mydiamond Posted July 29, 2011 Report Share Posted July 29, 2011 I have just figured out that one of my classmate lived just a few meters away from my house, so decided to pay a visit yesterday. She has a male chihuahua (or maybe chihuahua mix) called Chicco, and he has been neglected for these past 8 months =\ I almost shouted at her for crating a very active breed 24/7, but then I realize that she's just an inexperienced person that is willing to learn and there's still a chance of transforming Chicco from a "hyperactive neglected dog" to a "cute and calm well-cared for doggie" To make a long story short, I am currently trying to rehabilitate a neglected chihuahua (pics will be uploaded real soon. Info: he's light brown with a pair of black eyes) First lesson is always walkies. Chicco hates walks He won't walk straight in a line, he'd rather running around in circles--trying to break free from his collar. After almost 30 minutes of training and correction, he FINALLY can walk alongside my classmate without pulling or trying to get in front even if so, he'd still run around in circles and tried to fight the leash. Not as much as before, tho so I'll say he made a MASSIVE progress =) Imagine; leash-trained in half an hour? Wow that's superb Second lesson is about dominancy theory. I explained to my classmate everything I know about dominance, being an alpha, firm leadership and so on. Weird, but she seem interested in my speech and she said she'll walk Chicco 2-3 times a day from now on The question is: I know absolutely nothing about small breeds Is 30 minutes per walk enough for a Chihuahua?? I told her it's enough but then when we tried the 30-minutes walk Chicco is not tired at all Third lesson; I tried to teach Chicco the word "quiet". He's a fast-learner.. In few minutes he can stay calm for around 10 seconds (hey that's a huge leap he won't shut up for a second before LOL). But still, when his owner leaves his side he would whine and scream =\ What comes up to my mind--> "Oh no, I've to deal with SA training.... AGAIN" I went home at 21.30 last night O_O Correcting this tiny dog's behavioral issues really takes time =\ I got help from Dime tho he showed Chicco how to properly play with another dog and how to walk correctly on a leash. With Diamond in the pack walk, Chicco mastered 90% of leash-training in a blink of an eye Yaaay thanks Dime! Btw the rehabilitation process is not yet over. And I need to load myself with some more helpful infos about the Chihuahua breed. Anyone here own Chihuahua---no, Chihuahua mix? Tell me everything you know please! Will be helpful in changing one doggie's life! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Removed #1 Posted July 29, 2011 Report Share Posted July 29, 2011 We don't have a Chihuahua type dog...we do however have a Beagle that drives me insane some days...30 minutes is like a walk around the block for her...not in terms of distance but in terms of energy spent...also mental stimulation is a must....at least with our little dog...and socialization with larger dogs needs to come a bit slowly if the little darling in question seems to have little dog syndrome...from what I've read chihuahua's won't back down against larger dogs if they're showing signs that are interpreted as aggression. I'd certainly advise encouraging your friend to read up on her furbaby a bit more...there's tons of information on the web, and whilst you may be somewhere that there aren't so many dog clubs, I'm sure she could get some help/advise from breeders/clubs in the uk or stateside Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BingBlaze n Skyla Posted July 29, 2011 Report Share Posted July 29, 2011 well done! - i would think once chicco gets used to it half hour is fine - just think if u had been kept in a cage nearly 24/7 n not getting any walks how much energy n how hyper you would be to get outside Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mydiamond Posted July 29, 2011 Author Report Share Posted July 29, 2011 We don't have a Chihuahua type dog...we do however have a Beagle that drives me insane some days...30 minutes is like a walk around the block for her...not in terms of distance but in terms of energy spent...also mental stimulation is a must....at least with our little dog...and socialization with larger dogs needs to come a bit slowly if the little darling in question seems to have little dog syndrome...from what I've read chihuahua's won't back down against larger dogs if they're showing signs that are interpreted as aggression. I'd certainly advise encouraging your friend to read up on her furbaby a bit more...there's tons of information on the web, and whilst you may be somewhere that there aren't so many dog clubs, I'm sure she could get some help/advise from breeders/clubs in the uk or stateside I told her to go to the net and study about the Chihuahua breed, but her English is so bad she doesn't know what "nephew" is O_O so I've to read up all the info, study the breed, and then report my research to her x) That's better than nothing tho! ^0^And I'm already working with the mental stimulation. Tried to teach Chicco "shake hand" but even if he's showing interest in learning I have to pause the training for a while because he needs to learn "quiet" first =) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Removed #1 Posted July 29, 2011 Report Share Posted July 29, 2011 I told her to go to the net and study about the Chihuahua breed, but her English is so bad she doesn't know what "nephew" is O_O so I've to read up all the info, study the breed, and then report my research to her x) That's better than nothing tho! ^0^And I'm already working with the mental stimulation. Tried to teach Chicco "shake hand" but even if he's showing interest in learning I have to pause the training for a while because he needs to learn "quiet" first =) You also may want to keep in mind that from what I've read...don't have one mind you...but they do do better with positive food based reinforcement than they do with negative chastisement. I personally am not a fan of the alpha style of things...but I do believe that a pecking order ought to be in place as far as dogs being dogs and people being people...it sounds like she didn't know any better and ended up treating her furbaby like a stuffed animal or toy to be brought out when she felt the need rather than a dog and that's probably the biggest problem to correct. Good luck!!!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Elyse Posted July 29, 2011 Report Share Posted July 29, 2011 It sounds like you're taking it in the right direction. Mental stimulation is a must as well as physical stimulation. If you guys don't have any pet stores around, you can make up little 'games' or obstacle courses for the Chihuahua. Here's an example. Take a treat the he sees as high value, and put it inside a container (see through if possible.) Flip the container upside down, then encourage the dog to get the treat. I'm not sure if Chihuahuas are smart enough to figure it out, but it's worth a shot. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Paranormal Wolf Posted July 29, 2011 Report Share Posted July 29, 2011 First off well done for helping both your friend and the little dog Sounds like you're heading in the right direction. Keep up the good work and keep us posted on the progress Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chevy Posted July 30, 2011 Report Share Posted July 30, 2011 I am glad your friend is willing to learn. Teach her well. I am having to show some pointers to a co-worker of mine that has a little chihuahua to help her learn how to train the little dog better. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Indigo & Oisin Posted July 30, 2011 Report Share Posted July 30, 2011 I have a chihuahua called Paolo. He is extremely active but he understands when to be calm. the important thing is your friend dosn't underestimate how much exercise this small breed needs. They are bred to be companion dogs and need constant attention, they don't do well being left long or ignored. Paolo was very very difficult with his behaviour until he turned about a year and a half. he likes to chew certain things, mainly toilet paper, we have had many a confetti cleaning session on the stairs. Paolo is now nearly 2 and a half years old and he is wonderful! So loving and actually very clever! Chihuahuas if given the time and attention, are fantastic at learning tricks and obedience commands! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Indigo & Oisin Posted July 30, 2011 Report Share Posted July 30, 2011 here is my boy Paolo Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Nicole Posted July 30, 2011 Report Share Posted July 30, 2011 when training who is doing the training? are you getting the owner to do it ? chihuahahas are very much a one person dog , so would be best for the person it clings to teach it all these things , he should show more intrest aswell that way , i think the walking is enough they might have alot of energy but tiny legs , dont want too over do it for them , just make sure she keeps up with the trainning and socialising and the lil thing should get there p.s @ Indigo & Oision ... pablo is gorjuss !! lil cracker looks the double of my mums chee but hers is lighter and longer haired Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mydiamond Posted July 31, 2011 Author Report Share Posted July 31, 2011 oh yaaay thanks for the advices, people! Will surely make some more activities for Chicco to do! ^0^ I'm currently enjoying a 4-days holiday, so let's see how many changes we can do when training who is doing the training? are you getting the owner to do it ? chihuahahas are very much a one person dog , so would be best for the person it clings to teach it all these things , he should show more intrest aswell that way , i think the walking is enough they might have alot of energy but tiny legs , dont want too over do it for them , just make sure she keeps up with the trainning and socialising and the lil thing should get there I show her the example first, and then I made her do it by herself Thanks for the info, my classmate will be VERY happy to hear the "one-person-dog" thing I have a chihuahua called Paolo. He is extremely active but he understands when to be calm. the important thing is your friend dosn't underestimate how much exercise this small breed needs. They are bred to be companion dogs and need constant attention, they don't do well being left long or ignored. Paolo was very very difficult with his behaviour until he turned about a year and a half. he likes to chew certain things, mainly toilet paper, we have had many a confetti cleaning session on the stairs. Paolo is now nearly 2 and a half years old and he is wonderful! So loving and actually very clever! Chihuahuas if given the time and attention, are fantastic at learning tricks and obedience commands! Chicco has just turned two this year. Hopefully he's already in a calmer state? I warned her that chihuahuas can cause total disaster tho.. It sounds like you're taking it in the right direction. Mental stimulation is a must as well as physical stimulation. If you guys don't have any pet stores around, you can make up little 'games' or obstacle courses for the Chihuahua. Here's an example. Take a treat the he sees as high value, and put it inside a container (see through if possible.) Flip the container upside down, then encourage the dog to get the treat. I'm not sure if Chihuahuas are smart enough to figure it out, but it's worth a shot. wow that's tough O_O but Chicco is a very smart doggie, let's see if he can figure it out You also may want to keep in mind that from what I've read...don't have one mind you...but they do do better with positive food based reinforcement than they do with negative chastisement. I always think that every dog does better with positive reinforcement training =P maybe I'm wrong, but at least it works on Dime and Chicco! I use Diamond's kibbles to teach Chicco lots of basic trainings (such as "come" and "quiet") and my classmate was amazed by "the magic of kibbles" Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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