It is just one of the quirks of a Chihuahua. A lot of it probably has to do with how she was raised (didn't you say she was grown when you got her?) Also, not to discourage you, and some people may have different examples to offer, but it has been my experience that training classes are not all that successful on a grown Chihuahua....you gotta get that in while they are still young. They can still be trained and have behavior modification to work....but the structure of a class itself, in my experience anyhow, doesn't work well once they are grown. IT takes one on one. Marsha
----- Original Message ----- From: Jennifer Corpus To: [email protected] Sent: Tuesday, April 03, 2007 12:36 AM Subject: [Chihuahuas] Re: new adoption Thank you Arlene and Marsha for the advice......I will definitely try those tactics. I just hope something works....... I wish she wasn't so picky about her treats. I'll try letting the kids give her little pieces of chicken. I've always heard that it's unhealthy to give dogs people food, however, that is the only thing she'll eat as a treat. She hates dog treats. She even hates cat treats. The funny thing is that the kids do hold her (especially my 9 year old daughter) and she usually does just great. Then, out of the blue, she'll decide to snap at her. It's so strange. This is my first Chihuahua and I know they are very unique. I have so much to learn. I am thinking about taking her to a doggie training class. I don't know if that will be helpful or not. She really is a sweet dog. It sounds as if she isn't, but she's great for the majority of the time. This only happens periodically and with no warning. Hmmmm...... Thanks! Jen --- In [email protected], "marsha Taylor" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote: > > > 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" > <iluvmymunchkins@> 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 > > >
