Care for Chihuahua dogs is much like caring for any other dog with several important exceptions. Since Chihuahuas are members of the world’s smallest breed, you must consider the small physical size of the dogs. Small in size but your pet isn’t necessarily small in attitude. Like many small breeds Chihuahuas often make up for small size with a lively, terrier-like disposition. Of course, disposition of dogs varies widely. Some Chihuahuas are retiring and very quiet too.
Chihuahua training must be gentle but still insist on reasonable behavior by your pet. You determine what is reasonable too.
Chihuahua Potty Training
A first training step for Chihuahua puppy care is house training. Get house training done quickly and you and your puppy will both benefit. Make sure your pup is old enough to physically control elimination. Starting house training too early is a major source of frustration. Once you determine that your puppy is old enough for house training, you can choose from several different methods of teaching.
One of the most popular methods is called crate training. Most dogs have no desire to soil their sleeping and lounging area. If you confine a puppy in a fairly small area, like a crate, the puppy will usually hesitate when the time for elimination is at hand. That uncomfortable period, is your time to spring into action. Quickly remove the pup from the crate to the appropriate area. Repetition of this exercise will train most dogs that the right place to go is the place you have chosen. That’s a mission accomplished.
This method does require your close attention for the training period. You must be right by your puppy watching for signs of discomfort. After a bit, you can probably predict when the time is right based on meal times and other time day.
Protection
For house breaking and any other training, always remember the small size of a Chihuahua. Tiny dogs can be injured in many ways. Accidentally step on your puppy or sit on a dog and you may do permanent damage or worse. And it is essential that no rough treatment is acceptable in any training. Any necessary discipline can be firm and consistent, but still very gentle.
Another protection required for your dog is protection from cold. Tiny dogs do not have the mass to deal with very cold weather. Their bodies are just too small and lack the fat cover necessary for dealing with cold temperatures. Leaving your dog outside in cold weather is a bad idea. Pet clothing in cold weather is not just for decoration, but for protection from chilling.
Feeding A Chihuahua
Another challenge of care for Chihuahua dogs is at feeding time. Chihuahuas, especially older dogs, become overweight quickly. Overweight dogs are subject to a whole list of health problems. Hypoglycemia, the difficulty in dealing with sugars in the diet, is especially common in overweight dogs. Avoid many problems by feeding a moderate, high quality diet and limiting snacks. Then provide plenty of exercise opportunities. A moderate diet and quality exercise will keep your dog fit and healthy for many years.
By: Al Bullington
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