The world is changing for dogs. No longer confined to herding sheep or living in the barn, most dogs are part of the family. Shelter dogs find homes in greater numbers; fewer are euthanized. Owners are open to new ideas for entertaining themselves and their dogs. Sports are yet another activity that owners and dogs can share. Agility, flyball, lure coursing, etc., also give the overactive dogs a positive release for their energy. And these are sports for Chihuahuas too.
When flying disks first appeared in the 1950s, it wasn’t long before they became favorite toys for dogs as well as people. They have plenty of advantages for dogs; the curve in their flight makes them less predictable to chase and catch than a ball, and they’re easy to throw a long way. Give your […]
A ball is the absolute best toy, and classic “fetch” is one of the most enjoyable games you can play with your Chihuahua. Some Chihuahuas may need some extra encouragement. Start by playing indoors and throwing the ball only a few feet at first. Arm yourself with two or three balls, so that you can […]
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. […]
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 […]
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 […]
