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I have done research on Chihuahuas for months before finally making the purchase - getting (11 week old, if I did my math right) on Tuesday, Guiness. (He was born Nov 23rd 2004)?? Yes, I know that is still too young and it should have not been sold before 12 weeks - but there is a lot of misconceptions out there.. and well, I'm new as well so forgive me :-/
Anyhow, this is the first time I have had a PUPPY. I have had dogs before, but they were already socialized.. trained.. housebroken.. the works. I never have realized JUST how much WORK it is with a puppy. They always say - but.. I really realize this now.
I absolutey adore him though - but I am a little frustrated with his whining/barking during crate training sessions. I am t hinking I must be going about it wrong? Should I not push it - and just keep his crate as comfortable with food, toys- water and comfort and keep the door open until he manages to find it suitable environment to stay longer periods of time for (over 5 minutes)?
Right now he has to be near me.. he has to be touching me or he whines. If Im in the other room, he whines. I have tried ignoring it so he knows he doesn't get attention if he 's whining and I have to admit, it's gotten better. He's near me, which I don't mind.. but he's stopped whining even though I'm not on his level or holding him.
I am trying to socialize and train hiim into being a well-rounded, likable and friendly chihuhua, like I have known so many others.. but I am a nervous wreck thinking I'm going to totally screw him up. (I feel like a REAL mother.. everythign I do can depend on how he feels about everything for the rest of his life!).
With crate training.. barking.. and socializing.. I just need some good advice.. mainly from experience rather than pointing to articles (because I have read every article I think I could find).. but I am still frustrated because it seems harder then that.
Any hints or tips for a new chihuahua puppy owner? Thanks.
Anyhow, this is the first time I have had a PUPPY. I have had dogs before, but they were already socialized.. trained.. housebroken.. the works. I never have realized JUST how much WORK it is with a puppy. They always say - but.. I really realize this now.
I absolutey adore him though - but I am a little frustrated with his whining/barking during crate training sessions. I am t hinking I must be going about it wrong? Should I not push it - and just keep his crate as comfortable with food, toys- water and comfort and keep the door open until he manages to find it suitable environment to stay longer periods of time for (over 5 minutes)?
Right now he has to be near me.. he has to be touching me or he whines. If Im in the other room, he whines. I have tried ignoring it so he knows he doesn't get attention if he 's whining and I have to admit, it's gotten better. He's near me, which I don't mind.. but he's stopped whining even though I'm not on his level or holding him.
I am trying to socialize and train hiim into being a well-rounded, likable and friendly chihuhua, like I have known so many others.. but I am a nervous wreck thinking I'm going to totally screw him up. (I feel like a REAL mother.. everythign I do can depend on how he feels about everything for the rest of his life!).
With crate training.. barking.. and socializing.. I just need some good advice.. mainly from experience rather than pointing to articles (because I have read every article I think I could find).. but I am still frustrated because it seems harder then that.
Any hints or tips for a new chihuahua puppy owner? Thanks.
Sully and Rosie are well adjusted i hasten to add, as were Toby and Penny...........
