Training is a breeze, but one problem!

    • Puppy

    Training is a breeze, but one problem!

    Okay, my mom is sick of Nicholas, the chihuahua who lived in the downstairs of our house with our german shepherd. See, he's not very housetrained. Though, most chihuahuas I've met are nutcases.So, they wanted to give him away or take him to the pound after he peed on my mom's new pillow (and countless other things he's done through the past few years).

    But I said I'd take him. And so now he's in my room/upstairs (there's a door to the downstairs), and doing just great.

    I think he thrives on positive reinforcement and lots of attention. He used to always go to the bathroom whereever he felt like it, but now he only goes outside when I say "go poopsiez!" ANd he's happy when I'm proud of him for doing it the right way. He never seemed to be very cuddley but now he is. He loves to wear clothes (like dog shirts or premie baby crawlers) since he shivers a lot otherwise(Though I understand it's a characteristic of chi's). He'll sleep in my bed, but he does snore.

    I feel like I am really making progress. Especially since, when I went to the mall and out to dinner last night (left at 1pm got home at 9pm), he didn't poop or pee and he stayed  in his area of my room. He even licked me when I got home. However, my mom's bichon-poodle went potty in her kitchen.

    So the toublemaker of the family is doing the best and getting praise; I must say, It's a bit rewarding. And I'm proud to be training him and making him so happy.

    Only one problem, he doesn't seem to want to eat. He'll either sniff it and lick it a tiny bit or he'll eat a little but not his normal quantity. Could it be because he isn't eating with Lyla (the german shepherd) like normal? What can I do about this since he can't be downstairs with her? [sm=uhoh.gif]

    • Gold Top Dog
    It could be - some dogs are social eaters.  I would just wait a couple of days and see if he adjusts. 
    • Gold Top Dog
    Is he a good weight?  If he is, I wouldn't worry about it.  He'll come around when he's hungry.  After all, you don't want a fat Chi.

    Keep in mind that most dogs are on their best behavior in a new environment because they are trying to find out what the rules are and who the bigt honcho is.  It's so easy to let a cute little guy just do what he pleases and that is when the problems begin. 

    It sounds like you've got a good place to start from.  I would give him structure and some rules until he is truly settled (can take 6 months).  Always let him know that you are the goddess from which everything good comes.  Retrict his environment to let him know that there are rules to abide by.  In time when he deserves some privileges, grant them.  Always let him know when he is a good boy.

    It sounds as though your mom allows the cute little doggies to run the household.
    • Gold Top Dog
    Odie had a serious problem of not wanting to eat, when we first adopted him.  Someone here suggested feeding him in his crate.  That worked great.  He is a nervous dog and I think he is just more comfortable in his crate. 
     
    Now, he will eat with no problem, although when anyone, other than me, walks by him while he is eating, he will back off his food.  Heck, even the cat can get this 65 pound dog to leave his food.  The difference is, now he will quickly go back to it.