Yours was one of the post I had held back, waiting for a chance/time to respond...sorry it took me so long, there is so much going on!
For better or worse, chis tend to be one person dogs. There is a good chance she will never put the others on the same level she has you. You are her person and no one else can top that. However, that doesn't mean she can't be taught to tolerate or even accept other people. I would start by not pushing the others on her, allow her to accept them on her own terms in her own time. I don't know how long she has been with you, but it could take months before she learns to trust the others...give her at least that long. Allow the others to give a treat that she really likes, that she does not get from you. Maybe pieces of real chicken or something...something that is special and that she only gets from the others. Don't expect her to immediately take it from their hands...they can start out with tossing it on the floor a safe distance, working it closer and closer till eventually it is in outstretched hands, ect. The best way to a chi is through his stomach, lol. Do not allow them to try to approach her while she is in your lap, arms, ect....this kicks in the territorial, possessive, protective instincts. They feel the need to protect what is theirs (you) from the "others" . At the same time, if she is at all fearful, they should not be trying to pick her up while you are not in sight. Best scenario...across the room from you, where she can see you but doesn't feel your are being threatened. Mostly, give her time, give her space, and never give her a reason to be distrustful of them. It would not be good at this point probably to try to pick her up and carry her, ect until she has at least a little trust.....a few months will likely be needed. work toward simply petting while she is setting beside them, ect...do not make a big deal of it..the excitement could make her nervous...just act as though it is perfectly normal.... Marsha ----- Original Message ----- From: Jennifer Corpus To: [email protected] Sent: Monday, April 02, 2007 5:24 PM Subject: [Chihuahuas] Re: new adoption Help! Just checking back again to see if anyone has any suggestions to my previous email: --- In [email protected], "Jennifer Corpus" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote: > > Hello. I am new to this group and have recently adopted a sweet, > precious 4 year old female Chihuahua. I love her to pieces. We have > bonded incredibly well, however, I just have 2 problems with her: she > will snap at my children and at my two cats. My kids are GREAT with > her. They are 8 and 9 years old and are very gentle with her. When > she is sitting near me and one of the kids try to pet her, she will > snap at them. If one of our cats try to jump up on the bed or couch > where she is lounging, she will do the same to them. Help! How can I > get my precious baby girl to adjust to the ENTIRE family, not just to > me?!?!?!? > > Thanks for any advice you might be able to share! > > Jen from Texas >
