Hi Rylee,
Ok so I guess I have a tendency to take my work home with me.... J Once you start thinking in social work ways, it's hard to quit. Jack does have a kennel where he stays when I'm away from the house. However, he HATES it when I leave him, as all Chihuahuas seem to do. I love Jack and Twiggy and the fact that they are so opposite of each other is so funny to me. Twiggy is the snuggler. She LOVES to be held by anyone but won't initiate contact with them, they have to come and pick her up first. She was a former breeder dog as well and just never was socialized to be around humans and initiate contact in the way that Jack will initiate contact with me. Unfortunately, he becomes very fearful and growly around those who don't live in his house. This is what most concerns me when visitors come to the house. The people coming to the Thanksgiving celebration are all adults. The youngest attendee will be 13 so I don't have to worry so much about small children pulling ears or tails but I know that Jack will be so nervous when people first arrive. I could set some treats outside the front door for the guests as they are coming in but what do I do if Jack barks/growls at them? Well, I know what I would do, pick him up and remove him from the situation so as not to make things worse but I know he's only doing this because he's frightened, not because he's mean/vicious. I also plan on leashing him so that he doesn't dart out the door when it opens before I kennel him. I do plan on placing both Twiggy and Jack in their respective kennels once more guests start to arrive. I'm afraid that Jack will bark incessantly at the guests though even after being placed in the kennel. Maybe I'm worrying way too much and Jack will be just fine when I put him in the kennel. I plan on placing the kennels both in my bedroom with the door shut to limit the amount of stimulation that the dogs have to get excited about. Is this a good idea or am I doing more harm by keeping them away from everyone? Again, thoughts and advice is greatly appreciated. From: [email protected] [mailto:[email protected]] On Behalf Of Rylee O'Neill Sent: Wednesday, November 10, 2010 1:06 PM To: [email protected] Subject: Re: [Chihuahuas] making the holidays an unstressful time for our babies Amanda- This sounds like such a Social Worker question! I love it. I'm a Social Worker too. I would encouraged you to make the dogs a place to "escape" or have "quiet time." Maybe ask a special guest to be the "dog handler." I have a great grandma who is a chi lover. She sits with Frida if we have a family party and I'm busy. She loves it and Frida does too. Jack may need a little longer to feel comfortable. Do you use a kennel for containing him ever? Frida has a kennel she is put in when she needs a little time out. I would encouraged using treats with your guests to encouraged seeing visitors as positive. Keep practicing in the time leading up to Thanksgiving. Glad to see another chi loving Social Worker Rylee and Frida
