actions regarding the information on this web site. I am not a Veterinarian, nor do I portray myself to be one, so if you have medical questions please call your Vet first and foremost. Socializing Your New Puppy Puppy socialization at a young age, 7 weeks to about 6 months old, is very important if you want to raise a happy, well adjusted, confident dog. Your dog’s infant-hood is out of your control, so it is important that as soon as your puppy comes to live with you that you immediately start encouraging the kind of behavior in him that you will expect through out his life. While very loyal to his owner, the Chihuahua breed is undeniably suspicious of other people. When strangers are present, the Chihuahua will follow their owner's every move, keeping as close to their owner as possible. Being highly intelligent, however, they respond very well to proper, positive reinforced training. Take your puppy with you everywhere you go (that allows dogs on the premises) and let as many people handle him as you can. Take care to ALSO encourage him to run around on a leash; dogs who are coddled too much can become timid and snappish when they are on their own. You want to encourage your pup to be confident in any situation he may find himself in. Always keep an eye on him when he is on the ground; contrary to their own beliefs they are fragile little beasts who can be injured easily if stepped on or handled roughly. Adolescent socialization is just as critical. Adolescence begins between 6 and 9 months old, and ends between 1 and 3 years old. Just as in people, adolescence in dogs can be an awkward time of change and upheaval. A teenage dog's attitude toward strangers and other dogs may change from week to week, even from day to day! He may have been getting along famously with the whole world when all of a sudden his (or her) hormones kick in and he becomes skittish or spooky. This can be an unsettling time for owners; patience and understanding is key! Chihuahuas can be stubborn and manipulative. Some are dominant (they want to be the boss) and will make you prove that you can make them do things. You must show them, through absolute consistency, that you mean what you say. De-Socialization Your puppy may have behaviour patterns that you would like to change. Continuity and Reinforcement are key – and must remain in practice through-out the dogs life. If he gets away with an inch, he will aim for a mile and you will find yourself answering to him. Chihuahuas are highly intelligent, and can be very manipulative as well. They can learn just about any trick you want to teach them; given the chance however they will turn the table and try to train YOU. Treat your puppy like you would a child. Praise and encourage good behavior, reprimand bad, and never let them forget that you are the *Alpha* in the family pack. As tempting as it might be to be amused at your little puppy’s excited ferociousness when other people or animals approach what they consider theirs, do not let it go. If you don’t curtail this undesirable behavior early your Chihuahua will think it is ok to be suspicious and antagonistic towards everything. It is only a very short step till he starts nipping and biting. Socialization does start with a good breeder but I find one of the most important tools in raising a social, well rounded Chihuahua is a strong leadership, sending the right message at an early age and getting them out there with people, kids, other dogs as soon as they are protected from virus with vaccine. (Always supervise children when they are with your Chihuahua.) An excellent socialization opportunity, and one I recommend, is training classes.At the weekly training your puppy will have the opportunity to meet, play and interact with other dogs and their owners.. An important thought I'd like to leave you with is - say what you mean, mean what you say, but don't say it in a mean tone ... and always follow through with your command or don't bother giving one. If you aren't consistant your Chihuahua will figure out very quickly who's the boss and guess what, it won't be you! Good Luck!
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