Now that we have completed our parasite series, I want to start a series that will be a little less unsavory! Let's get to work debunking the myths about Chihuahuas. This series is specifically about Chihuahuas as a breed, though some of it might ring true for other dog breeds as well. While each topic in this series is labeled a myth, some truth may be inherent in some of the topics, but in those instances, I will explain how to ensure that is remains a myth for your particular Chihuahua.
The first myth that we will tackle this week is that Chihuahuas are not good with other dogs! This is one of those topics that does have a pinch of truth to it in certain circumstances, but your Chihuahua does not have to be the Cujo type with other dogs. As you read on, you will understand the key to preventing that unwanted behavior.
Chihuahuas have always been considered a clanish breed. It's widely accepted that Chihuahuas recognize their own "kind" and stick with them, shunning all others. I have found that to be very untrue. While Chihuahuas usually do great with other Chihuahuas, there are some exceptions to that rule. There are also a great many exceptions to the idea that Chi's don't do well with other breeds of dog....many many exceptions to that, in fact. The simple fact is this...if a Chihuahua is socialized properly from the start, he will likely do well with all other dogs....and most other animals in general. We have successfully placed our puppies in home with all other breeds of dog, including Great Danes, as well as cats, pet goats and pigs, ferrets, rabbits and many others. Our babies bond with anything that doesn't eat them first!
The truth is, Chihuahuas form bonds with one another similar to the bonds they form with their human caregivers. That is a fact...no denying it. But if a Chi isn't ever around other animals, he's not any more likely to love a strange Chi than he is a strange dog of any other breed.
By the same rule, if a Chihuahua has been introduced to any animal from a young age, he is very likely to accept that animal as one that he can bond with, even if it's a cat, goat, ferret, pot-bellied pig or whatever. The key to that is early socialization, but if you have an adult
Chihuahua that did not get that early socialization, don't panic. You
can still work to socialize him/her and make great strides in terms of
behavior with other dogs. More on that later!
However, if you bring an older Chihuahua into your family, don't be surprised if he doesn't get along with other pets well, at least not at first. If that dog was an only pet, as many Chihuahuas are, he has not had the opportunity to be in contact with other animals and he may be timid and downright rude when it comes to the animals wanting to have contact with him. With some effort on your part and a lot of patience, though, you should be able to change that. Chi's are very social animals and they have the desire to be social with other animals as well as people. You may just have to put a little work into bringing that out in them.
For starters, limit a timid Chihuahua's contact with other animals at first, and make sure it is always supervised. If your Chihuahua comes running back to you as soon as another dog sniffs him, don't pick him up and cuddle him. This reinforces his idea that he should stay away from that dog. Instead, gently tell him it's alright and perhaps invite the other dog over to sniff the Chihuahua near you, where the Chi feels more comfortable. Treat the other animal as you normally would, but don't ignore the Chi...try to make him a part of a cuddle session with all three of you. Make this attempt a few times a day and you should see some improvement, though it may take a little while for your Chi to be comfortable in his surroundings enough to want another furry friend.
Another tactic that seems to work very well is to use positive reinforcement. With this method, you teach your Chihuahua to associate other dogs or animals with something that your Chi loves very much. That is usually a special treat but may also be a favorite toy, a specific game that you play with him or anything that your Chi really loves. When another dog is around, and your Chihuahua is polite to the dog, he gets his favorite thing. When he is rude to the other dog, his favorite thing is withheld. Chihuahuas are very smart. You might be surprised how quickly your dog will catch on to this.
As time goes on, gradually increase the requirement for getting the treat. For example, at first, you might give a treat if your Chi simply allows the other dog to pass by him without growling. As he learns to associate good behavior with the treat, you will increase that to include the requirement for your Chi to actually interact with the other dog just a bit. This interaction might be a small as a polite sniff at first, but should increase to being able to sit next to each other, and hopefully to actually playing with the other dog eventually. This process may take some time and patience, but it will be time well spent. Plus, it also helps you bond with your Chihuahua.
In the end, most Chihuahuas, if exposed to other animals from an early age, do very well with them, no matter what the animal is. If yours doesn't, just use your patience and training skills to change it. All dogs can learn, no matter what their age!
No comments:
Post a Comment