My Crazy Chihuahua

I did some pondering about my last post regarding Bella playing and truly believe that this is such an important topic that I would go into a little more detail. Caring and playing with a dog is much like caring for a child. Dog toys keep your puppy busy and keep her from eating your furniture or digging up the yard. Every puppy has a chewing need and the right toy will help them stay calm while you are not in the house with them. The key is to find the right toy for your dog.

Bella Playing with her mini tennis ball

Toys designed for puppies and dogs provide them with a safe item to explore. Giving them a toy to play with is a perfect distraction when they start to chew on something that is off limits. The goal is to train your dog so that they will choose one of their toys over any other item within their reach. This is accomplished by teaching your dog or puppy that they receive positive attention when playing with the correct toy. When playing with their toys, make sure to give them plenty of attention. Likewise, when they are playing with something that you don’t want them to have, ignore them and just take the toy away. There isn’t a need to negatively enforce the behavior other than a simple “no” and removal of the object. When they come to play with their toy, reward them with a treat, as this is the behavior that you are working and training towards. Over time, your puppy will understand the differences and will choose their toy and will leave your furniture alone.

When looking for dog and puppy toys, make sure that you find a variety of different types. Just like humans, dogs get bored too and a little change in toy can make a huge difference. There are many different kinds and they range from toy dog size to large breed dogs. Bella, our Chihuahua, enjoys small toy-sized balls that she can fetch and smaller sized tennis balls make the perfect toy. Other toys make sound when squeezed and others make sound when shaken.

Some dogs like to chew and destroy their toys. A good rawhide or bone is a good substitute and having something available for your puppy is an excellent way to reduce the destruction of their own toys. For puppies, keep in mind that smaller teeth need softer bones.

Playtime is important for dogs

It’s important that dogs and puppies receive regular playtime.  It’s necessary for the well being of the dog and it’s fun for us too!  Make sure that you spend a couple of minutes (many times) throughout the day to play with your puppy and not only will you have a happy dog but, you’ll most likely have less destruction in your home.  Your dog will thank you and so will your shoes (and other easily accessible items of yours)!

What a hit one Chihuahua can be at the park.  Kids swarm towards her and in her typical fashion, Bella acts as though each were a long lost friend.  Once the meet & greet is over, she discovers tall grass, where we identify yet another animal trait within her: Kangaroo.  Bella bounds through the grass at top speed excitedly, doing circles through the park while the kids look on laughing.  What a sight!