[LittleBean]

Im sure people who come here often have seen me post a couple of threads since I got Haru on Sunday. At first she seems to be the most amazing girl. But now, she has the terrible separation anxiety. She is a "velcro dog". She wants to be by your feet all the time, when you walk around the room she would instantly follow you or hawk you no matter how tired. Of course some people say it's puppy behaviour, and I really hope so too.

Crate training has been a nightmare. The first day we got her crate, we made it such a luxury for her. She loved to play in there in her own which was perfect for us. We feed her treats in there, feed her in there, to put a positive correlation between her and the crate. But the second we walk around the house, even the same room, she would whine and whine and whine for a bit. Then when we leave the house or the room, she would cry so loud you almost feel so sorry for her, and would bark and howl like she's being tortured. The funny thing is, when she is anxious you'll know because in her crate she would pick up her toy and just whine with it. She never leaves her favorite toy when she's nervous. We practiced pretending to leave, even a few seconds, then gradually increased. Won't work. She goes back to square one. We started off with babysteps.

So, we got her a pen. Figured there's room for her to walk around. Nope. Didn't get better. She started to shred the pee pads to pieces. She's becoming more and more destructive every day. Does that mean we're doing something wrong? Last night in the pen, she cried/howl/barked high pitched ALL NIGHT. All 4-5 hours of it. I didn't get any sleep.

We usually keep a little collar on her with a tag with our number on it. But today she chewed RIGHT through that. She broke the WHOLE COLLAR with her teeth.

While I was at work my boyfriend told me she was being a really good girl, and I was a little relieved. But then later today, we took her out for a walk and she all of a sudden acted like she was "scared" of the outside. She didn't want to step out of the house, she'd tug and tug. It's nice and warm out today. We took her just across the street, she just kept looking at the house, sat shaking, and just wanted to go home. She usually loves being outside, and walking around the block. When she was back in the house, she RAN around the basement like a mad dog. It was loud, she was obviously really excited, and she'd run into things or trip over her feet because she's going so fast.

Also, when I first got her she loved people. Would let people pet her, and she would greet other dogs. Now if she sees anyone close enough or on the streets, she would stick that tail straight between her legs and back into a wall or any corner that would make her feel safe.

I don't know what's going on. I know all the things I mentioned seems to be normal but it's just it seems to be getting more severe.

 

[kimr]

So, basically you've had her 5 days?

I haven't read your other posts, so I don't know how old she is, but I'm assuming she is a young pup.

What you're describing is typical Chihuahua behavior...Not that some of it doesn't need to change, but it is pretty typical. (I have one that is almost a year old, and he still howls when I leave the room, as if he can't follow me.)

She hasn't had time to adjust to anything just yet. She doesn't know what you expect from her, and depending on her age, she might not for awhile.

Chis can be clingy. I have one laying on my crossed legs right now, and another lying beside me with her head on the laptop stealing the warmth from it. That's a pretty typical scenario once I finally get to sit down for the evening. When I'm moving around the house, they are both right under my feet. I don't mind. I talk to them just like they are my children, and try my best not to step on either of them.

What do you mean by crate training? Is she staying in there too much? Do you let her out when you're able to watch her? I 'crate trained' both of mine, but they had alot of freedom, too. As long as I could keep an eye on them, they were free to run around, but I watched them like a hawk, and learned their individual signs for 'potty time'. I only used the crate when we could not watch them, and at night. (I do like for the two little ones to sleep in the crate. Pedro sleeps in his bed in our room.)

Puppies chew. I gave up trying to keep a collar on Diesel, he ate so many. We discouraged chewing, and provided them with something that they could chew on instead of the 'no nos'. That is something she will outgrow, but you might have to work on it in the meantime.

They grow into their personalities. She's had alot of changes in her little life in the past 5 days. Of course she is going to show fear quickly now.

Give her time to adjust!!!

 

[LittleBean]

She has tons of freedom. When we're downstairs she has the basement area (closing doors to rooms because she loves sneaky poos), and when we're upstairs she runs around the living room and such but prefers to be with us.

Googling random stuff, I've come across the idea that she might think she's the "pack leader" but I thought alpha behaviour only happened in "males" :S

 

[Mouvelous]

this is very typical chihuahua behavior i myself also have a new pup in the house going to be 9 weeks tuesday and i have a 6 month old but they are ALWAYS by me unless i am so busy they get too tired of following me around. always under my feet especially the baby hes always wanting to be carried around in my arms and sleeps on my chest any chance he gets. they are VERY devoted to there owners they are companion dogs means they are there to keep you company at all times. I havent really tried a collar on the baby since he is so small he can get caught on things easily and probably too heavy for his neck and its all so big for her still. try only putting it on for a hour at a time and gradually increase the time. both my chi's love there crate and go in there when there is no one to cuddle with on the couch they play with toys in there and take naps and do whatever dogs do in there chihuahua are den dogs and naturally do love there crate maybe its too big for her . Your baby loves you and wants to be with you just like a baby they crave and need there parent and will be strongly attached to you for life. my 6 month is also very devoted and follows me everywhere and right by my side. i dont even need a leash for her but i put one on for safety and she is always at my feet too. you learn to walk with your eyes on the floor i have 2 kids and 2 chi's that follow me everywhere im use to it. Some of your chi's behavior does need to be worked on and maybe you need to think about doing things differently for your chi sake since she is probably scared and has never been left all alone ever and probably really misses the company of her littermates and mom and being seperated from your and your bf is probably really hard on her being alone in a strange house away from the people she has grown a bond with. maybe putting her crate in your bedroom where she can see you sleeping at night might help at night sometimes throwing a warm waterbottle and a smelly old t shirt in her crate may help . I hope this helps you understand your chi behaviour. and welcome to CP

 

[lulu'smom]

Googling random stuff, I've come across the idea that she might think she's the "pack leader" but I thought alpha behaviour only happened in "males" :S

I don't think so, but I could be wrong. We have only had girls, and I think I have seen alpha dog behavior displayed in the one that would consider herself the "alpha dog" at the time.

 

[Mouvelous]

I think you should look at more breed specific. Chi are not like beagles,german shepards, labs or min pins. I would suggest you read more on the personailty of Chihuahuas as they are unique.

 

[pupluv168]

The behaviors that you are describing don't sound like her being the "alpha" to me. They sound like normal Chihuahua puppy tendencies that need to be corrected while she is young. Chihuahuas are naturally clingy and attached to their people- in puppies, this can be extreme. You need to foster confidence and obedience in your dog, so I'd suggest training and not over-comforting while still being loving. As she grows up, she will become more well adjusted and less clingy, although she will always want to be with you. Toby is almost 8 months old and still cries when I close the bathroom door... I know some Chis that are 8 or 9 years old that are still like that. As long as they are behaved and tempered, they are okay. They were bred as companion animals, so that is what they do. Good luck!!!

 

[lulu'smom]

Toby is almost 8 months old and still cries when I close the bathroom door... I know some Chis that are 8 or 9 years old that are still like that.

I had to smile when I read that because my Lulu is 4 1/2. She won't stand outside the door and cry, but if I shut the door, when I open it she is sitting patiently outside the door waiting. BUT if I just push the door to she will ALWAYS push the door open and come in with me. hehe. No privacy with a chi.
By the way, I edited to say that she is sound asleep in the chair with me while I type this. She is stuck to me like glue.

 

[LostLakeLua]

There's a lot of good advice on here already about Socializing; there's a Rule of 7's I recommend looking up (I think it's a sticky somewhere??) that should be started asap regardless of age. It just may take a bit longer if they are older; but they still have a great chance of becoming well rounded, friendly dogs.
That said; as far as the whining. My Chinese Crested, who only weighs 6lbs full grown, screamed, whined, howled at the top of her lungs every night. We tried everything in the book; heated pads, all the ticking/white noise sounds we could find, filled it with her favorite treats, and she didn't even mind going in there during the day to nap or anything. Nothing worked, she was stubborn. It went on for I believe EIGHT months. It was not always crying; but demanding. Which was odd for a dog who was always sweet and well behaved otherwise. One day it finally just clicked. She still is quite perfect; but she had her moments back then. She sets a perfect example now... it just took her eons. Be diligent and make sure you're never rewarding the behavior (as in, never give her attention or remove her from the crate if she is crying; as it just reinforces to her that she needs to throw a tantrum to get what she wants.) It pays off... eventually...

 

[pupluv168]

Tina, no privacy with a chi is right. I can't take a shower without locking him in his crate or putting him in the bathroom with a toy. He's just miserable when he knows I'm in the house but not with him. He's fine when I leave home but if I'm there without him he just gets sooo mad.

 

[susan davis]

PLEASE don't think that this baby is being dominant! At that age it is probably the furthest thing in his little brain. He is being just that; a baby. Yes he'll get better. It will take time. I had a puppy (Irish Setter) years ago who kept us up a night, and finally I got up and stood at the top of our back stairs. Waited until the puppy started up again, and let go of a shoe. Crash, crash crash! I never said a word. Stood there for about 15 minutes. I only had to do it twice, before the pup (4 months old then) got it!! I wouldn't do this at this age, though. Just the problem of TIME will cure this! Be strong, but fair.

 

[MChis]

So if you've done your research prior to buying a Chihuahua puppy...you would KNOW this is what a Chihuahua was bred for. To be with you. They are calle COMPANION dogs for a reason. Their JOB is to be with their people. Like it's a herding dogs JOB to want to herd things. It's what is bred into them. A "velcro dog" is what probably 95% of Chihuahuas are like. I tell folks right up front before they even inquire about a puppy, if they don't like this exact type of behavior...a Chihuahua is not for you. It is not only puppy behavior. It may get better with age & they will become crate trained with work but when your home be prepared to be followed around & be prepared to be sat upon when your sitting because typically that doesn't change.

You also have to remember that you puppy has only known a place with constant company. Brothers, sisters, a mom. So the idea of being all by themselves is completely not normal or ok with them. So please keep that in mind as you assume your dog is crazy for wanting to be with you all the time or has major separation anxiety. Some are easier to crate train than others and some adjust quicker than others but yeah...they will keep you awake with their crying at first because to them...something is wrong! Best thing you can do is ignore them. The more you tell them "quiet", go check on them, pat them, etc....the longer crate training will take. Put in some ear plugs & go to sleep. They will adjust to your schedule & routine with time and as it becomes THEIR schedule & routine.

If you do not like this behavior or will never will be ok with the behavior...I'd honestly take your puppy back & before getting another dog, research what the breed was bred to do! And fwiw...I can not go pee with out at least 3 helpers. Sometimes it's 4-5. It's just the way Chihuahuas are. LOL

 

[thatrandomgirl]

The "velcro dog" part is pretty typical of a chihuahua. Mine loves to be at my side. She's actually laying at my feet right now.

For crate whining, my girl didn't like the crate much at first either. Just make sure you don't reward her by going to her whenever she whines. Stella used to whine and whine and whine, but eventually she settled down. She actually loves her crate now- she goes right for it when she's tired. It just takes time.

Also, you'd had her for less than a week. It'll take time!

I don't think she's acting like an "alpha" or anything like that. She's only a puppy. But I don't really think the pack leader/alpha dog thing is very accurate, to be honest.

Good luck with your puppy!

 

[LBChi]

This is normal when I am on cp, or Facebook, I have 2 napping dogs on my lap.

 

[Wicked Pixie]

LOL I am typing with Harley on my lap and Bambi down my top, lying across my boobs! (It is pretty chilly here for June!)
You need to decide where your boundaries are, and stick to them. Dogs, like kids, really appreciate consistency. It is totally up to you what behaviour to ask from your dog, just make sure you are consistent so she understands what is expected of her.
Bambi was a howler when we first had her, it took a lot of patience to train her to be away from us at all. When we got Harley, the howling and whining stopped instantly, as she is never on her own now, even when we are not there.
Do some more reading/research on bringing up puppies, there is no right or wrong way, but some methods will suit you more than others.

 

[catz4m8z]

I loooove my velcro dogs!! I think I would be quite upset if I didnt have at least one dog on my lap or keeping me company in the bathroom!LOL
I dont know if the OP has had a puppy before but alot of what she describes is totally normal. Puppies go through fear stages when growing up and can suddenly be terrified of things that they were fine with before (like strangers, odgs, even bags or umbrellas!), the key is to keep gently socializing.
Also you have to expect house training to take months rather then weeks, many sleepless nights (even with ear plugs in!) and the loss of several items (usually the most valuable!) which will be chewed to oblivion.

If you can live with this and continue to train your puppy in a positive manner you will have a best friend, bed warmer, surrogate kid and loyal companion.....and your life will def be the better for having a Chihuahua in it!!

 

[pupluv168]

It's funny how we all have similar experiences- it shows how much these traits are ingrained in the breed. We all have Chis sleeping on us while we are on the computer or basically doing anything involving sitting, we all have little shadows that are constantly under our feet, and we all have little lovers that are loyal best friends. Most of us can't even go to the bathroom in peace. Chihuahua owners are special people- we enjoy constant companionship bordering on a dog's obsession with us and we like cuddling with our fur friends. The neediness comes with the breed and we wouldn't have it any other way