Dogs and Apples

My chihuahua Shannon spent the second half of the summer munching on fallen apples in the backyard. She's like a squirrel, nibbles on one a bit and then goes looking for another one. And she was really helpful with the yard work, I would gather the apples into a bucket and she would pick them out. (see photo). It took me twice as long to gather the apples into the bucket but it was so funny watching her try to pick them out. Apples are actually a good treat to give your dog.

Shannon likes being in the backyard, I have to keep a careful eye on her because she always finds some spot in the fence to crawl through and ends up snooping in the neighbour's yard, but she returns when I call her. She's pretty good at coming when called, well sometimes I need to repeat myself but overall coming when called is not too bad. Small dogs such as chihuahuas shouldn't be left alone in the backyard, even if it's fenced in. Depending on where you live, they can become easy prey for birds such as hawks, and even a cat could pose a danger for a chihuahua.

Dog Training In Progress

Wow, time really flies by, Shannon is going to be 1 year old in a couple of months. She weighs about 4 lbs now but she's on the skinny side, I'd say she should probably weigh close to 5 lbs. I think that Chihuahuas reach their full growth by around 7 months so she's pretty much done growing. her favorite toy is the "sqeaky" (see photo), when I tell her to go get her sqeaky she searches the whole house and brings it to me.

Shannon now knows the basic commands such as sit, stay, lie down and come here. I'm working on increasing the amount of time she will stay. She also knows how to "dance" for a treat by standing up on her 2 back legs and twirling around a couple of times. Once puppies understand a command it's important to use it often to reinforce it. I find opportunites throughout the day for this. For instance if she wants to go outside, sometimes I tell her first to sit and stay and when I give the okay she come's out and this becomes her reward for obeying. Playing is also a good time for practicing commands, before your dog gets the toy have him do something for you such as lie down. Once he does what you say, reward him with play and the toy.

Guess that's it for now.

Small Dog Clothes For Chihuahuas

If you're having a tough time finding dog clothes that will fit your Chihuahua why not try making some yourself. It's really easy with the simple FREE pattern that the Circle of Crafters website offers. The pattern is resizeable so no matter what size your chi is, large or small, you're sure to be able to make a dog coat that will fit your poochie.

"Aw but I don't know how to sew" you're saying. Hey, if I was able to make it then you can too, just check out my puppy Little Shannon in the photo wearing the dog coat I made for her. It was really easy and fun. I used a fleece blanket to make it. Does she look cute in it or what. I can't wait for the weather to warm up a bit so I can take her outside in her new doggie outfit.

FREE Dog Clothes Pattern