My husband and I adopted "Coco" last March 2006. Myself being a cat person and my husband being a dog person I figured he could show me the ropes. My husband had rescued many kinds of dogs prior to our marriage, however, the breed "Chihuahua" was not one of them. I don't know if it was the breed or the rescue part or the combination of the two but we found this dog to be a challenge we had never expected or encountered before. I found myself getting a crash course in dog/Chihuahua care 101! = ) I have learned so much and Coco has come such a long way (with the help of many new dog friends)! I am happy to say I am both a dog AND cat person now. = ) At the time of adoption we were told that Coco was housetrained, got along well with children, adults, and other pets. Not the case on pretty much all counts at first. Her exact age is unknown but it was figured at 2 or 2 ½ years old which now would make her about 3 or a little older. She is black and tan and weighs about 4 pounds. She is a very reactive barker but has been debarked. She continues to bark but you can only hear a huskiness from her throat. She seems to think she is still barking because she barks at the same people all the time as if she has never seen them before. That is annoying but I guess the plus side is you can't hear her.
Potty training was another issue not complete. We started out with crate training and have worked our way into a pretty good system. For the most part she has things down very well in that department. We live in a condo and she has a doggy door which leads out to our balcony and we have what is called a "pooch potty" (best thing ever for us condo/apartment dwellers with small dogs (small bladders)) and she uses that and does quite well. Every once in awhile if stressed or just for no apparent reason she may have an accident on the floor. But, then it doesn't happen again for awhile. There doesn't appear to be any rhyme or reason for it. I have spent a lot of time with positive reinforcement so I still praise her & give her a yummy treat if I catch her using the pooch potty by herself, etc .She is a good leash walker, loves to go for a walk, and does her best potty business outside though. At first she was a very picky eater but she now eats some great quality kibble and is a big fan of cheese, especially, and any other morsel of food I might offer up. Loves dog treats too! Warning: is addicted to bully sticks. = ) She's really quite a lover but I seem to be the only one who knows it. She can be snappy. She has been known to go for someone but it's usually a warning nibble and not much more than that. I always warn whoever comes up to pet her because she wags her tail and still sends out a snap. I call her a "happy biter." = ) If she is well acquainted with the person than she's a big lover to them. I have not had her around children so I don't know if that would make for a good environment. My guess is that she would not do well with them. I found that she does well with other dogs. We didn't think she did but I take her to the dog park and she mixes well. Like all other Chi's she lets it be known when her personal space is getting a bit too closed in. She loves her crate and sleeps well in it all night. She "sits" and does "down" very well. "Come" is not so good. Although, I am working on that and reinforce it when she does do it. She is current on her shots and has been very well taken care of and so loved! She was not spayed when we got her but she was spayed in September 2006. Now, the reason for the rehome. My husband and I are divorcing. Life has completely changed for me. I have returned to school on a small scale for now but am busier than I have ever been. But, I know I will only get busier. I will be applying to graduate programs soon and do not know where I may end up geographically. Because Coco is a bit needier than most dogs, I think, I would love to find her a home where there is someone around more than I will be, where there is some stability, and that maybe has a few little buddies for her to play with? My ex would take her but his job requires him to travel for the most part of the year. It just wouldn't be any better than my situation. It would be worse. I love Coco to pieces and find it tortuous to think about giving her up. I feel sick to my stomach to think of her being passed around and in the wrong home. I won't give her up unless it feels right. As it should be with all animals, I only want the best for her. She has already had a rough go of it. One other thing I have noted .and I could be wrong but she seems to really like males more than females. She loves females because I know she loves me but she seems all googly when she is around a male. Hmm ..go figure. I don't think that is terribly important it is just something I have really noticed recently and find cute and interesting. My step father just passed away and I am going out of town tomorrow. If anyone would like to contact me please feel free but be aware that I will not be able to respond for about a week. Thank you for your serious consideration, Laurie ------------------------ Yahoo! Groups Sponsor --------------------~--> Something is new at Yahoo! Groups. Check out the enhanced email design. http://us.click.yahoo.com/kOt0.A/gOaOAA/yQLSAA/MJOolB/TM --------------------------------------------------------------------~-> " Lets talk about our wonderful little friends! Join today! " Yahoo! Groups - Join or create groups, clubs, forums & communities. Links <*> To visit your group on the web, go to: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Chihuahuas/ <*> Your email settings: Individual Email | Traditional <*> To change settings online go to: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Chihuahuas/join (Yahoo! ID required) <*> To change settings via email: mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] <*> To unsubscribe from this group, send an email to: [EMAIL PROTECTED] <*> Your use of Yahoo! Groups - Join or create groups, clubs, forums & communities. is subject to: http://docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/
