New Chihuahua Owners

Here's my list of the top 10 things every new Chihuahua owner should know:

10. Chihuahuas will have you wrapped around their little finger, or should I say, paw.

9. Chihuahuas like the best seat in the house.

8. Chihuahuas will let you know who's boss, and it won't be you.

7. Chihuahuas are very good when it comes to training - training you that is.

6. Chihuahuas are very opinionated, and they let you know it - loudly.

5. Chihuahuas like to keep warm so make sure you buy a sweater fit for two - you and your chi.

4. Chihuahuas think they are big dogs - REAL BIG

3. Chihuahuas are eager to please - as long as they get something out of it.

2. Chihuahuas like to stay close to you, so watch your step.

1. Chihuahuas are the best dogs ever, and that's no joke.

Trimming Dog Nails

Clipping my dog's nails has become a real battle. I have no idea what happened, in the past I was able to get her nails cut by distracting her with food, but that's not working anymore. She now bites - hard, whenever the clippers are out. The mere sight of the clippers turns her into a mean fighting machine! The dog groomer couldn't handle her either, she bit the groomer twice.

Determined not to let the 4 1/2 lb. weasel have her way, I put on a pair of ski gloves and held her paws firmly as I tried to trim those nails. Unable to bite me she resorted to screaming at the top of her lungs. By the sound of it you'd think her legs were being twisted inside out. I thought animal control would be at my door any minute.

My plan is to have short sessions in which I cut a couple of nails everyday and hopefully in time she will put up less of a struggle. It seems to be working, her screaming stopped, her resistance is fading. Maybe, just maybe one day she will sit still while her pedicure is being done. Anyone know of a place to buy ski gloves wholesale?

Dog Socialization

Wow, it's been so long since I posted here! I didn't think keeping a blog going would be so difficult. Little Shannon is 4 years old now, the socialization problem still continues. I was hoping as she got older she would be more accepting of people but to my disappointment that has not happened. In fact it has gotten worse. I don't understand why she doesn't get it, she's been exposed to people since she was a puppy, people have treated her nicely, but she still feels threatened by them.

I keep hearing that you need to socialize puppies from an early age, get them used to being around people if they are to grow into well adjusted dogs. Well sometimes it just does not work. I have come to the conclusion that socialization will keep a friendly, easy going dog from becoming anti-social but a very timid shy puppy will continue to have behavioral problems as an adult dog.

That being said, I haven't given up on my Little Shannon, I still hope that one day she will at least come to tolerate people and keep her yapper shut.