[joeandruth]

When approaching this issue seriously, it is hard to decide if one has crossed the line and is in fact spoiling one's chi. We have found, now going on three months with him, that Simcha is incredibly affectionate and loyal. There is a short period of time, a while after breakfast, his morning walk and some play time, when he is willing to go off by himself and take a nap. But the rest of his waking hours he is almost always looking for playtime and affection.

And, he can often be extremely demanding of attention. Needless to say, we usually give in to these demands, and almost never ignore him in an attempt to make him more 'independent.' I would like to think this does not constitute spoiling. For example, he expects to spend time cuddling with us on the upstairs sofa in the evening before his bedtime, which he spends alone in an enclosed porch. He makes it clear by his behavior at nighttime that this is a contractual obligation, and has learned the meaning of the phrase: "Let's go on the sofa." The phrase practically makes him go crazy, and we absolutely must fulfill the promise.

Is there a point at which acceding to very considerable demands for attention and affection creates a spoiled dog? It seems hard to be a casual chi owner.

 

[BorderKelpie]

I'm told my dogs are spoiled.
If spoiled constitues a dog that is trained to walk on leash, be polite in public, allowed to play in a large fenced backyard, come in the house and use their 'indoor manners,' crate and house trained and allowed to go for rides (to run errands, pick up the kids at school, etc), cuddle time when I say it's ok, down time when I say it's time, then yeah, my dogs are spoiled.
They are taught the rules of the house and are given special treats, proper vet care, etc. I don't think that's spoiled, I think it's right. But, then, I don't have dogs locked day after day in a lonely backyard or wandering the streets (like so very many unfortunate dogs around here). Some of mine even wear cutsie clothes or one even gets colored for holidays and special events.
We even adopted an older, retired due to an injury working cattle dog. She was to live the life of luxury as a pampered house pet. She got depressed. My daughter decided she needed a job to do, so began to teach her to track. She's 10 years old and thriving now. Happy go lucky, playful and feels she has a purpose. Spoiled, no, happy to be alive and loved - YES.

 

[LittleGemma]

A "spoiled" Chihuahua to me is one that is allowed to get away with everything. A spoiled Chihuahua is not properly socialized, is babied, is over-fed, and most likely does not see you as their master. I think a lot of people commonly misinterpret spoiled for being lavished with luxurious items and fun things, but in a dog's case, I really don't think that's the definition of spoiled. A dog being spoiled is being allowed to be misbehaved and demanding.

 

[teetee]

Personally, I love that Miya wants to have "sofa" time like you mentioned above. I want to cuddle with her, I think, as much as she wants to cuddle with me. Who said spoiled is a bad thing anyway? The way I see it, dogs have a certain number of years on this earth. If I'm going to be a dog owner/lover, I'm going to do everything I can and want to do to make those years the best years a dog could ever dream of.

 

[stephanie.f8291]

I have to agree, a spoiled chi is one that is not well socialized and not a good puppy citizen, but I hold that true of all dogs not just chis. I think that pets should be treated as members of their family, they should be well trained, well socialized, treated (food) and fed the best you can afford, dressed of needed, taken to the doctor, and LOVED. If that constitutes a spoiled chi then I guess I am heading down that road. But I treat my pets the same I do my child, they get the best I can possibly give them. Like today, it is chilly here (low 50's) and Biscuit is not liking it at all, so he has spent the morning wrapped in a fleece blanket on my lap, because that is where he is the most comfortable and I cannot blame him either as both my daughter and I are in our fleece jammies to stay warm.

 

[teetee]

A "spoiled" Chihuahua to me is one that is allowed to get away with everything. A spoiled Chihuahua is not properly socialized, is babied, is over-fed, and most likely does not see you as their master. I think a lot of people commonly misinterpret spoiled for being lavished with luxurious items and fun things, but in a dog's case, I really don't think that's the definition of spoiled. A dog being spoiled is being allowed to be misbehaved and demanding.

If we're defining spoiled as this, then I would have to agree with you. The mainstream definition of spoiled is like you said, having lavish and luxurious items..if that's the case, then I think it's ok and not really a bad thing. But when we talk about a dog that misbehaves and is demanding...that's when being spoiled can be a bad thing.

 

[Angel1210]

I'm pretty much on board with everyone else! If buying them nice, expensive, unecessary things is spoiling - then have fun! If spoiling is not teaching them the basics and good manners, then it is no okay! If you can afford to buy them really nice things and lots of them, why not! They give us so much in return!

But, I do believe they need to be taught good behaviors. I can cuddle with Angel all day, but I dont want him underfoot when i am trying to prepare dinner or trying to clean house. Mainly because they can get hurt!

I say - spoil away!! They do not have to go out and earn a living!! So, yeah they can be spoiled because they are going to depend on us forever, and we like it! lol

 

[Finn]

A "spoiled" Chihuahua to me is one that is allowed to get away with everything. A spoiled Chihuahua is not properly socialized, is babied, is over-fed, and most likely does not see you as their master. I think a lot of people commonly misinterpret spoiled for being lavished with luxurious items and fun things, but in a dog's case, I really don't think that's the definition of spoiled. A dog being spoiled is being allowed to be misbehaved and demanding.

Well said.

 

[Blondie87]

I feel like my girls are spoiled, and everyone says so. But they are trained, somewhat, and can't do whatever they want. But we allow them to do a lot. They have free rein of the house pretty much, besides the kitchen. They come on the couch or wherever we are whenever they want. They sleep in bed with us. They always have bully sticks and various chews. They have more clothes then they will ever wear (but they could care less), lots of toys that they never play with. Always trying different treats. They are fed a high quality food. They are my babies and I let them do whatever to an extent, but it's not often I need to correct them at home. They walk well on leashes, Bella listens amazingly while out and is nice to everyone, Izzie we are still working on. And they are rarely left alone, but when they are they have each other.

 

[BorderKelpie]

I don't plan on making Bacchus earn a living, but if he wishes to try tracking or OB or whatever, I'll try it with him. I think most dogs are happy to have a 'job' to do. His job could very well be 'executive lap warmer.' lol
Although, my toy poodle's job is Zombie/Ghost Patrol since he just randomly pops up and barks/growls at what appears to be nothing. lol

Spoiled, no, my dogs aren't spoiled. Extremely well loved with made up jobs and titles, weeeeeeell, there's a definate possibility of that. And just because Bug wears bows and sports a full contenential trim and must be combed out daily (sometimes more often), I don't think that's spoiled. I can't wait until Bacchus is ready for clothes and necklaces and a job description of his very own.

Actually, my dogs aren't spoiled, they work very hard at amusing and relaxing me. They earn everything they get.

With my job (high volume trauma center) and my life, (divorced single mom of teens) my dogs aren't spoiled, they are very necessary stress relievers. I'll dress up and spoil my dogs because it makes me happy. Spoiled, no, pampered - definatly.

 

[~LS~]

See, I always say that my dogs are spoiled, but in a GOOD way. They are
spoiled with the best nutrition, 6-7 hours of daily on-leash walks, tons of
affection(ranging from sweet words to nightly massages), unlimited access
to vet care(even for the "small" things), daily grooming, lots of play and training
time. You're probably thinking that's not spoiled, that's GREAT! In my opinion it
is great, but unfortunately not many dogs around here are treated this way, it
is definitely not the norm, therefore my dogs often get called spoiled. I will and
do put their needs before my own, no matter what. This goes for our rescues as
well, I have no problem eating oatmeal, rice and frozen veggies for two weeks
so a rescue could get a needed surgery for example. I'll go without if need be,
and some folks...well ok most folks think that's nuts. I don't leave the
house without my dogs, they come everywhere, with the exception of hospital.
I designed my home specifically for them, all furniture was bought with them in
mind, I keep a super neat home to ensure I don't set them up for failure by
leaving wires or garbage laying around, etc. My dogs came from hard times,
they need, love and crave discipline, order, exercise, stimulation and love, so
I give it to them. They are all well balanced good doggie citizens, even though
they had unfortunate pasts and previous behavioral problems. And guess what?
They even wear sweaters to keep warm during our adventures, and I have no
problem with those passerbyers who laugh at dogs in sweaters because I know
my African dogs and my little Chis could not and would not be able to tolerate
the cold, snow, etc. as well without protection. So yes, they are spoiled, they
are kings and queens, but they also have manners and will do anything mom or
dad asks of them.

I think there is no shame in "spoiling" your dog with the "good" things. The
way to know if you are spoiling a dog in a good way or not is simple, think of
how the dog sees it...to a dog there is nothing better than a long walk, good
meal and some belly rubs...if you give more of these things than the required
norm and feeding an above average nutrition than you are perhaps spoiling
your pups, which is more than ok in my book. I wish more people spoiled their
dogs the "right" way. Because throwing money around does not impress any
dog or add happiness to their life. What's the use of buying them every toy in
the store if you won't even play with them? What's the use of owning every
new hip harness if you won't even walk them? And what's the use of owning
them if you'll simply ignore them most of the day?







That's my 2cents, hope it makes sense, I'm functioning on 2 hours of sleep here.

 

[Aquarius]

I think you set the limit on spoling.

My dogs know not to interrupt us when we are eating, when I am working on the computer etc, they sleep in their own beds downstairs.

During the day when we are not doing any of the above, working, eating etc it's Playtime - everything goes, play ball, jump around, slobber us, walks, jumping on us for attention, no limits to what they can do.

And evening time - yes - it's cuddle on the couch time, and they get so excited.

So yes they are spoiled but they also know there are off times. To me that is perfect!

 

[Blondie87]

Perfectly said LS, as usual..

 

[KrystalLeigh]

See, I always say that my dogs are spoiled, but in a GOOD way. They are
spoiled with the best nutrition, 6-7 hours of daily on-leash walks, tons of
affection(ranging from sweet words to nightly massages), unlimited access
to vet care(even for the "small" things), daily grooming, lots of play and training
time. You're probably thinking that's not spoiled, that's GREAT! In my opinion it
is great, but unfortunately not many dogs around here are treated this way, it
is definitely not the norm, therefore my dogs often get called spoiled. I will and
do put their needs before my own, no matter what. This goes for our rescues as
well, I have no problem eating oatmeal, rice and frozen veggies for two weeks
so a rescue could get a needed surgery for example. I'll go without if need be,
and some folks...well ok most folks think that's nuts. I don't leave the
house without my dogs, they come everywhere, with the exception of hospital.
I designed my home specifically for them, all furniture was bought with them in
mind, I keep a super neat home to ensure I don't set them up for failure by
leaving wires or garbage laying around, etc. My dogs came from hard times,
they need, love and crave discipline, order, exercise, stimulation and love, so
I give it to them. They are all well balanced good doggie citizens, even though
they had unfortunate pasts and previous behavioral problems. And guess what?
They even wear sweaters to keep warm during our adventures, and I have no
problem with those passerbyers who laugh at dogs in sweaters because I know
my African dogs and my little Chis could not and would not be able to tolerate
the cold, snow, etc. as well without protection. So yes, they are spoiled, they
are kings and queens, but they also have manners and will do anything mom or
dad asks of them.

I think there is no shame in "spoiling" your dog with the "good" things. The
way to know if you are spoiling a dog in a good way or not is simple, think of
how the dog sees it...to a dog there is nothing better than a long walk, good
meal and some belly rubs...if you give more of these things than the required
norm and feeding an above average nutrition than you are perhaps spoiling
your pups, which is more than ok in my book. I wish more people spoiled their
dogs the "right" way. Because throwing money around does not impress any
dog or add happiness to their life. What's the use of buying them every toy in
the store if you won't even play with them? What's the use of owning every
new hip harness if you won't even walk them? And what's the use of owning
them if you'll simply ignore them most of the day?







That's my 2cents, hope it makes sense, I'm functioning on 2 hours of sleep here.

I agree, LS! I don't think that "spoiling" your dog is a bad thing. Odie is definitely a spoiled dog, but I mean that in the best way possible. I mean that in the way that her happiness is more important that my own, and I would do anything for her. She's not just a part of my environmental landscape, she's a part of our family and our quality of life is better because of her. I spoil her with attention, and sometimes material things. I like taking her on outings to buy a new toy or doing huge amounts of research on a product I want to buy for her to make sure I'm buying a quality item.

Spoiling her doesn't mean that she runs the house. She sleeps in our bed, but is just as happy sleeping in her crate. She gets treats, but she knows that she has to work for them. My Grandma always calls her spoiled, and I know it's because when she was growing up in farm country, dogs didn't even come in the house. I think that most dogs are becoming more "spoiled" in that aspect. They really have become a member of the family, and if that means they're spoiled, then I'm okay with it!

 

[thatrandomgirl]

Hehe, my Chi is spoiled, but not spoiled rotten.

I think it's a problem when you allow them to get away with everything. I know one lady that has a dog that is the most spoiled thing ever. The dog is sweet, but impolite, pushy, and somewhat destructive. For instance, when she wants treats, she'll start scratching up the cabinets until her owner gives in (and she ALWAYS gives in). She's very, very dependent. When she's scared, she's babied and held. When she's left alone, she pretty much howls until mom comes back. Her owner thinks all of this is cute, even though it's really just bad behavior.

 

[Jayda]

I am pretty certain I have learned to spoil Lady in a mere four months. I have bought her the essentials (good food, a bed, pet insurance, toys, etc). However, I love when she is with me and my husband. We enjoy her so much and really do love her like a kid. We got married in our 40s so we never had kids. This allows our fur kids to get a lot of attention. How do I know I spoil her, we have been known to plan social activities lately around where the dog can go. She loves to ride in the car, socialize and go places. I like nothing more than a good walk or a bike ride with my Lady, she is so easy to spoil because she came to me, well like a Lady (so well behaved). I also think spoiling her is somewhat related to buying unnecessary things. For example, I am guilty of buying Lady two Halloween clothing items. I feel guilty about that as I type this. I should have bought a Halloween costume for a child in need. Why do we spoil in this way??? I guess is that permanent-grin Lady has and the endless warm fuzzies she gives back. Awwwww.....it is so easy to spoil such a loving and cute pup!

 

[AussieLass]

There are soooo many different facets of spoiling and then definitions vary between owner to owner - food, behaviour, letting any bad behavior slide, doing exactly what they ask you to, when they ask you to (except opening a door for potty ) etc.

Mine only get cuddled, receive attention etc. when I feel like it. They wouldn't dare jump on or scatch my legs for attention, if they jump up on the side of the bed whining to come up, if I hold up my palm & say no, they'll immediately walk away & amuse themselves. They wouldn't dare beg for food or even watch me eat, they're quite happy to be separated at meal times & the one locked out will not whine or whinge to come with her mates even though she can see them (she's on a diet), she just lays in her bed quietly until I come & let her back in. Most of these things have never been trained into them, they just somehow "know" what's acceptable & what's not - I think this breed has the gift of intuition, an over abundance of it in fact. I feel truly blessed with my tribe.

 

[KittyD]

My little loves are fairly pampered, but that's alright.. they are little lap dogs
They are well behaved and don't give us any trouble at all, so why not. I know some people deal with trying behaviour issues with their chi's and in those cases I think it's prudent to "lay down the law" If I had a dog howling all day or ripping up my trash, I'd probably feel differently.

It's easy to spoil & pamper little dogs when they are a delight to have around!

 

[Wicked Pixie]

My mother made a dig the other day, she said 'when you first got those dogs, you said they were going to be so well-trained!' I was confused, as I think my dogs are well-trained. She was objecting to the fact that I let them jump all over the furniture! I don't consider this bad behaviour and have always allowed them on the furniture, as far as I am concerned it is their house too.
They stay within the boundaries I have set for them (ie no begging for food, you can even eat with them on your lap if you wish, they will ignore your food) and are respectful to both humans and dogs, which is all I have ever asked from them.
I don't consider them spoiled, but I suppose they do lead a rather privileged life.

 

[CheyMUA]

See, I always say that my dogs are spoiled, but in a GOOD way. They are
spoiled with the best nutrition, 6-7 hours of daily on-leash walks, tons of
affection(ranging from sweet words to nightly massages), unlimited access
to vet care(even for the "small" things), daily grooming, lots of play and training
time. You're probably thinking that's not spoiled, that's GREAT! In my opinion it
is great, but unfortunately not many dogs around here are treated this way, it
is definitely not the norm, therefore my dogs often get called spoiled. I will and
do put their needs before my own, no matter what. This goes for our rescues as
well, I have no problem eating oatmeal, rice and frozen veggies for two weeks
so a rescue could get a needed surgery for example. I'll go without if need be,
and some folks...well ok most folks think that's nuts. I don't leave the
house without my dogs, they come everywhere, with the exception of hospital.
I designed my home specifically for them, all furniture was bought with them in
mind, I keep a super neat home to ensure I don't set them up for failure by
leaving wires or garbage laying around, etc. My dogs came from hard times,
they need, love and crave discipline, order, exercise, stimulation and love, so
I give it to them. They are all well balanced good doggie citizens, even though
they had unfortunate pasts and previous behavioral problems. And guess what?
They even wear sweaters to keep warm during our adventures, and I have no
problem with those passerbyers who laugh at dogs in sweaters because I know
my African dogs and my little Chis could not and would not be able to tolerate
the cold, snow, etc. as well without protection. So yes, they are spoiled, they
are kings and queens, but they also have manners and will do anything mom or
dad asks of them.

I think there is no shame in "spoiling" your dog with the "good" things. The
way to know if you are spoiling a dog in a good way or not is simple, think of
how the dog sees it...to a dog there is nothing better than a long walk, good
meal and some belly rubs...if you give more of these things than the required
norm and feeding an above average nutrition than you are perhaps spoiling
your pups, which is more than ok in my book. I wish more people spoiled their
dogs the "right" way. Because throwing money around does not impress any
dog or add happiness to their life. What's the use of buying them every toy in
the store if you won't even play with them? What's the use of owning every
new hip harness if you won't even walk them? And what's the use of owning
them if you'll simply ignore them most of the day?







That's my 2cents, hope it makes sense, I'm functioning on 2 hours of sleep here.

LS I think I need you to come to London and be my puppy mother mentor!!