And when anyone tries to sit in their spots, the […]
Teaching your dog good doorway manners can mean the difference between a pet who waits calmly to go outside and one who runs through every open door. A puppy that tries to escape when the door is opened can easily become lost or get hurt if he runs out into the street. Teaching your […]
Although the breed standard is fundamental is maintaining the integrity of each unique breed, it is wise to remember that a standard describes an ideal dog. Rarely is there even a champion that possesses all the specific qualities of his breed’s standard. If you don’t plan on showing your Chihuahua, such criteria may still […]
Chihuahuas are generally not outdoor dogs. Although they enjoy taking leisurely walks with their owners and romping outside on sunny days, they typically prefer cuddles to hike -and whether seeking love or warmth, often prefer to be touching you. Chihuahuas are extremely vulnerable to cold weather, their size and close proximity to the ground […]
A fellow canine companion is probably the best gift an owner can give his or her dog. Extreme care needs to be used, however, when adding another dog to your family – even more care than you used when selecting your first dog. You must consider the breed, age, temperament, and history of this […]
When it comes to introducing a new Chihuahua to the family members, the best thing to do is, to make the introduction low-key so as not to overwhelm the puppy. Since everyone in the house will be excited about the puppy’s homecoming and will want to pet and play with him. Your Chihuahua puppy will […]
Congestive heart failure in dogs can be fatal if it’s not diagnosed and treated on time. Probably the second most common health problem what a Chihuahua can encounter during his life. This is a condition in which the heart becomes weak and inefficient. What does this mean for your pet? CHF is a broad, […]
Aside from making sure your Chihuahua will be comfortable in your home, you also have to ensure that your home is safe, which means taking the proper precautions to keep your pup away from things that are dangerous for him. Puppy proofing your home, is the first thing you need to take in consideration […]
It’s fun shopping for a new puppy or rescue dog. From training to feeding and sleeping to playing, your new puppy will need a few dog accessories to make life comfy, easy and fun. Be prepared and visit your local pet-supply store or major online pet stores, before you bring home your new family […]
Finding the right dog clothing for your Chihuahua, sometimes can be quite challenging. Not knowing where to buy from, or where to find the best deals. But why you should consider spending money on different dog outfits. There’s a several reason why you should purchase dog clothing for your puppy. Your dog may not […]
Dog expenses can vary quite a bit, depending on its breed. By having a dog, can cost you between $600 to roughly $1000 every year, not including the cost of her adoption. Also bills from periodic vet visits will keep coming year after year. So before you commit, you need to decide how much […]
When deciding if the Chihuahua is right for you, you should also consider whether you and your family are right for this breed. If you have small children, the answer is likely no. The problem is not that Chihuahua puppies are bad with children. When treated with proper respect, the Chihuahua will integrate into […]
You know you want a puppy and you’ve decided how to select the one that is the perfect match for you and for your lifestyle. Now, how do you actually find the dog you’re looking for? There are really three options – you can go to a shelter, contact a rescue group or go […]
The first step toward finding a fabulous four-legged family member is locating a respected breeder. The best Chihuahua breeders usually specialize in only Chihuahuas, devoting years to preserving the breed’s finest traits. Good breeders often are members of the Chihuahua Club of America (CCA), and perhaps local dog clubs as well. Whether they have […]
Healthy dog food is crucial when it comes to building a healthy Chihuahua. Chihuahuas, and people, need a variety of nutrients to stay healthy: Carbohydrates are starches, sugars, fiber. They aid in digestion and elimination and provide energy and the proper assimilation of fats. Excess carbohydrates are stored in the body for future use. […]
Some foods can be dangerous or even deadly to your Chihuahua, so make sure to avoid them. The following can cause digestive upset – vomiting or diarrhea – or toxic reactions that could be fatal: Avocados: can cause gastrointestinal irritation, with vomiting and diarrhea, if eaten in sufficient quantity. Baby food: may contain onion powder; […]
The best way to feed your Chihuahua a balanced diet – giving her the nutrition she needs – is to choose an excellent commercial dog food (premium dog food) and stick with it. Good nutrition is essential to prevent dietary deficiency diseases. The right diet helps your Chihuahua fight off infections and reduces her […]
Here we’re going to discuss the positive and negative aspects of using different types of dog food for your Chihuahua. Dry dog food Dry dog food, sold in bags or boxes, is the most popular commercial style feed. Here are some of the positive aspects of dry food: It’s easy to feed and store. […]
Our advice is to incorporate the following foods two to three times a week, in place of your dog’s normal chow. Feed real, whole foods to dogs whenever possible, because processing foods results in their losing many of the beneficial traits that make them great. Talk with your veterinarian before you start on this diet […]
The only right food to feed your Chihuahua for the first few days after you bring her home is the one she was eating before you got her. Even if your new Chihuahua is an adult, make only gradual changes in her diet. She’s experiencing enough newness in her life right now. Many breeders […]
Many of the companies offer special dog foods for every stage of a dog’s life. And that’s a good thing. Dogs have different nutritional requirements at different times, just like people. The following sections break down the different stages or options and their nutritional requirements. Growth formula Whether you choose dry food, canned food, […]
Tailor your senior dog’s diet to ensure she’s spry and sprightly well into her golden years. Though it is bittersweet watching our dogs grow older, the senior years can be a wonderful time for our best friends, especially if we give them a leg up by maximizing their health. If your senior is starting […]
