If you have other pets, they should also be included in your Chihuahua’s socialization program. If your Chihuahua is a puppy, begin socializing him to other species as young as possible. Puppies are far more willing to form friendships with other species. If these introductions are made during his intensive socialization period between 8 and 16 weeks of age, the puppy will learn to accept another species as part of his pack rather than perceiving it as prey.
Unless they have had prior social interactions, adult Chihuahuas vary in their willingness to socialize with other animals. You also need to consider whether your other pet is shy, fearful, or naturally aloof. Never assume that two animals will work things out and become friends if left together. Rather than a friendship, this could just as easily lead to an altercation over food or territory. A Chihuahua can be seriously injured this way, so don’t take chances.
Some Chihuahuas are irrepressibly sociable and will not hesitate to play with a cat or a ferret. Others have a stronger predatory instinct. If the other pet is fearful or tries to run away, this will reinforce his impression that it is prey rather than another member of his pack. In that case, keeping them separate may be the best strategy.
If you think both pets have a sociable nature, introduce them slowly and spend time ensuring that both of them feel comfortable sharing the same space. Start by monitoring them while they are in the same room. They might interact or ignore each other. They should have some means of retreat if needed, and you should be prepared to separate them and end the visit if either one seems fearful or aggressive.
Watch their body language closely. A wagging tail means something quite different on a cat than on a dog. Even if they seem to get along fine, it is safer to keep them separated when you are unable to supervise.
Caution! Your Chihuahua is likely to be quite curious about any other pets in your home, but that doesn’t mean he needs a closer look. Some species are best kept separated from a tiny dog. If frightened or challenged, a large parrot or tortoise can do serious damage to a Chihuahua.
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