Desparate to Co-Exist. Need advice...

12014 Views 46 Replies 26 Participants Last post by Angel1210, Dec 15, 2011

notgivingup

Discussion Starter · Dec 11, 2011

First off, let me say that I do not dislike chihuahuas or dogs in general.

That said let me explain my situation a bit.

I got married about 8 months ago (28M, 33F). My fiance has a 3 year old chihuahua, Pete. I knew she had the dog but we did not live together before getting married. I have never been much of an animal person but from what I saw of the dog I did not thinking sharing a house with him would be too difficult.

I was wrong. For the past 8 months I have tried everything to come to terms with the fact that this dog will be in my life for a LONG time to come. My wife adores him, calls him her "son". We have spent a lot of money to get him trained and it got better but he is still so willful.

My issues:

1. CONSTANT following, staring, being underfoot when she is not there.
2. Does not listen, very stubborn.
3. REFUSES to poop or pee in the cold, the instant we let him in, he goes.
4. Constant jumping in my lap, getting hair all over me. I am mildly allergic too.

I could go on and on. I guess what I want / need to know is how can I get the dog to understand that I am to be left alone? I have never and would never mistreat the dog but I really do not want to be my wife's stand in when she is away. I have discussed these issues with her and she cannot get past the fact that some people are just not animal people. I really cannot stand the constant following, lap jumping, etc. He even tries to get into the bathroom AND shower when I try to use them!!!

Please give advice on I how I can co-exist with this dog. What I want is to have minimal interaction.

Thanks...

See less See more

Save

1 - 2 of 47 Posts

MChis

· #5 · Dec 12, 2011

I almost want to say you came to the wrong place with your concerns but what better place to learn about a Chi than here.

As what was mentioned Chi's are a companion dog meaning they were bred to have certain characteristics. Some dogs were bred as hunting dogs...its in their nature. Companion dogs were bred to be with their people at all times. Pete is doing a great job with what he's meant to do. Chi's will follow you from room to room, hop in your lap the second you sit & will act like you're crazy if you tell them otherwise. You can set boundaries for Pete...but its up to you to maintain those boundaries...you can't expect him to learn them & that's that. Dogs like in the moment & follow your lead so you must stay assertive if you want those limits. Check out how to be a good pack leader...it may be helpful.

Please do cut Pete some slack though...he is doing what he is meant to do. Oh & the pottying issue...just stay outside longer & keep him tethered to you when you go inside. If he starts to squat lift him up immediatelt mid poo/pee & put him outside to finish. You have to be diligent about it...have lots of patience & persistence & he'll catch on.

Good luck!

See less See more

Save

MChis

· #23 · Dec 13, 2011

notgivingup said:
I figured I would ruffle some feathers here, and that's ok. I knew that on a forum like this my opinions would not be very popular.

I think part of the problem is that I could never have imagined just how needy the dog is. I mean it's not enough that he is sitting next to me when I am using the laptop, he has to try and crawl in my lap despite me repeatedly, over the course of several months, correcting him. It gets frustrating. I have never wanted a dog and I thought that I would be able to leave the majority of the "dog chores" to my wife. I have ended up doing far more than I care to do. I wish she would have prepared me better for what I could expect. I never knew to ask. A long discussion wife my wife is in order. We need to find a happy medium.

Like I said I think if he was more laid back it would be easier, but the EXTREME neediness is what bothers me.

Anyway thanks for the great advice and suggestions!

I'd say she should have "warned" you BUT you didn't know the dog was like this BEFORE you got married? And you thought things would change? Saying Chihuahuas are companion dogs isn't like saying they're friendly dogs & that is that. Chihuahuas have a NEED to be with people...in their laps even. They're persistent when they know they will get what they want. Sure some Chi's are more "needy" than others but geesh. They're DOGS. The understand like dogs...they don't have human concept or understanding. They know what they know unless you make the boundaries clear which you obviously have not if he's still trying to climb in your lap (which you allow him to do!! LOL). You talk to the wifey all you want but I'm thinking if she's anything like the folks here who love their Chi's you're gonna be sleepin' on the couch.

Honestly...from a marriage stand point...you know your wife won't give up her Pete. You know how Pete is & that he'll be with you for a long time. Talk it over & make some guidelines you're both comfortable with. But really...the dog was there first & you married her. Accept the situation & make the best of it. Accept he is a DOG that was bred to "NEED" to be with people. Don't hold that against him--it's not fair. And freshen up on being a good pack leader which will help you create better boundaries that Pete will understand instead of not creating boundaries & holding a grudge toward a dog that is doing what is natural to him.

See less See more

Save

1 - 2 of 47 Posts

This is an older thread, you may not receive a response, and could be reviving an old thread. Please consider creating a new thread.

Top Contributors this Month