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 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!