Re: [Chihuahuas] Adding a new one? Your experiences are helpful!

[marsha]

Personally, I DO take my chis with me when going to bring home a new pup. Not all of them of course, but I take Pepper because he is my SD and goes everywhere with me and I take the one that I am getting the new pup for. The last time, I drove from KY to GA to get Barley, so Pepper and Ginger went. I introduced them immediately. Pepper could care less, but Ginger was originally aggressive acting, but soon took the pup under her wings as if he were hers (she had just gone through a false pregnancy...I think she thought he was hers)   Obviously, you can't take outside dogs into a breeders area where their other dogs and pups are, but there is no reason that your dog can't meet the one you are getting prior to bringing it home. But, if you decide not to do that, I would suggest you introduce the dogs on neutral territory, not in your home. Then, I would make a special effort to assure the first dog, that she is the first and thus has a special place.   Read the post I made last night regarding bringing a new pup into the home. I think it is important that you help the older dog establish himself or herself as the top dog...the pup will get over it....they have short attention spans. But the older dog will be hurt if she feels replaced and may take that aggression out on the pup, which can lead to long term problems. As the saying goes, you only get one chance to make a good first impression.   Marsha   ----- Original Message ----- From: Victoria To: Chihuahuas@yahoogroups.com Sent: Sunday, November 12, 2006 12:24 PM Subject: [Chihuahuas] Adding a new one? Your experiences are helpful! Firstly, let me say how thankful I am for this forum. From learning that my Chi is NOT the only one to eat weird things (i.e. Chapstick) to just reading some other posts for some good information. I'd like to ask the group about their experiences when adding another Chi to the family. Bailey is almost a year old - she is well socialized with our cats and OUR family, but takes awhile to warm up to strangers. She HATES the doorbell or anyone coming in the house. She is a very protective watch dog! She truly hangs ALL OVER me... I am "her pet" and she has made that very apparent. It makes my husband jealous that she's mine! :) (In a good way though... he understands that I am with her for most of the day, so we have that speical connection.) But, like I have heard many Chi owners declare, "They are like potato chips - you can't have just one!" ---So that brings me to trying to find a good fit for Bailey. I was hoping some of you would have some good tips or advice. I don't think she would do well, if I would bring her along to select a puppy -- someone told me that and it just didn't sound right. More likely because I don't think the breeder would allow or appreciate it! So that's pretty much out of the question. I want another female - because past experiences tell me that is the best option for us. (Nothing personal against male dogs, just a personal preference.) I just worry about Bailey's possessiveness - maybe she's a one-dog home puppy? She ignores other dogs when we go for a walk - she could care less about them. But I have never introduced a new puppy (or kitten) to her - it has been Bailey's world since she came into the house 8 months ago! So, yes, she's a bit on the spoiled rotten side... Please help me! Anyone been through the same thing? Be honest, please... let me know if we should just keep spoiling ONLY her...! :) Hope everyone's enjoying the weekend. Take care, Vicki http://360.yahoo.com/vicki70 __._,_.___ " Lets talk about our wonderful little friends! Join today! " SPONSORED LINKS Chihuahua Chihuahua puppies for sale Chihuahua charm Chihuahua gift Chihuahua housebreaking Your email settings: Individual Email|Traditional Change settings via the Web (Yahoo! ID required) Change settings via email: Switch delivery to Daily Digest | Switch to Fully Featured Visit Your Group | Yahoo! Groups Terms of Use | Unsubscribe __,_._,___