Although dogs are domesticated now, by nature they are still wild and they exhibit behaviors that sometimes very annoying like excessive barking. Dog barks to communicate and get the attention of people and other animals but when it becomes excessive and uncontrollable, it’s a constant annoyance and hard to handle if you don’t know the right techniques to stop dogs from barking.

Before trying to stop dogs from barking, you must understand the reason why dogs bark. There are many reasons behind the excessive barking and some of these include loneliness, boredom, medical problems, fear or they just merely seeking attention from you.

Some dogs barks excessively because they want you to take notice of them. When they are left alone and get bored and lonely, they do things that will get your attention even if it irritates you and the neighbors.

If your dog suddenly exhibit bad behaviors like excessive barking for no apparent reason, your dog might need a medical attention. He must be in pain or there are other discomforts bothering him.

You need to determine the reasons for the excessive barking before trying to stop dogs from barking. If you are sure that there is no medical condition that you need to be concern then you might consider the following techniques to stop dogs from barking.

To stop dogs from barking, train your dog to listen to you when you say “stop barking” and be consistent. Sometimes dogs don’t know that excessive barking annoys people. If your dog barks to send alarms or signals to get your attention about something, let him know that you recognize his barks or signals and praise him for the alarm and then tell him to “stop barking”. Be consistent until he learns the habit that barking is just to communicate and he needs to stop when you told him so.

In his quiet time offer treats and continue praising him to let him know that being quiet when he needs to be quiet pleases you. Your dog likes to please you, so it will continue doing something habitually and repeatedly if it knows that you are happy with it.

If the barking continues while you are training him to stop barking, make sure to let him know that you did not like his behavior. Reprimand and punish him if needed to stop dogs from barking. But do not hurt your dog. Dogs have a tendency to be violent when abused.

Dogs are pack animals and don’t like to be alone, give enough time to your dog. Make him feel that he is part of the family. They also need to socialize with people and other animals. Take him for a walk daily or once a week to a dog park, this will stop dogs from barking if they feel loved and this will eliminate their boredom and fear.

If you have tried everything and found no success to stop dogs from barking, do not lose hope, it only means you need more effective techniques to transform your dog’s behavior. Did you know that you can put an end to the stress and annoyance of your dog’s behavior problems by using techniques that will give you immediate results? Discover dog obedience training secrets to stop your dog’s behavior problems visit Dogs’ Corner

To know more about Pets visit All About Pets



By: Gerry Restrivera

About the Author:

A variety of puppy dog toys can be chosen so that your pooch can enjoy playing as per his mood. Not necessarily all dogs enjoy playing in the same manner! Your dog’s style which may be just to cuddle the toy, only teething or may be he feels like eating the toy when playing would be the deciding factor, as to which toy shall exactly fit into his needs. Every dog needs something to gnaw on! So give your pooch plush puppy dog toys that are uniquely designed to provide fun for both you and your dog. Keep your dog active and happy!

Chewing is one of the best possible exercises for strong jaws. Giving your pet dog chewable puppy dog toys for improving his dental conditions is a smart cum fun technique. Some people generally use such chewable toys for dogs to keep him busy and active! However one should not give their pets many chewable toys at one time. If your pet dog is fond of toys give him various types of dog toys. Giving him several chewing toys together could make him feel bored with the toys and he might just refrain from playing with them and chewing on them.

A lot of research goes into creating puppy dog toys. All these type of toys have been tested as a safe product for your canine. Puppy dog toys are available in various colors and designs that allow you to choose one for your pooch according to the color he best likes and as per his needs. Toys are useful for your poochie so that he doesn’t get bored at home; however, they are also ideal for long drives or for a road journey. When going on a long drive, don’t forget to put your pet in a car seat to ensure his safety. You can opt for car seats that enable you to serve food and water easily to your pooch while traveling and also provide storage to keep the puppy dog toys and other things too.

The preferences of your dog matters a lot when it comes to selecting puppy dog toys for him. You can even get one that is shaped like a bone so that your dog likes it more. Anyone would love to get a toy of this kind and admire it. Many companies have also launched a wide range of different toys in order to fulfill each pet owner’s requirement for new toys. These are ideal as rewards for your pet for good behavior and during the dog training period. Toys bring in a lot of joy and contentment in your pet’s life.

Buying your furry friend different kinds of toys will not only keep him occupied, it will also help your dog exercise its body and brain. Puppy dog toys are available for both small and big dogs so you just need to choose accordingly. The best part is that these toys are all available online and you don’t even need to leave home in order to purchase them.



By: Sandra Ruper

About the Author:

So you have a new puppy dog. What better companion for you and your family

Now comes the fun part…

POTTY TRAINING/HOUSEBREAKING

You could let your puppy dog do his own thing, but that’s not a very good idea.

If you want to keep your home clean and smelling good it is time to get to work.

Let’s talk about some good potty training techniques so you can remain friends with your puppy dog.

Hmmm, potty training/housebreaking on paper …

Is this a good idea?

A lot of people like the idea of potty training their puppy dog in the house on paper. It seems like the easiest way to go (no pun intended).

Well, maybe it is, but there are drawbacks…

Although it is probably the most common way, in my opinion, it is not the ideal way to train your puppy dog.

First, there is the smell and who wants that in their home. The last thing your guests or friends want to do is smell the bad odor left behind by your precious puppy dog.

Second, when you potty train your puppy dog on paper, it can be a confusing transition. From being able to potty in the comfort of his house to having to go outside. What’s that all about?

The Better Way to Potty Train Your Puppy Dog

From experience, I have found a better approach to potty training your puppy dog…

1. Walk your puppy dog first thing in the morning, before anything else (even coffee). OK, you can take your coffee with you.

Heading to the bathroom is your first priority in the morning and it is his too.

2. Take him out after he eats or drinks anything. Don’t wait for the accident to happen.

3. If you play with your puppy dog in the house, take him outside when playtime is over. Playing for him is like exercising for us. Makes you wanna go! Right?

4. Watch your puppy dogs behavior throughout the day (if possible). You will learn the body language associated with him needing to go potty. When you notice him sniffing around and circling, it usually means he is looking for a place to go. Pick him up and get him outside immediately.

5. Take him out every 30 minutes to an hour during the day. If he doesn’t need to go potty, at least he will have the opportunity and it will get him used to going out. If he does potty, praise him a lot. Puppy dogs are happiest when they know you are pleased with them.

6. You shouldn’t leave your puppy dog in the house alone. Remember, they are like kids. If unattended they may do worse than soiling your floors. Who wants to come home to a mess.

7. Consider getting a pen of some kind for the yard. There will be times when you will not be able to watch him closely. In a pen he will be safe and secure. Make sure he has toys to play with and don’t leave him out there very long. Puppy dogs get their feelings hurt easily and may think they are being punished.

8. Try to feed your puppy dog at least 2 hours before bedtime. This way he will have time to digest his food. Right before bedtime, walk him or let him out. It is also a good idea to confine him in a crate or pen overnight. This will prevent any accidents or mischief while you are sleeping.

9. Never, I repeat, never rub your puppy dog’s nose in it and definitely do not yell at him. This will just humiliate him. And,yes, they do get embarrassed. Just pick him up and take him outside. While he is outside, clean up the mess and use something that will take away the smell so he doesn’t return to the same place.

After the Puppy Dog Potty Training

What Next?



By: Deborah Gewock

About the Author:

When the owners are moving out from a city to other, they either take the dogs with them or just leave them to the mercy of the rescue and shelters. It is sad when the dogs become homeless and there is nobody to take care of them. When the owner of the dog is dead, the other family members are not interested in keeping the pet and send it to shelter or rescues.

There are many dog rescue homes across the world. These shelters are managed by volunteers willing to take care off the dogs. They rescue these dogs and the try and find foster homes for the abandoned dogs. This way of interacting with the dogs allows the volunteers to interact with them and get to know the breeds of the dogs a little more. This interaction also help the volunteers get to know more about the kind of temperament of the dogs. Some of the foster parents of the dogs also try and provide some basic training to the dogs.

Most of the times, older dogs are bought to the rescue. The puppies are generally not abandoned. These dogs are bought to the rescue with a known history of their health. We list here some of the benefits of you getting a dog from a rescue or a shelter.

In case you are thinking of getting a dog which is already trained, neutered, and spayed, a dog from the rescue is the best option. As these dogs are given basic training. The dogs are maintained well, during their stay at the shelter. The volunteers working at the shelter are also well versed with the breed and temperament of the dog. In short they can give you a best choice.

The dogs from the shelters cost you less, when compared to the buying the dogs directly. These dogs have all the vaccinations updated. They are given vaccinations for parasites, fleas, and heartworm before you adopt them. You don’t have to spend time and money for getting the dog checked and vaccinated again.

You are also dong your bit of community service when you are buying a dog from the rescues or shelters. The income from the sale of dogs is not used for any commercial purposes but it is used for maintaining and managing the dog shelter facility. The money is used to pay the fees of the veterinary doctors. It is used to provide improved food, shelter and vaccination to the dogs. The money is also used to advertise and find new owners to the abandoned dogs.

In case you are looking for a dog of particular breed, then the dog shelter is the best option. You will get professional and timely help to buy a dog. As the volunteers and the doctors working with the dog shelter are trained to give the best advice to the foster parents of the dog. You may also consider volunteering for the nearest dog shelter, or even become a foster family for a dog.



By: Jeff Nenadic

About the Author:

Trent Consultants News: PetMD came up with a list of the top ten smartest canine breeds in the world. Your dog, obviously, is the smartest individual dog in the world.

One: The Border Collie comes in at number one. Because of their extraordinary intelligence and high energy, it is essential to give Border Collies an occupation or purpose, or you may well find your home wrecked upon your return from a long day at work. They have an intense connection with humans, making them ideal work and home companions. However, keep this in mind: Border Collies invariably will not do well unless they are with people who are as high energy as they are; they do best with humans who can participate in dog sports with them. Also, because of their background as herding dogs, they may be frustrated by small children, as their inability to herd the children as they deem fit is confounded. For the right human, the Border Collie is well behaved, exceptionally good at learning, and a true-blue companion.

Two: Poodle . Easily trainable, steadfast, and sharp-minded, Poodles flourish in human company. Even with the frou-frou hairdos, Poodles are sometimes made to endure and can be quite effective as guard dogs, especially the standard sized Poodles. In fact, the “poodle clip,” was created specifically for the working Poodle, so that it could swim more effectively, while still having fur to protect its organs as it went about the business of hunting and retrieving. The Poodle excels at training and obedience, and also loves creative play time. This is what made them so popular as circus performers. But, this can be a drawback as well. If left alone to boredom, Poodles can be creative about finding ways to amuse themselves, sometimes finding trouble along the way.

Three: German Shepherd. The German Shepherd was originally bred specifically for intelligence. Smart, courageous, and protective, the Shepherd is one of the most dependable of companions. They learn tasks after only a few repetitions, and obey first commands nearly always the first time it is given. They are eager to learn new tasks, as this gives them direction and purpose—very important for a Shepherd. Besides being used for herding animals, they are often used as guard dogs, police dogs, search-and-rescue dogs, and have even been trained by the military for parachute jumps.

Four: Golden Retriever. A very affectionate and popular breed, the Golden Retriever is highly regarded for its intelligence. They can learn well over 200 commands, making them indispensable companions, both in the home and in the workplace. Loyal, loving, and patient, with a willingness to please and a love of learning, this is a fabulous companion pet to bring into your family.

Five: Doberman Pinscher. Due to an inborn fearlessness and deep stamina, the Doberman is one of the most popular of guard dogs. Smart and assertive, they can easily be trained for dominance or docility. Because of their past as war and police dogs, they may appear fearsome, but they are actually quite gentle. Their loyalty and acuity make Doberman’s great additions to the family.

Article source from divinecaroline.com

Trent Consultants Dog Care and Training is all about helping pet owners enhance their relationships with their pets. Our professional pet-care services includes boarding, grooming, training, now available in Korea. When you’re at work, your dog can be playing and getting the attention he needs at Trent Consultants. Dogs that come for day care have opportunities to play throughout the day in one of our three fenced outdoor play areas with our doggie playgroups. You can visit us at www.trentconsultant.com. Email us info@trentconsultant.com.



By: trent Consultants Dog Korea

About the Author:

Every day thousands of dogs are ‘put to sleep’, which is a kind way to saying that they are euthanized.  Many of these are simply unwanted animals that have been abandoned by their owners.  They are not sick.  They are not unadoptable or aggressive.  They have simply been pushed into the ‘unwanted’ garbage bin.

Here is the story of ‘Red’, a lovely Chow dog that was hanging onto its life by a thread.  Red was an unwanted dog that some careless owner had abandoned.  Red ended up as a stray and was finally picked up by the SPCA in North Carolina.  He was somewhat thin, but really a wonderful dog that would thrive in a loving home.  Since shelters only have so much room and resources, dogs brought to them can only be with them for so long.  After the required time period is up and the dog is not adopted, then the animal is euthanized.  Red was in that situation.  His time was literally ‘up’.  He only had hours to live.

Red was lucky though.  Volunteers and animal lovers came together to try to find Red a second chance for life.  What volunteers did when they found out Red’s situation was to post Red’s picture and information on blogs and websites.  Finally a dog rescue in Texas responded to one of the notices.  Red was dragged from the death table with moments to spare.  He was saved from being gassed (which they do in North Carolina—instead of the more humane needle euthanasia method).

The above is a true story and Red was given his second chance for life. Through the Texas dog rescue and the efforts of many volunteers, Red now has a chance for a great home and a long life with a loving family. 

Here is another story of poor unwanted Chiquita, a little long-haired Chihuahua.  Chiquita was only about a year old when her owners no longer wanted her.  She was also on death-row.  Again, volunteers came to her rescue as they posted her picture (Chiquita completely and lovingly cute in a little pink dress) on the web.  Their efforts saved Chiquita from death as well, and she has now been placed with a family that will appreciate what her little soul is worth.

Red and Chiquita were both lucky, but many other dogs are not.  It takes a lot of effort, time, commitment and caring on the part of many volunteers to save these poor unwanted dogs. 

What can you do to help? 

Volunteers are needed to accept lists of animals about to be euthanized, and who can then cross-post the details to various dog rescues that may be able to take these animals in. You can contact animalcareservices@greenvillecounty.org (email address) to get up-dated lists. You can post the list to blogs or your own websites to gain as much exposure to the animal’s situation as possible. Volunteers are also need to help transport the animals from one place to another.  You don’t have to take them through the whole route if the dog is being placed in a faraway location—simply a leg of the route, say from one city to another. Of course, money is always helpful. Contact dog rescues in your area to find out what is needed.

If you are a dog lover and can’t sleep nights wondering about what will happen to these poor unwanted dogs, maybe you can help too.  Think of Red and Chiquita and how volunteers willing to put in a little effort to save a dog helped saved their lives.  Maybe that can be you.

 

 

 



By: Denny Phillips

About the Author:

Oh, the joy of being a dog owner. You couldn’t ask for a better companion for you and your family.

Now the work begins…

Let’s start with potty training/housebreaking. Before this is done, it does not make any sense to attempt any other type of training.

There are some pet owners that just let their pet do his own thing. This isn’t a good idea. Your dog needs to know where he can go if you want to maintain a pleasant smelling home.

Paper training is preferred by many, but in my opinion, this is not the best way to train. It can be a difficult transition for some pups to go from pottying in the house, where it is comfortable, to going outside, where it is not.

Speaking from experience, I have found a better way to train your puppy.

Walk your dog first thing in the morning, before anything else (even coffee). OK, you can take your coffee with you.

Heading to the bathroom is your first priority in the morning and it is his too.

Take him out after he eats or drinks anything. Don’t wait for the accident to happen.

If you play with your pet in the house, take him outside when playtime is over. Playing for him is like exercising for us. Makes you wanna go! Right?

. Watch his behavior throughout the day (if possible). You will learn the body language associated with him needing to go potty. When you notice him sniffing around and circling, it usually means he is looking for a place to go. Pick him up and get him outside immediately.

Take him out every 30 minutes to an hour during the day. If he doesn’t need to go potty, at least he will have the opportunity and it will get him used to going out. If he does potty, praise him a lot. Puppies are happiest when they know you are pleased with them.

You shouldn’t leave your pet in the house alone. Remember, they are like kids. If unattended they may do worse than soiling your floors. Who wants to come home to a mess.

Consider getting a pen of some kind for the yard. There will be times when you will not be able to watch him closely. In a pen he will be safe and secure. Make sure he has toys to play with and don’t leave him out there very long. Puppy dogs get their feelings hurt easily and may think they are being punished.

Try to feed your puppy dog at least 2 hours before bedtime. This way he will have time to digest his food. Right before bedtime, walk him or let him out. It is also a good idea to confine him in a crate or pen overnight. This will prevent any accidents or mischief while you are sleeping.

Never, I repeat, never rub your puppy’s nose in it and definitely do not yell at him. This will just humiliate him. And,yes, they do get embarrassed. Just pick him up and take him outside. While he is outside, clean up the mess and use something that will take away the smell so he doesn’t return to the same place.

By: Deborah Gewock

About the Author:

When the owners are moving out from a city to other, they either take the dogs with them or just leave them to the mercy of the rescue and shelters. It is sad when the dogs become homeless and there is nobody to take care of them. When the owner of the dog is dead, the other family members are not interested in keeping the pet and send it to shelter or rescues.

There are many dog rescue homes across the world. These shelters are managed by volunteers willing to take care off the dogs. They rescue these dogs and the try and find foster homes for the abandoned dogs. This way of interacting with the dogs allows the volunteers to interact with them and get to know the breeds of the dogs a little more. This interaction also help the volunteers get to know more about the kind of temperament of the dogs. Some of the foster parents of the dogs also try and provide some basic training to the dogs.

Most of the times, older dogs are bought to the rescue. The puppies are generally not abandoned. These dogs are bought to the rescue with a known history of their health. We list here some of the benefits of you getting a dog from a rescue or a shelter.

In case you are thinking of getting a dog which is already trained, neutered, and spayed, a dog from the rescue is the best option. As these dogs are given basic training. The dogs are maintained well, during their stay at the shelter. The volunteers working at the shelter are also well versed with the breed and temperament of the dog. In short they can give you a best choice.

The dogs from the shelters cost you less, when compared to the buying the dogs directly. These dogs have all the vaccinations updated. They are given vaccinations for parasites, fleas, and heartworm before you adopt them. You don’t have to spend time and money for getting the dog checked and vaccinated again.

You are also dong your bit of community service when you are buying a dog from the rescues or shelters. The income from the sale of dogs is not used for any commercial purposes but it is used for maintaining and managing the dog shelter facility. The money is used to pay the fees of the veterinary doctors. It is used to provide improved food, shelter and vaccination to the dogs. The money is also used to advertise and find new owners to the abandoned dogs.

In case you are looking for a dog of particular breed, then the dog shelter is the best option. You will get professional and timely help to buy a dog. As the volunteers and the doctors working with the dog shelter are trained to give the best advice to the foster parents of the dog. You may also consider volunteering for the nearest dog shelter, or even become a foster family for a dog.



By: Jeff Nenadic

About the Author:

Is it possible to get a dog to stop digging?  Probably not, as this is a normal behavior for canines.  They have an instinct to dig, both to provide dens and shelter for themselves and their puppies, and to bury food so they can eat it later.  You may not be able to get your pup to stop digging holes completely, but you can take steps to slow him down a bit.

Some Breeds Like To Dig

The first step to prevent dog digging is to think ahead before you adopt your pet.  Terriers, hounds, and retrievers are all hunting dogs.  They’ve been bred to do whatever it takes to retrieve game, including digging.  In fact, the word “terrier” comes from a Latin word that means “earth.”  Although all canines will dig, you can often avoid digging problems by choosing your breed carefully.

A Bored Dog Is The Most Common Reason For Digging Holes

Canines are very social animals that need lots of mental stimulation and exercise.  Leaving your pet alone all day in the house or out in the yard with nothing to do is not a good idea.  He’ll find a way to keep busy, but you may not like how he does it.  Many dog behavior problems, like excessive barking and digging holes, are your buddy’s way of fending off boredom.  

Sometimes digging is a form of attention-seeking behavior.  This is common if you don’t pay enough attention to him.  Your pet craves your attention, whether it’s good or bad.  If the only time you ever notice him is when he’s doing something naughty, you can rely on the fact that he’ll keep on doing it.

How To Get A Dog To Stop Digging

You probably won’t stop dog digging completely, but here are some tips that can help.

First, your pup needs lots of exercise.  Some folks make the mistake of thinking that a canine who’s out in the yard all day doesn’t need any more exercise.  Nothing could be further from the truth.  Your pooch needs at least an hour and a half of vigorous exercise every day to burn off all his energy and tire him out.  If you don’t have time to walk him twice a day, consider hiring a dog walker.

Second, mental stimulation is important.  Walks are a great way for your buddy to keep up with what’s going on in the neighborhood.  He’ll meet new people, greet other dogs, and be exposed to new situations.  He can check out interesting smells, and he’ll see new things.

Third, spend time training your dog each day.  This is a wonderful way to give him positive attention.  As little as ten minutes a day is all you need.  Keep the training sessions short and fun.  He loves to learn new things, and he loves to please you.  You’ll enjoy the time you spend with him, so it’s a win-win situation for both of you.

A good dog training course will help give you structure for the training sessions, and you’ll also know that you’re teaching your dog to do what you want, instead of accidentally teaching him bad dog habits.

Although you probably won’t ever get your dog to stop digging holes completely, there are easy steps you can take to make this behavior much less of a problem with your pet.



By: Darlene Norris

About the Author:

Chihuahuas are the most popular breed of dog in Los Angeles, so it makes sense it is the most abandoned breed, said Madeline Bernstein, President of the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Los Angeles. Experts say pop culture is to blame with fans imitating Chihuahua-toting celebrities like Paris Hilton and Miley Cyrus, then abandoning the dogs.

Apparently, at least in California’s Bay Area, Chihuahuas are replacing pit bulls as the breed most left behind in animal shelters, and shelters and rescue groups are seeking the public’s help.

Among the reasons for the glut is the breed’s popularity in movies like “Beverly Hills Chihuahua” and as celebrity pets, said Dave Frangipane, senior coordinator for Chihuahua Rescue of Beverly Hills. There are so many Chihuahuas at shelters in Oakland, they have started shipping the dogs out of state, said Megan Webb, director of Oakland Animal Services. And so it goes with more and more disturbing reports of these wonderful animals being given up to shelters and small dog rescue agencies and perhaps some not lucky enough to be delivered to a shelter.

Chihuahuas are a dime a dozen, and most of them are bred and offered for sale by people who don’t have the slightest idea of how to breed good-tempered dogs. Though they are adorable and wonderful dogs, Chihuahuas are not right for everyone. The Chihuahua makes the perfect pal for anyone interested in a long-term companion

Chihuahua the Breed-the Good News

First the good news then some bad news then I will close with a positive thought or two. Always do your homework before aquiring or adopting any pet. They will, hopefully, be with you for many years. It is a big decision especially if there are children of any age in the home.

The Chihuahua is recognized as one of the oldest dog breeds. Historical facts concerning the Cholula Pyramids and the Chichen Itza ruins indicate that Chihuahuas have existed before the 16th century. It is said that the ancestors of the Chihuahua were the companions of the ancient Toltecs during the 9th century and were used for religious reasons.

Chihuahuas crave attention, affection, exercise and being petted. Pretty typical for a dog, right. Chihuahuas with proper breeding are not yappy; the AKC standard calls for “a terrier-like attitude. Chihuahuas often like to dig and snuggle down in blankets for sleeping. Now don’t we just all love that. Just be sure your bed isn’t too far from the floor. We don’t want any broken legs when the little one jumps off the bed by surprise. Chihuahuas, often called Chis (CHEE-s) are a lively dog breed that adores human companionship. Chis are alert dogs with terrier-like qualities. They are one of the smallest dog breeds, and are a part of the Toy group.

They are a relatively clever breed, but it is said that Chihuahua training is not easy. They shed and come in two coat varieties: short hair and long hair but have minimal grooming needs. Long haired Chihuahuas tend to have a more mellow temperament. Chihuahua’s are one of the longest living dog breeds, and can live up to 18 years or more. They dislike the cold and appreciate a sweater on cool days. Chihuahuas are tenacious, proud, and very energetic.

They are best known for their small size and large, erect ears. Chihuahuas have very different personalities not really depending on their gender, but they are all unique just like people. These little ones also have a wonderful sense of play. They sport some exotic colors, merles, blues, brindles, but please do concentrate on healthy, happy puppies as your first priority when making your selection.

Now for some bad news

This breed is not recommended for homes with small children but do well with elderly individuals or couples, or an owner who loves to spoil their pets. Being naturally territorial and protective, Chihuahuas can be easily provoked to attack, and are therefore generally unsuitable for homes with small children.

Chihuahuas are NOT suited to children, no matter how well-meaning the child. A toddler can snap a Chihuahua’s leg in a second. Are you getting the idea that this breed is not recommended for homes with small children? If you make the correct decision you won’t need to call your vet or small dog rescue.

Diet-More Bad News

Chihuahuas are sometimes picky eaters, and care must be taken to provide them with adequate nutrition. “They will eat when they are hungry” does not apply to this breed. Chihuahuas are prone to hypoglycemia or low blood sugar and could be at a critical state if allowed to go too long without a meal. Chihuahua owners should have a simple sugar supplement on hand to use in emergencies, such as, Nutri-Cal, Karo syrup or honey.

Overweight Chihuahuas are susceptible to having an increased rate of joint injuries, tracheal collapse, chronic bronchitis, and shortened life span. Chihuahuas are sometimes picky eaters and care must be taken to provide them with adequate nutrition. Overfeeding a Chihuahua can be a great danger to the dog’s health, shortening its life and leading to diabetes.

Be a responsible buyer and stick with Chihuahuas who will mature at 4 pounds and up, who have the best chance of living a normal healthy life. You can see that they may require a bit more attention, especially in the area of nutrition, than some other breeds.

Veterinary Care

This breed requires expert veterinary attention in areas such as birthing and dental care. Dental problems are a common health problem with this breed, so keeping them clean is of utmost importance.

Some common health problems of the Teacup Chihuahuas are bladder stones, heart and tracheal diseases which means excessive coughing and sometimes arthritis. Chihuahuas are also prone to some genetic anomalies, often neurological ones, such as epilepsy and seizure disorders. They are prone to eye infections or eye injury due to their large round protruding eyes and their relatively low ground clearance.

Positive Thought about Chihuahas

Graceful, alert and swift-moving with a saucy expression, Chihuahuas are highly intelligent and should not be underestimated though small in size. Chihuahuas are intelligent, graceful, and sometimes too brave for their own good. Chihuahuas are prized for their devotion and personality. While Chihuahuas are often thought of as high-strung and fragile, correct training and socialization can result in an outstanding companion animal.

If you delve deep enough into the positive and negative aspects of each breed this breed may hold its own with regard to health issues. And face it, how cuddly are they. I believe them to be extremely loyal and protective. What more could one ask for in a companion pet.

Don’t forget the puppy accessories. You should have a small dog crate for your new Chis. This is for their potty training and their safety. Of course a pet carrier is a must. You will need some new clothes to keep him or her warm.

If you have done your homework and believe a Chihuahua is right for you then now is the time to help relieve the pressure and adopt one.

“She is your friend, your partner, your defender, your dog. You are her life, her love, her leader. She will be yours, faithful and true, to the last beat of her heart. You owe it to her to be worthy of such devotion.” ~~Unknown



By: Bill Beavers

About the Author: