I just adopted a chihuahua yesterday who has just been...

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Answer by Chimama
Submitted on 9/26/2003
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Congratulations on becoming a mother. Your little girl is likely just fine. She is grieving the loss of her doggie mother and her littermates. Chihuahuas bond very deeply with one or two people, you are now her Mommy and she is afraid you will leave her too. Give her all the cuddles you can. But, and I stress this, she must start right away sleeping in her own place. Some people crate train, I didn't. It is not cruel, as long as it is done properly. Her crate is her den, is should have soft bedding and a blankie she can curl up under (chihuahuas love to be under the covers, even when we humans are sweating). She should have a toy but not food and water. A dog will naturally not want to eliminate in its bed, so the chance that they would have to is reduced by not leaving food and water available while she is in the crate. Puppies can't hold it very long, and if they get into the habit of soiling their bed, it's almost impossible to break them of it. Whenever she is put into the crate, make sure she has had the chance to eliminate first. When she comes out of the crate, she should be given the opportunity to eliminate right away and then given food and water. This is where she should sleep and where she should stay when you are away. It should not be used as punishment. I used my bathroom, since it has a tile floor for easy cleanups. She had her bed, her toys and her food and water dishes. she had food and water because : Minnesota is not chihuahua friendly seven months out of the year, so I also gave her a litter box and clumping cat litter. She had a place to eliminate outside her bed, which is why I left food and water available. This is where she slept at night and where she stayed during the day when I was at work. The first few nights, she slept in my bedroom in her bedbox (I held up the sides of the cardboard box so she couldn't get out) but after that I moved her to the bathroom. She will likely cry as if her heart is breaking, you just have to put up with it, just as you would to teach a human infant to sleep in their own crib. I made sure she had a toy or a tshirt that smelled like Mommy. After a day or two, she will adapt just fine. As far as eating, remember that her tummy is very small, it can't hold much at a time. She will eat three or four times a day, and drink two or three times. It is important to have food available to her, as she will need to replenish her energy often. Quite a few people say to give food and then take it away after 15 minutes, which teaches them to eat when food is offered. I didn't, I left dry kibble available at all times, both my little ones self-regulated themselves and stopped eating when they were full, even when Mommy tried to get them to take just a little more. If you haven't already, take her to the vet and get her started on her vaccinations. The vet can also give her a thorough exam and calm your fears about whether she is eating and drinking enough. Take a fresh poop in with you, that's something they should ask for at her first exam. I suggest you get the book Chihuahuas for Dummies, it is by far the best book I have ever read on the care and feeding of these adorable little creatures. Thank you so much for caring so much about your little one, I'm sure you will be a wonderful mother.

Answer by new proud owner
Submitted on 6/29/2004
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I must say that I agree with Chimama. A baby chi needs it's own place to sleep (at least while it's a baby)the first reason is, they're so tiny, you could crush them while turning over in bed while sleeping, it doesn't matter how careful you are, no one is aware of what they do while sleeping, or he could cover himself so deep into covers that he sufforcates himself. Another reason is, baby's need to learn when it's bedtime, they need to be independent. Also, they could start going to the bathroom on your bed, which is a difficult habit to break. Once the chi is more mature, I see no problem sleeping with them. I have my baby chi sleep in his kennel for 3-4 hours, he cries when he needs to go to the bathroom, I wake up and bring him to his litter, then as a treat, I let him sleep with me for a few more hours until I wake up. I also build a ramp with my pillows so if he wants to go to the bathroom he can crawl down the bed by himself.

Answer by chimama
Submitted on 7/2/2004
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Thanks for the defense and the explanation! The reasons I have for keeping puppy off the bed are 1) independence, they need to learn to sleep alone and to spend time alone, while their beloved human is near, it makes it easier when you have to leave them alone at home. 2) potty on the bed. Yuck! To a chihuahua, the other end of your bed is like the other end of the room to you, plenty of distance between potty and sleep. 3) don't roll over on the puppy 4) also there may be times when you don't want the dog on the bed, such as when you want adult-time with your significant other perhaps? Sleeping in bed with you is a privilege, it has to be earned. Once both my girls were reliably using the litter trays by themselves, each got to sleep with me. Alpha Gremlin first and a year later Beta Nixie, who was adopted a year after Gremlin. New Proud Owner isn't the only one who's built a ramp, I have a series of steps from my bed to the floor, and at least one other person has done the same, I think it is Willa. You're getting to be an old hand at this, your contributions to the board are Great!

Answer by PomLuver
Submitted on 7/3/2004
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I have a question for chimama. Can you train your dog to use a litter box? I am only 13 years old, but i know tons of things about dogs. Everytime I get a chance to go to the library I get a book on dogs. I have been saving up for a pomeranian. I know you know a lot about chihuahuas, but i was wondering if you had some information for me about pomeranians. My dad is afraid she will potty in the house so i thought about litter box training. Also would it be a good idea to buy a playpen and put her in it by my bed with a litter box in it and also a bed? I have about 600.00 dollars. Is this enough to buy a good AKC registered pomeranian? You sound like you know these things and I would love some of your advice. Thank You PomLuver

Answer by Jasmin
Submitted on 9/16/2004
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I purchased a long coat male chihuahua, 11 weeks old, last week. He is the most adorable puppy when hes hanging out with me, but as soon as he is alone, he goes crazy. Ive tried everything as far as crate training and sleeping habits. At night i set him in his cage, away from me, and he continously barks for hrs at a time, non stop! He has everything he needs, etc..it is driving my parents crazy b/c we cant sleep at all...what should i do? its been several days now and he still is scared..When i leave for school during the day i need to leave him in his cage when i am not home..but he wont stop barking and whining..I have to return him this week if this doesnt stop, im extremely attached to him already though :(

Answer by Lori
Submitted on 10/25/2004
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I am also going to become a proud new owner of a long-haired chihuahua. She will be named Sierra. I am thinking about putting the litter box in the bathroom and putting puppy training pads in it. It might work. Maybe I can put a puppy training pad on one end of my bed. I'm very careful while I'm sleeping. I usually stay in one spot. I had a dwarf hamster named Tugboat who slept with me on my full size bed only on the other side. I put her little plastic bed and exercise wheel on the bed and her food and she was happy to play while I was sleeping and go to bed when she was tired. I am so anxious to get my chihuahua next month. I hope all goes well with them delivering her to me.

Answer by Max's Mom
Submitted on 1/14/2005
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HELP!!!! I have a Min Pin Chihuahua mix. He's very handsome and fun to have around. I also have a Golden Retriever mix, female named Melissa. Both dogs are rescues. Max was found at about 9 months roaming the streets. When I saw him at the pet rescue/adoption, it was love at first site. Now he's 2 and a half years old and what we thought was a temp problem has become chronic. We have tried many things, no matter how much he is walked or how often we practice timing including kenneling, he still pees and poops either in the dining room, my sons room or at the edge of the sofa. He will go a long time without an accident and then we find a little present. He is also aggressive when people come near him onthe streets, he bit a friend of ours. He loves hi kennel when we're away and always loves to crawl under the covers when I'm relaxing. He is very loved but this problem is getting the best of all of us. What can we do to solve it. Do the pheramone odors work and if so which ones are best. PLEASE HELP!!

Answer by LoriEllen
Submitted on 1/19/2005
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I have a five month old female chihuahua named Sierra. She is doing fairly well. I just got her on December 3, 2004 from a breeder in Iowa. She is my princess, however, she is having a problem - she is growling at anything that is a certain shade of blue and when I had I Dream of Jeanie on the other day, whenever they showed Jeanie's masters boss she would bark and growl at the tv set. Could this be something in her past that was upsetting to her? Maybe a policeman or another official that was visiting the kennel that she didn't like? Also, I would like to litter box train her. I tried the paper method but it didn't work. She just took the paper from the bathroom and dragged it to the livingroom and started chewing on it. What is the best litter to get for this purpose?

Answer by meluvallanimals
Submitted on 9/12/2006
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Yes, you can litter box train dogs. Usually, if you get a puppy from a good breeder, it is mostly, or sometimes even totally litter box or paper trained. Litter box training a dog is a little complicated, but definitely not impossible. Commercial dog litter is available, but since dogs have no innate desire to bury their waste or look for a litter-like surface they have to be trained to use their litter box. I suggest using a potty pad(Available at your local pet store such as Petsmart or Petco) placed in a large plastic(easy to clean)litter-box. You want the box to have a larger surface area rather than being tall at the beginning, so your pup won't have so much trouble getting in and there won't be as many "misses" that way. Dog litter manufacturers say that you should keep your puppy in a large crate with bedding on one side and the litter box on the other to encourage him to use the box, but I suggest putting the box just beside the crate in a quiet area of the house where you'll see it every so often so you can remember to change the litter when needed. This is counter to the basic idea of crate training, but in this case, the crate is more like a very small room. Using a large open wire crate may help the dog feel comfortable pottying in the litter box. Prices for Pomeranian puppies' prices range anywhere from $500-$1500, depending on a few different things. I've even seen a cute little pup for $250, but that's unusually cheap. If it were me I would probably buy a more normally priced pup, especially if I wasn't able to meet the pup and see it's living conditions, it's personality, the type of health it's in, etc. The most important thing to remember is NOT! to buy from any pet store! The puppies they're selling might be from a puppy mill, and you absolutely don't want to spend your money supporting that horrible practice. I also suggest, if you aren't using your dog for breeding or show, have it spayed/neutered!! This is important to control the animal population and cut down on unwanted pets. (Don't forget to buy a dog training book that can tell you more.) Good Luck, and I hope this has been helpful.

Answer by Steven
Submitted on 4/11/2007
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I just adopted a very adorable Chihuahua puppy - she is 9 weeks old. She is tan and short hair and did not whine at all when she was brought home. However, she is very very shy and shivers until you hold her then she falls asleep with a yawn. She checked me out thoroughly (sniffed me) before she fell asleep. She also signaled me after her brief nap that she needed to potty - I took her outside and she found a clump of pine straw on my driveway and peed. She then walked to me and kept bobbing her head. Now here is my question, I am hearing impaired and am living with a deaf woman - we both want this dog to be trained as a hearing ear dog. Do you know of any resources in the Atlanta Georgia area where we could go to get this dog trained? Any info would be appreciated. My email is steventurner01@gmail.com

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Question by Denise
Submitted on 9/24/2003
Related FAQ: rec.pets.dogs: Chihuahuas Breed-FAQ
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I just adopted a chihuahua yesterday who has just been weened. She is eating and drinking VERY little in my opinion, but she is my first. Anyway, she keeps crying unless I hold her. What should I do to make the change easier for her? Any other helpful hints will be appreciated. Thanks! Denise

Answer by michelle
Submitted on 11/14/2003
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yes i will take good care the chihuahua.

Answer by Lorelei
Submitted on 6/25/2004
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ChiMama, most of your advice is good. But what is the point of having and loving a dog if it doesn't sleep with you. I've had several dogs over my lifetime. Each one slept on my bed. Why not enjoy having a dog to the fullest, and let it sleep on the bed? It's not like a Chihuahua is going to take over the bed, or try to lead your pack!

Answer by John
Submitted on 7/17/2004
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I was also wondering if you can litter box train a dog. If so what would you put in the litter box. Litter? or something different?

Answer by Raine
Submitted on 1/3/2005
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I just Got a Chihuahua for Christmas he is only four months old. Ever since I got him he doesn't let me leave his side, every time I leave me apartment he crys at the door untill I get back, is it a good idea to get a day baby sitter while I work?

Answer by PomLuver
Submitted on 9/2/2004
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Chimama Please answer me!!!!

Answer by Katie
Submitted on 2/26/2005
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I have a question, I just got a 3.5 pound 1 year old Chihuahua. Our biggest problem right now is she gets tummy aches and constipated, we know when shes going to have this problem when she wont eat anything but grass. We haven't been able to feed her dog food, all we can get her to eat is hamburger, rice, and some vegetables all cooked together. She eats allot though, we feed her almost 5 times a day sometimes. my question is how much should we feed her?

Answer by just passing through
Submitted on 3/26/2005
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I was just reading this papillion site and they used compressed wood pellets. She said they had less dust, and were safer for the dogs if they try to taste it.

Answer by Emily Anne
Submitted on 7/26/2005
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hi i have always wanted a dog but i never could get one but now i can because my mom (im 15) will be home during the days while im at school so i can finalyl get a chihuahua i hope. but the only probalem is that i dotn have a big yard so i cant just let the dog out so i was wondering if you can litter train a chihuahua? and how? i have cats so i know how to litter train a cat is it the same for a chihuahua? this information would be very much helpfull Sincerly, wanting to be a proud new owner

Answer by shanno
Submitted on 8/23/2005
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I'm thinking about buying a long haired chihuahua, and i was wondering since i am 18 years old i have a full time job and i also like to go out with my friends. Do you think I will have enough time for my new puppy? I was also thinking about bringing my new puppy with me when I go out. Is it a good idea for me to have a new chihuahua puppy? I really want one and I am willing to make some sacrifices for her but I don't want my social life to be gone. If anyone could give me some advice on this it will be greatly appreciated!

Answer by Sherry has Chihuahua's
Submitted on 12/7/2005
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I am having my first experience with the litter box. I'm putting in something called Feline Pine and spraying puppy trainer spray on it. My teacup chihuahua has pretty much got the hang of it in the mornings. It seems to be later in the evening when she forgets and likes to tinkle on the carpet or on the other dogs beds...

Answer by Jessica
Submitted on 12/23/2005
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I was wondering the same thing. I have wanted a chihuahua for like my whole life, but my parents are concerned about him going potty around the house. Cats can have a litter box, I think dogs would be pretty capable if you train them right. But, what do I know. I just want some advice, because I am totally trying to convince my parents that a Chihuahua would be a great pet for me! Plleaaasee hellpp!

Answer by ANGEL
Submitted on 2/9/2006
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IM WONDERING ABOUT INSIDE TRAINING ALSO

Answer by miz blonde
Submitted on 3/16/2006
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welcome to the fascinating world of these tiny adorable dogs! myself i have three Baby,Chanel and Cobalt yes wierd names i know...=) good luck to you and your chihu!i hope you enjoy each others company!=)

Answer by Pomgurl
Submitted on 4/10/2006
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I have a pom and I had bought him for $600 ca. I had gotten him from a rescue, without papers, with a tatoo(35btn)with shots, so I dont know if you have enough money, but it deffinately is worth it!!!!!

Answer by scarlet
Submitted on 1/11/2007
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I THINK SLEEPING WITH DOGS ISN'T HEALTHY, MAYBE IT'S NICE BUT NOT HEALTHY. MOST OF THE DOGS LOOSE TONS OF HAIR WHILE THEY'RE SLEEPING SPECIALLY IF THEY'RE HAVING NIGHTMARES, BECAUSE THEY GET STRESSED UP! I WOULD RECOMMEND WHAT THE DOCTOR SAID... KEEP THE DOG ON A SOFT BED AND A BLANK IE, LOVE YOUR DOG BUT ALSO TAKE CARE OF YOURSELF!

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Answer by Misty
Submitted on 4/23/2006
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I am curious about this also. As a college student, it would be very convenient to have a litterbox trained dog... how is this accomplished?

Answer by Hopeful
Submitted on 8/27/2006
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I'm looking to adopt a chihuahua. My mom is ok with it but i don't know how to tell my dad. Any sugestions?

Answer by jordan
Submitted on 12/23/2006
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hi you can litter train a dog.puppies more so. if you were to litter train a dog though you would have to put kitty litter in it .

Answer by sonja
Submitted on 2/10/2007
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can you sleep with your dog will it do any harm,can you potty train your dog to use a litter box,and can you take your chi anywere you possible wont,and can your chihuahua live out in the country will it do any harm to it.

Answer by Sasha
Submitted on 2/28/2007
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I am only 10 years old but I know alot about dogs. My friend is going to get a chihuahua pup and I keep telling her she shouldn't sleep with it while it's a puppy, but she won't listen! I am really worried about the puppy being crushed, what should I do? I also might get a chihuahua in a few months, so if anyone has some more tips on caring for new chihuahua's that'd be great.

Answer by a new chi owner
Submitted on 4/27/2007
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I got a chihuahua 2 days ago. She doesnt have a crate of her own. She sleeps on doggie bed under my bed. So far she hasnt peed inside the house as we take him out all the time. But my biggest concern is that he pees only 2-3 times a day. To be exact, 5.30 am after we wake him up, and 6 in the evening. I read that puppies pee after a nap or after playing. I took him outside after his nap and his play activities but he still does not pee other than at the above mentioned time. Is this a serious issue..Iam reallly nervous as this is my first pet and he is only 9 weeks old. thanku

Answer by chihuahua luver 4eva
Submitted on 7/6/2007
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Yes...you can defiantly train any dog to use the litter dog. My dogs prefer to use the potty outside. There is more places for them to go, and they like the thought of "Showing everyone" that this house is their house. If you have a smaller dog, litter boxes work best.

Answer by I love my Callie
Submitted on 7/12/2007
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i was mom want to know how to get it trained so it wont use the bathroom in the house do you know how to????my moms friends dog has a bell tied to the door so when he has to go he just rings it do you think that would be good for it or not