Saturday, October 15, 2011

Why Do Chihuahuas Bark and How to Help Prevent or Control Excessive Barking


Dogs of all breeds usually bark to try to communicate with humans and other animals. It is important for your Chihuahua to understand when to bark and when to be quiet. It is common for dogs to bark for a variety of reasons. It's their way of expressing themselves. 

Here are some common reasons why dogs bark listed below.

To Get Attention:
They may begin this process as young puppies with a little crying or whining sound to communicate with their mom and family litter. Puppies or grown dogs may whine when they want something like food, or when they scared, or even when they are frustrated or lonely and want some attention. It is common for a new Chihuahua puppy to whine at night because they may be lonely.
Dog owners may not realize it, but they may actually reward the puppy for whining by giving the puppy the attention he wants. It may be beneficial not to reward a puppy or grown dog that may be whining just for attention, but when he is quiet and relaxed you may wish to reward him with nice praise or a favorite treat. You will want to reinforce the puppy's positive behavior. It is usually so much easier to teach your Chihuahua puppy appropriate behavior from the start, than changing undesirable behavior later on.

Keeping in mind the fact that dogs sometime bark because they are scared, you may want to think about socialization and your puppy. Properly socializing the Chihuahua puppy is important to help alleviate unnecessary fears. You may want to safely introduce the puppy to situations that may cause anxiety later on. It is helpful for puppies to learn how to cope with their environment in a healthy and positive manner. Positive influence in the early weeks of the puppy's life can be very beneficial.


You could gradually introduce your Chihuahua puppy to a variety of items and sounds that are routinely around the house, so they become a little familiar with them. Some sounds that may be new to your puppy are the following: doorbell ringing, telephone ringing, sound of the television or video games, music playing, and also the noise from a vacuum cleaner.


Barking from Playful Happiness or Happy Excitement:
Your puppy or grown dog may just be barking because he so happy about playing outside, or going for a nice walk, or going for a ride in a car. He may have a habit of routinely barking when he sees his favorite relatives or friends of the family coming over to visit at your house.

Barking when He Hears Other Dogs Bark:
Your Chihuahua may be barking to respond to other dogs he hears barking in the neighborhood.

Warning Bark:
It is common for dogs be protective and bark if they see a stranger approaching the house. Dogs often bark at mail carriers, joggers, or people riding bikes on the street by the house.

Bored Barkers:
Dogs who are bored need something constructive and positive to do besides barking. It is important to routinely provide enough appropriate exercise and attention for your dog each day.

Separation Anxiety:
You are probably the most important thing in your dog's life. When a Chihuahua that is routinely used to constant human companionship and attention is left alone, he can experience some anxiety about where his owner might be going. Your dog may not understand why he cannot go with you, and he may worry about whether or not you will be coming back home to be with him. Your Chihuahua may bark, whine, cry or howl when he is experiencing separation anxiety.

Here are a few ideas that may possibly help minor separation anxiety listed below.


Try not to be dramatic when you are leaving or returning to your home. When you return back home you can calmly pet your Chihuahua and reassure him.


When you have to leave your dog in the house, you may decide to let him have something of yours like a piece of clothing that smells like you.


You can make a reassuring habit of using a certain word or phrase that you routinely use every time you leave that tells your dog you will be coming back home.


Possibly, if the dog could hear the sound of a radio or television, it may be calming.


Sometimes having their safe and appropriate dog toys available for them will be a little distraction for them and help to keep them busy.

In summary, these are ideas to help prevent excessive barking listed below.

Try to have your Chihuahua get enough routine daily attention.

The dog should get adequate appropriate exercise.


Try the methods listed above for proper socialization and to help separation anxiety.


Try not to give positive reinforcement to the grown dog or puppy when he is only barking or whining just for attention. You can reward your Chihuahua for the quiet, relaxed behavior instead.

Sunday, October 2, 2011

Learning How To Train A Chihuahua

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The first steps to learning how to train a chihuahua are to get a healthy dose of courage about you, lots of patience and a big bag of treats. Chihuahuas are very intelligent and inquisitive dogs by nature, so training them will provide the mental and physical stimulation they crave. However, because they are just as spirited as they are smart, they can easily manipulate the situation causing you to be the one being trained.

Chihuahuas respond to lots of positive reinforcement and praise. They are fiercely loyal to their fellow housemates and will do anything to make them happy and so we need to return this favor by constantly praising their good deeds. Treats help in that your chihuahua will quickly figure out that if there is something in it for her, she will do what is asked of her.

Books on how to train a chihuahua even note that training them to do their business outside is no small feat, so this is where learning their individual temperaments and behaviors is crucial. A chihuahua is only going to give you a small window of opportunity when she is trying to tell you she needs to go outside. She may run to the door and sit there for a moment or she may scratch your leg at which point it is up to you to figure out what she is asking for. High praise and a handful of treats will teach her it is more fun to go outside than in the house. However, they are small dogs with brittle bones and there are no treats in this world worth the warmth of her home so you need to stay on top of those subtle clues when there is inclement weather about.

Keep it fun, to the point, and never try and train them when you are tired, impatient or angry. This will only hasten disobedience which they are good at anyway. Chihuahuas are naturally inquisitive dogs and so learning new things is exciting to them and the attention they are receiving provides even more stimulation. But if they catch wind of the fact that they may be working, all bets are off and they will give up. A good thirty minute routine everyday is a good place to start.

There are several steps involved in how to train a chihuahua not to bark. The first of which may include understanding why she is barking. Chihuahuas are fiercely protective of their housemates and property causing them to perceive everything as a threat. They may be barking as a warning for the intruders to stay away and a good stern "No!" will suffice in this situation.

It is a futile attempt to yell at them while they are barking because the sudden loud noise may cause them to bark more. One of the best things about chihuahuas is that they do not bark just to be barking, there is always a reason for it. Diverting their attention to something else usually makes them stop and when other dogs in the neighborhood are barking, it is best to let them go outside to see what all the fuss is about and once they realize there is no emergency, they usually quiet down and high praise to that end will encourage them even more.

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Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Sandy_Rutherforde

 

Thursday, September 29, 2011

It Is Easy To Train Your Papillon Dog

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The Papillon dog gets its name from the French word for butterfly. If you ever seen one of these cute little guys you understand why they were named this way. They look just like they have been disguised by using a beautiful butterfly mask. This little dog is very appealing to so many people do to its masked appearance, that is a result of the specific facial coloring mixed with the upright and feathered looking ears of the papillon dog.

The owners of the dogs of the this breed say their personality, their courage and the large amount of affection they show for their owners overpass their quite small stature. The breed also called a toy spaniel and even squirrel dog is one of the oldest known toy breeds with pictures of these little dogs dating as far back as the 1500. There are really two types of these dogs the ones with the erect ears known as the papillon and ones with dropped ears called Phalene for the moth dog. In some countries, the dogs are considered two different breeds, but in others, like the United States, they are currently considered to be the same breed.

They are extremely hearty dogs who have few if any major health problems as a breed, they measure between 8 and 11 inches high and weigh a mere 8-10 pounds, looking extremely delicate.

Main Physical Features of The Papillon Breed of Dogs

Cute and cuddly is most people's first impression of these dogs. These little dogs have small and rounded heads, short muzzles and dark, rounded eyes. Many times their eyes are blacked rimmed as though they are wearing mascara. They have long coats that are fine and silky, and have some extra feathery frills over the ears, chest and the back of the tail. Their coats are usually white with different colored patches. Extended to cover both eyes and symmetrically on the back of the head, the coloring on the ears, that can be any other but white, gives these dogs the butterfly appearance.

Personality Features Of The Papillon Breed Of Dogs

Bred as a companion dog the papillon dogs normal personality is one of a happy, friendly nature who gets along with other pets and animals and is loving, affectionate and extremely devoted to their owners. They are a toy breed and not a lap one, as they enjoy playing, running and being intellectually challenged.

These dogs are quick learners and exceptionally easy to train if one is consistent with training and take well to both obedience and agility training and love the mental stimulation that both of these types of training supply. They love to learn new things and a lot of tricks.

These energetic dogs will keep you smiling all day at their antics, but they also need exercise. If you want them calm and happy inside the house, spend time outside for long walks and playing. While these dogs love to run and play they prefer to do so in the company of their human family and become very attached and loyal to those they bond with.

People are delighted to own Papillon dogs which make them laugh all day and keep them feel young.

The papillon dog name was inspired from the French name for butterfly. Their personality, courage and affection overpass their quite small staure. The papillon dog needs an average amount of exercise.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Mary_Stevenson
 

Tuesday, September 13, 2011

Thursday, June 9, 2011

Tips on How to Get A New Chihuahua Puppy To Sleep Throughout the Night


This may be a very exciting time if you are bringing home a brand new puppy or new adult dog into your family! You may have decided already on exactly what dog supplies you intend to have available, like feeding dishes, appropriate puppy or dog food and treats, collar and leash, and perhaps a really nice dog bed.

If you are bringing home a brand new Chihuahua puppy or a new adult Chihuahua dog into your family, you may need some patience and planning to come up with a daily routine for your puppy to help him sleep throughout the night, so that you'll both feel rested and happy! Every dog needs their very own safe and comfy place to sleep.

You may want the puppy's bed in a quiet, safe place in the house. A peaceful and comfortable corner or section of the room may be nice. Maybe you'll choose a nice, safe, cozy dog bed for the Chihuahua puppy. You most likely will want to pick a special sleeping area for the puppy where there is not much noise that would disturb him.

The puppy may feel a little more confident and secure if he can still see the people in the house from his sleeping area. Just knowing that you are there may help him to stay relaxed and calm. Most puppies in a new home environment may feel somewhat anxious and have a difficult time at first trying to quiet themselves down to sleep for the night. 

A new puppy may whine to get your attention. Everything could seem so new to your puppy at first until he gets a little accustomed to his new home. He may miss his mom and family litter in the beginning.

The puppy may enjoy having a favorite, safe dog toy or dog blanket with him for a sense of familiarity and security. Dogs sometimes instinctively circle around their resting place where they are going to sleep. 

If you want the puppy in the bed at a specific time, you may begin a daily routine schedule and try to have him go to bed around the same time every night, so he gets used to this habit. But, if the Chihuahua puppy leaves his bed, you can nicely put him back in his bed, so he gets the idea and learns to get comfortable in the special sleeping space.

When the puppy gets accustomed to where his bed is, you may tell him to enter his own bed when you want him to go to sleep at night. Dogs want to know what is expected of them. Hopefully, he will soon learn a pleasant bedtime routine.

So the Chihuahua puppy can sleep good at nighttime, you may want to allow for adequate and appropriate exercise for the puppy through the day. You can actually plan a routine schedule for meal times for the puppy. Dogs usually respond well to a nice schedule. It might be helpful to get into the habit of some calm, quiet time before the specific bedtime.

The puppy may need to go outside to eliminate immediately before bedtime. Providing background sounds, such as a really soft background sound of a TV or radio may calm the puppy down and relax him at night.

A puppy may need to eliminate in the midst of the night. If the puppy needs to go out during the night, he may whine, pace or bark. You might take him outside in a safe manner to eliminate and bring him right back to his sleep area to go back to sleep. He should learn to understand that it's time for sleep and not time to play throughout the night. 

The Chihuahua puppy will learn that his owner is an effective leader and he will feel loved and protected. Hopefully, with a few helpful ideas you and your puppy will get sufficient sleep every night and be happy!

Saturday, May 14, 2011

Positive Benefits of Owning a Chihuahua

There are so may wonderful emotional benefits of owning a dog. The emotional bond that forms between a new puppy and their owner may develop quickly. Your new Chihuahua puppy may look and act so cute. Our pets can influence how we feel about ourselves in a positive way. As the time goes by, all the experiences that you share with your dog, both happy and sad help to strengthen the emotional bond.

People that happen to live all alone may feel a little isolated. If they choose to have a dog or cat and they are physically able to take care of their pet, it may help to make them feel they are needed. They may feel happy to have a special pet to share their life with. A Chihuahua can be a very nice companion.

When your puppy is about one year old or more, each family member usually develops a special emotional attachment with their Chihuahua. Sometimes, children even turn to their pet for comfort if a family member leaves the family or becomes ill. Adults that may have lost a loved one may feel comfort if they have a pet.

Our daily lives may be full of so many responsibilities, whether at work or at home. Dogs can help us focus our attention away from our worries. Sometimes when we feel sad or stressed spending a little time with our friendly dog or cat can hopefully brighten our day.

Often times, our Chihuahua may do some cute funny things, which may help us to relax and laugh. When we come home from a frustrating work day it can be so nice to be greeted by our family dog, with their big beautiful eyes and their tail wagging because they are so happy to see us. It is a wonderful thing that our pets can accept us just as we are and we can be ourselves when we are around them. Our pets don't care if we are disabled, old or young, rich or poor. Dogs can provide great companionship.

Dogs can add some consistency and routine to our lives and give us something nice to look forward to every single day. Many people may come and go in our lives, but our dogs are usually with us everyday.

Your Chihuahua can help to keep you active by getting more exercise, like when you are taking your dog for a nice walk and getting some fresh air and sunshine or playing Frisbee outside with him. The general basics of caring for a dog, such as daily feedings, grooming and playtime will help to keep you both active.

Your Chihuahua may view all the family members with great affection. Each family member may play an important role for your dog. The man in the house may be the one that usually takes the dog out for his walks and plays fetch outside with him in the backyard. The woman in the house may be the one that routinely gives the dog his meals and lots of attention. If there are any children in the family they may offer the Chihuahua a lot of hugs and fun playtime together.

The dog appreciates the family interaction and affection and he has probably established great trust in his family. As a proud pet owner you will be able to recognize the maturity in your dog and as time goes by you will learn the favorite things that your dog likes, his strengths, weaknesses and any fears he may have at times.

The human-animal emotional bond between an owner and their dog is one of trust, affection and love. Chihuahuas enjoy being part of the family and a loyal dog can be a best friend. If we love them, they usually show us unconditional love in return!

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