Teaching Your Chihuahua Self Control

Training out excitement and teaching self control are two of the most important things you can do with your Chihuahua.  Right behind a good bite inhibition, calm self control is an important step towards having a great family member in your dog.


A dog who is calm will actually hear instruction and will have clarity of mind to act appropriately even in challenging situations.  Teaching self control and encouraging calmness is easy when you pay attention to your own behavior first.

Here are few simple every day things anyone can do to help their little dogs have good self control.  If your dog can maintain his composure at a high state of excitement with you in your home he is more likely to be able to do this outside of your home and with others.  He is practicing a valuable skill.

• Greet your dogs when they are calm and keep it calm and brief.  When I walk into a room or come home from work I do not greet my dogs until they are calm.  Once they catch on to this I come home to quiet little dogs who watch me with tails wagging waiting for me to get to them.  I come in and set my stuff done, talk to my family, or just piddle for a few minutes.  Once everyone is calm, I go to each one and give them a little TLC.  

This is a daily practice in self control for them because they are excited that I am home and they all want my attention.  Having learned that they will not get me until they are calm demands that they make the effort  to remain calm.

• Give treats when your dog is calm and has all four paws on the floor.  When I give treats out I expect everyone to remain calm.  And I say the name of the dog the treat I have is for. (helps with swiping) I don't mind if they jump up to get their treat as long as they not out of control or all over me.  

I like to give treats in the order of who is the most patient or who used the most effort.  So typically the most calm get the first treat but if Cori who usually acts a complete fool actually manages to get himself together he gets a treat right away before he has lost it.

Also, don't forget to reward calmness if one doesn't get up for a treat!  Sometimes one of mine will be in their bed and will stay there watching the others get treats.  I always take them one too.  They get the last one but they are not left out because I like to reward calmness and patience at my house.  You will always get more of whatever you reward!!

If you are just starting out with this one a good place to begin is when they all over place just take one hand and set them a little away from  you with the feet on the floor and give the treat.  Be consistent and will start to learn that this is what is required to get that treat.

Again we have a regular practice of using self control during a high excitement event.  And trust me, getting out the treat bag with 5 chihuahuas in the house is an excitement overload!

• Randomly notice your Chihuahua and give love when they are being good and calm.  Anyone who has a Chihuahua can tell you what little affection hungry attention hounds these dogs are.  You can use this to your advantage however and give affection whenever you see your Chihuahua sleeping or just chilling out.  It's just a nice way to reward your dog for behaving.

If I walk through the room and see one sleeping in their bed I go give them a little belly scratch or stroke their fur and tell them I love them.  Keep it brief because you don't want to disturb their quiet time.  

You just want to take time to notice when your little dog is being calm and give attention then.  If you do this your Chihuahuas need for affection will be getting filled without him having to be pushy and he won't feel like he has to pull out all the stops to get your attention.

Self Control is easier for some dogs than it is for others but it will come to them if you are consistent and patient.  Age and temperament play a large part in gaining self control.  

These really are simple little things to incorporate into your day and your dog will be learning to control his impulses in an easy pain free way.  I like that these are all very positive experiences for my dogs.  You do these things whether you have an older or a puppy and regardless of your dogs temperament.  

Cinna from time she was a pup would stay in the back with the grown ups and wait patiently for a treat.  Fen who is high energy and naturally pushy was all over me and Cori just seemed to lose his mind entirely!  But this system works for all of them, they just each progress along at their own pace. 

Small Dog Syndrome: Fact or Fiction

If your small dog is a handful, eventually some smarty pants is going to tell you he has 'small dog syndrome'.  Basically because he is small he's gonna get his own special label.  The reality is people like labels and stereotypes.  It makes them feel like they know something important about things they really know nothing about.

So the Chihuahua and other small breeds with 'behavior issues' now have 'Small Dog Syndrome' or SDS.  But wait! It gets better!  Because it is YOU that has caused this!  Yep! That's right!  You and all you're spoiling!  How dare you let your Chihuahua sleep with you and sit in your lap and I bet you even carry  them at times!!  'Gasp'

It's no wonder with all the bad Chihuahua parents out there that the breed has developed such a reputation as to need it's own 'syndrome'!  No need to fret though, because there is a cure!!

All you have to do is just treat your Chihuahua exactly the same as you would treat a Doberman.      Now dont you just love it when people come up with stupid solutions to made up problems??  Exactly.

So now let's get down to the real nitty gritty of todays topic.. The Myth of Small Dog Syndrome and how Stereotyping is Shortchanging your Dog!


Basically Small Dog Syndrome is a by product of the Dominance Theory. Supposedly your little dog is behaving badly because he believes he is the leader of your pack and the owner of your home.  So now we have to contend with this syndrome based on a flawed theory.  How could we not fail?

The truth is dogs are not power hungry social climbers.  That's just humans once again applying human thought processes to animal behavior.  Dogs are however very opportunistic with a good historical background in scavenging.  And they will simply do what works.

But my real beef with SDS is that is just doesn't make sense.  There's no real logic in it.  Let's take a look at the symptoms of SDS.

• Barking when approached.
• Barking at strangers
• Biting and snapping
• Destructive Behavior
• Growling
• Possessive over food, toys, etc
• Stubborn
• Paws at or Jumps on people

Now I cant be the only one who has know a large breed dog to do these things as well.  So why Small Dog Syndrome??  We clearly have pushy behaviors, resource guarding, and either aggression or nervousness or both.  These aspects of dog behavior do not solely belong to 'small' dogs.  

And let's take a look at the 'cure'..

• Don't let your dog sleep with you.
• Don't let your dog on your furniture.
• Make your dog work for everything from food to affection
• Make sure your dog obeys your every command
• Be the Alpha!!!!  

I've even seen one site that proudly displays a picture of a beautiful Chihuahua looking very confident and happy and tells you how this is really a bad thing because he is too dominant and then they show a dog looking at the ground slinking by with his tail between his legs and it says this is your goal.  Really??  

These solutions have about as much relevance to the problem behaviors as running the vacuum when your dishes are backed up. It's just another way to tell dog parents that they need to dominate their dog.  If you dont keep your dog in its place it will take over and attack you.  And if you were living with wolves that may be the truth.  But Fluffy is not a wolf.  She is not descended from wolves.  She is a dog and dogs have their own unique phychology, body language, and social system.  And it is not a take over agenda.

They simply want what they like and they do what works for them to get it.  That's all.  No plans for world domination or anything.  The dog that whines while you eat has learned that whining will convince you to give it some of the food.  Small dogs can be pushy and jump in your lap unwanted and big dogs can be pushy and knock you over.  But it's not because dogs are naturally searching for the upper hand.  They just want the chicken, people!

Now obviously dogs can ALL develop poor behaviors regardless of size.  And this is typically just a lack of boundaries and self control.  Self control is a skill and having boundaries is how it is learned. And if you really want to fix your Chihuahuas behavior problems, forget about being the alpha and going through doors first, etc and actually evaluate each problem, it's cause and come up with a valid solution and then be consistent.

I find most mild issues can show great improvement within 2 -3 days of some consistent boundaries and they  get lots of love and still all pile in my lap and in the bed.  Work on training out excitement and only acknowledge, reward, and be affectionate to your little one when they are calm.  This is a wonderful way to continually teach and reinforce self control in your Chihuahua.

Decide what you are fine with and when the lines are crossed and consistently hold the line.  When one of my Chis wants in my lap they jump up and put their paws on me or the chair.  This is fine.  If they just stood there I probably wouldn't see them.  When one just suddenly jumps in my lap without warning, I simply push them back out.  Dogs are smart.  It really only takes a day or so before they figure out the approach that works.  If I get slack, they get pushy.  If I'm consistent they are patient.  It's just they way it works.

Keep little treats handy.  When you catch your dog behaving, just give a treat.  When your dog is being pushy or obnoxious don't give treats.  And don't treat for everything.  Treats should be like winning the lottery because dogs LOVE the lottery and they will almost always play!  So if you call your little Chihuahua and they get a treat some of the time when they get to you they will have a better recall because they know there is a chance that the chicken cookies are waiting!  Sometimes they win the big prize, sometimes they win a 'good baby' and sometimes they find they just ran across the house for nothing.  That's the beauty of the lottery and they can't resist it!  So keep a little mystery and surprise in your dogs day.

You can have great little dogs and you don't have to rule with an iron hand either!!  Give love, boundaries, incentives, and be consistent.  And that works whether your dog is 5lbs or 50lbs too.
 

Yes, You Can Have Your Chihuahua Wearing Clothes! And Here's How!

One comment I hear over and over from other Small Dog Parents is how much they wish they could get their little ones to wear clothes!  Well, you can!

It really isn't much different than getting your Chihuahua accustomed to collar or a leash and harness.  A little patience and a lot of attention will go a long way in helping your dog feel comfortable and happy wearing clothes.  So here are the basics of how I have gotten all 5 of my Chihuahuas to be regular Fashion Dogs!  This is a 2 part series so there will more to come!

Cinna & Cori: 6 week old Chihuahuas

If Possible, Start Young.  If you have a puppy now is the time to start them with clothes.  I started mine with clothes as soon as they were up and walking at 3 weeks of age.  If you are getting your puppy at 12 weeks old that's a great time to start too.  The younger you start them wearing clothes the better because young Chihuahuas will simply adapt easier to whatever life hands them.  It's a gift of youth.  But the principles here are the same for an older Chi too.  It may just take a little more coaxing and a few extra treats is all.

Start Your Chihuahua Wearing Clothes for Small Amounts of Time.  At first it's better not to have your Chihuahua wear their clothes for too long.  You want them to get used to them gradually.  It is better to start with 30 minutes to an hour of clothes wearing at first rather than a whole day.  If your Chihuahua is happy in his clothes than fine but for those who aren't as sure of them you will want to keep the times short in the beginning.  It's important to remember that your Chihuahua will still enjoy lots of time not wearing clothes!

Fen

Be Sure Your Chihuahua's Clothes are Comfortable and Fit Well.  No one likes to wear clothes that are itchy, scratchy, or that just do not fit well and your Chihuahua is no exception.  Clothes should not be so big that they get in the way of your dogs play and normal activities nor should they be too tight around the chest or front legs.  Putting clothes that do not fit well on your Chihuahua is a good way to make him decide that clothes are a bad idea.  You will want to be sure that tags are not an issue and avoid anything too frilly or bulky until your Chihuahua is already used to clothes.  First clothes should be little shirts and simple dresses.  Think comfort.

Cinna in her cute little Tutu Dress

Make it Positive with Treats and Attention.  One of the best ways to ensure success with training your Chihuahua to wear clothes is to offer treats and just fuss over them when dressed.  I like to dress my Chi's up for fun things like outings and walks.  This builds a positive association with their clothes for your dog.  Even mine who do not care for clothes as much are still very cooperative because they know that getting dressed means something fun is coming around the corner for them.  This 'fun' can be an outing, a walk, some playtime, treats or anything your dog enjoys.  Just be sure to always have a fun activity or a tasty treat ready for your Chi once dressed.  

Supervise Your Chihuahua to Redirect Chewing and Biting on Fashions.  This can be a common problem especially when starting puppies with clothing.  I find it best to get your dog dressed when you have time to spend with them.  This way you can be making this a fun attention filled time for your Chihuahua AND you are available to redirect their chewing on their clothes and keep them distracted so that they just forget about them altogether since they are having so much fun with you!

Two little quick tricks for when first getting started with an Uncooperative Chi: 

• On a chilly day or you can adjust the thermostat by a degree or two, toss a little shirt in the dryer for a few minutes and then put that on your chi.  Chihuahuas like to be warm and if they a little too cold that warm from the dryer shirt will be a welcome sight. 
• If you have a little one who is especially uncooperative at first try this for getting that shirt on!  Hold a treat in one hand and your dogs shirt in the other.  Hold the treat to your dog through the neck hole of the shirt.  As the dog comes towards the treat, hold onto the treat a bit and slip the shirt over their head as they get the treat.  You can also give a treat on the floor for each leg as it is lifted and put in their shirt too.  

Following these simple principles you should have your little Chihuahua all decked out in no time! 

Fen looking very handsome as usual!

Stay tuned for part II where we will look at determining your Chihuahua's individual style, shopping tips, accessories and more!

Does Your Dog Have ESP?? Mine might!

I was sitting in Barnes and Nobles checking out some dog books when this one caught my eye.

Dogs That Know When Their Owners Are Coming Home: And Other Unexplained Powers of Animals

http://www.amazon.com/Dogs-That-Their-Owners-Coming/dp/0609805339

Well if that title doesn't get you thinking I don't know what would.   I was pretty intrigued.  It's a great little interesting read all about animals and dogs that know when people are sick or when their owners start heading home for the day.  Even dogs that knew when their owners died in wars hundreds of miles away.  


But that is only half the story.  You see I have a little boy Chihuahua.. my Susu who always knows when we are going to be sick. He velcros himself to the soon to be deathly ill person about 24 hours before the current plague hits.  A clingy Susu often means it's time to get some extra vitamin C and clear your schedule for the week because you are going down.  


However, he cannot fathom what on Earth I could possibly be yapping on about whenever I say something simple like... oh, I don't know SIT.... !  Always thought that one was supposed to be easy but not so much around here.   The boys are so opposed to sitting that I'm starting to think the cold floor is just not getting along with their hoolahs.. so they are just like.. 'uh.. nope.. not gonna do it.'  


But while I was reading about dogs that knew when their owners were coming home.. dogs that can predict seizures.. and all the other amazing things that dogs can do I had that grand 'light bulb' moment of all moments!! 


What if I close my eyes really really tight and focus all of my mental ESP energy on Susu sitting.  Would he then suddenly be like 'Oh so THAT'S what all the fuss was about' and just sit??  It's a long-shot but if it worked, this would revolutionize my life with dogs..  

It would be like using The Force on the Chihuahuas.. How awesome would dog training be then.

Anywho, I'm gonna go try to 'use my mind' to get my dogs to do stuff and I'll get back with you in a few days on this.. I'd love for you to try it too and let me know if it works.  Afterall, this Jedi Mindtrick stuff is only gonna be as good as the mind doing it and well.. I'm currently going to try using my nonexistent Jedi powers to get my dogs to sit so what does that tell you??   


Have a great day everyone and Go Have Some Fun!!  It's SATURDAY!!  

Forget About Being the Pack Leader!!

 Dominance is not the problem.  

The problem with dominance training is that it simply doesn't work.   And for some temperaments, it actually does harm.   Chihuahuas are revered for their sensitive, expressive nature and their stubbornness.  Dominance theory and the Chihuahua simply don't mix. 

When I brought my first Chihuahua home almost 6 years ago, I was very interested in how to train him and have him be a great part of my family.  Unfortunately, virtually everything I heard on tv, found online, or was advised by friends and family was based on the dominance theory.


It all sounded so simple and logical too.  The Pack order.  Be the Pack Leader as Cesar Millan would say.  If you could just master that elusive title your dog would simply do whatever you wanted because you were their beloved Leader.


And the steps were also relatively simple!  Go through the doors first.  Have your pet sit before being fed.  No paws on their Leader.  No jumping on or in the lap of the Leader and so on.  I'm sure you've heard them all too. 

But I found that me and my new best friend soon went from excited and happy to stressed and discouraged. Susu was faster than me and always seem to get out the door first.  And I started getting infuriated at this.  He wouldn't always sit when I told him too.  And things I liked.. for instance being pawed at by my cute little chibaby were simply out of the question. 

I wasn't happy and it wasn't working.  My boy was unhappy around me and obviously just frustrated at trying to figure out what I wanted.  And then, I gave up and just lived with an entirely untrained and unmanaged dog for the next 2 years.  


So how did I get from there to being a happy Doggy Mom to 5 Chihuahuas?  I started working with them using the methods of positive reinforcement.  I started using calming signals, and treats and being very consistent. And I took the time to learn the different needs and temperaments of my dogs.  Problems that I had tolerated for years were resolved in days or weeks with some consistent direction.  My dogs weren't impossible - they were simply untrained. 


Chihuahuas are exceptionally eager to please and easy to train if you are gentle and kind in your approach.  They are not a breed to be bullied or pushed.  They need encouragement and approval to make progress.  They are sensitive little souls who become very in-tuned to their humans moods and emotions.  They can be greatly impacted by scolding or punishments of any kind.  Always be pleasant and encouraging when working with your Chihuahua.

I watch mine closely to be sure tails are wagging, eyes and ears are attentive and that they are eager for the time with me.  And I no longer care if they sit or stand or do handstands and I'm not worrying over who gets to the door first.  I simply enjoy their zest for life much as I would watching children run and play.  So relax, and enjoy your chi.


 I'm really very happy to not wear the title of Pack Leader.  I prefer to think of myself as the 'Mother' of the group and I teach and correct them they same as I would small children.... with love and patience.  Understanding and appreciating their differences as well as celebrating their successes. 

Susu is my oldest Chihuahua at almost 6.  He is very sensitive and easily frustrated and requires a lot of hands on affection and calm direction in his daily life.  I have learned a lot from this little guy.  

Leadership rather than dominance is the key to 
raising well behaved Chihuahuas.  
Training and teaching should be fun and enjoyable.  
-
It should be a bonding experience not a battle of wills.