Hi Lisa Welcome to the group ! I know you're going to like it here. Everyone is so friendly and helpful. Trooper sounds like a little Cutie pie ! Hugs,Mare -------Original Message------- From: Lisa Date: 7/2/2011 9:58:50 AM To: [email protected] Subject: [Chihuahuas] New Chi Owner Hi Everyone, My family and I are the owners (or are being owned) by a 10 week old Chihuahua named Trooper. We are first time Chi owners but not first time dog owners, we have had Maltese, Shih Tzu, and Poodles. Trooper is super smart - we've owned him only two weeks and he already knows "Sit", Outside", "No", and "Drop It." He is way smarter than either of my poodles at that age. Trooper is SO great with my 11year old son. They play together all the time and LOVE it! Trooper waits for my son to wake up in the morning so they can get some play time in. Trooper has never growled or bit (puppy play nips yes, but not angry biting) not even when he's tired and my son picks him up. Trooper has shown no possessive tendencies or aggression. He hasn't even barked yet. He loves his crate which we make nice and comfy for him. He's very affectionate and boy is HE CUTE!!! My favorite thing is when me and Trooper are sitting in the Lay Z Boy and he is curled up on my chest with his head tucked near my neck. He's so snuggly:)
But, I've noticed that, despite him being really smart, he is pretty willful For instance, he KNOWS not to go down the hall in to my son's bedroom since it's off limits, but he will sneak in there when we aren't looking. I know he's only 10 weeks old, but he KNOWS no going in the bedrooms. Same with messing with our older poodle...he keeps pestering her despite her and our protests. He also CHEWS everything in sight. I've never seen a dog chew like that. I'm concerned he's going to hurt himself. I keep an eye on him constantly, and when I'm not watching him, I put him in the crate. Is this just a puppy stage or am I going to have to deal with this for the next 15 years? Also, is there a "trick" to housebreaking a chi? He is so smart but the potty training issue has been a bit of a bear. I appreciate any help you guys can offer me!!!
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