Bella and Statler

Bella met a Basset today at the bus stop  and was thrilled to play with another dog that was more her size.  She’s so use to seeing the other family member’s dogs [Lesser Swiss Mountain Dog, Yellow Lab, and a couple of other large breeds] that this seemed to be quite a relief.  Statler, the Basset, is 4 months old and was very personable and playful, however, Bella was doing circles around Statler and was certainly showing off to her new doggy friend.

Bella - Chihuahua Photo Shoot

What a fun day we had taking pictures with our favorite photographer!  Bella’s first photo Shoot was captured by Brianna Saban Photography and she gave Brianna a run for her money, that’s for sure!  During the entire shoot, Bella was being very camera shy and would not look directly into the camera whatsoever.  However, a determined photographer, Brianna was able to capture some amazing shots in which she got an excellent likeness of Bella.

There is something  special about the relationship between a dog and their family.  And, Bella is no exception.  She has such a lovely and playful spirit that it is very hard to ignore her for her persistent need to shower you with kisses and lots of tail waggings.  It is evident in the photos that Brianna took and we would like to extend our love and thanks to her and her amazing talent as a photographer!

Chihuahua [Bella] Digging

“I’m sure that I can dig to China…”

Here are some tips:

Create a Sandbox

Create a pit, just like a sandbox for kids.  A circular area or rectangular area 3 x 6 feet area and depending on the hardness of your dirt, you may need to loosen up to about 2 feet of soil.  Adding sand will help it drain during heavy rains.  Once the pit is ready, take some of her favorite toys and let her watch you bury them.  Call your dog over and help her dig things up. Once she gets the idea and is digging without your help, enthusiastically praise her.  When she digs up a treat or toy, she is immediately rewarded by getting to eat it or playing with it.

Discourage Bad Digging Spots

Once your dog has an understanding of the pit, and that it’s acceptable to dig in that area, now you can teach her that digging elsewhere is no allowed.  The first step is to mark the area and if you aren’t able to insert a small fence, using sticks and string strung along the top would be sufficient.  The purpose of the fence is to mark a boundary and not intended as an actual barrier.  Each time she gets close to the boundary, quietly warn her with a simple ‘off’.  Continue this until she has stepped back across the barrier and praise her when returning back to acceptable turf.  In time, with your patience, your dog will understand acceptable areas to roam and your designated area for digging.

Summary

1. Present a dig site to your dog. Share the experience with her and give praise.

2. Watch for digging and lead her to the spot that you previously noted as suitable for digging.

3. Continue praise for correct digging locations and lightly chasten when crossing unacceptable boundaries.

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!

Chihuahua sucking her paw

Okay, so my crazy Chihuahua sucks on her paw when she is falling asleep.  Kind of like a toddler!  So I’m starting to wonder if I need to look for a doggie orthodontist – you know since they always tell toddlers not to suck their thumbs so as not to ruin their teeth.

Anyway, we snapped this picture of her the other night – it was just super cute!

 Little puppies equals little bladders. 

We went to the pet store and sure enough, there are litter boxes for dogs, not just cats.  Only, they have a specific litter material for dogs to prevent them from eating the litter.  In addition, I picked up a 8 panel indoor excercise pen to provide an indoor designated area for her for the times she isn’t being carried around by my children.

Day One:  She doesn’t know what to think of the litter box.

Day Two – Four: She starts to investigate the box, but still unsure.

Day Five: Instead of taking her outside to potty, I sat for thirty minutes and waited, waited some more until finally she started to go potty, in which I quickly scooped her up and place her in the litter box. (I think I scared her more than encouraged her to potty in the correct place.)

Day – Several Days Later: She’s actually starting to potty in the litter box. It’s a hit or miss… but, we reward her with a treat when she’s done the right thing.

Almost 4 weeks later: She’s pooped a couple of times in the box and mostly prefers to potty outside, but we are making some progress. I’m now starting to read up on some material regarding potty training. (Might have saved me some time & frustration. ) 

Here are some suggested reading material before you spend several weeks sitting next to the excercise pen:

House Train any Dog

Litter Boxes Aren’t Just for Cats: A Guide on How to Successfully Litter Box Train Your Puppy or Small Breed Dog

Bella sleeping with my daughter

Okay, so for my daughter’s fifth birthday my husband & I bought her the cutest little Chihuahua. We told the pet store owner that we were looking for a puppy that would stay small & that wouldn’t mind being carried everywhere by our daughter. They recommended this Chihuahua. Now I admit that she is completely & totally adorable … and yes she fits in my purse … but she is CRAZY! So here it is, a blog devoted to the crazy antics of my Chihuahua, Bella. Enjoy!