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Chihuahuas/new long haired chihuahua
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Question
we just got a new long haired chihuahua . we have had her three days she is very skittish hard to catch acts like she is scared of every thing if you do catch her she will set in your lap no problem .she will potty outside on a leash she is not eating very well.she came from a house with several dogs some of them chihuahuas. her name is bridgett arleine, she is about 8 months old please give us advise thank you very much
martin and brenda
Hi Martin and Brenda...
Three days is a very short time for an 8 month old dog to feel comfortable in a new home. How are you keeping her in your home? Is she in a small area or is she being given run of the house? What do you mean when you say she's "hard to catch"? How are you "catching" her? Do you know what she was being fed at her first home? Are you able to call them and ask? Even if she was being fed a poor quality food, you can start with feeding her what she's use to and then add in a high quality food gradually as you reduce the original food. Are you thinking that she's not eating due to the stress of changing homes?
Dogs are pack animals and I have no doubt that she misses the "pack" of dogs that she was with and is very confused by this huge change in her life. She should be kept in a small area (like in the kitchen or a bedroom) during this adjustment period so that she can get use to things gradually and not be so overwhelmed. Additionally, you won't have a need to "catch" her which I'm sure is frightening for her. Giving her the run of the whole house is way too overwhelming right now. Is anyone else living in your home? Kids? Is anyone home with her during the day? Do you have other dogs?
If you could get back to me with answers to some of the questions that I've asked, I'd love to help you more.
Jo Ann
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Jo Ann
Expertise
I can answer most questions as they relate to health, behavior, new home adjustment, litter box training, new puppy care, fear aggression, separation anxiety, new vaccination protocols, medications to avoid, the latest developments in veterinary medicine, the most common medical problems seen in this breed and the effects of bad and irresponsible breeding. I can also speak to common personality traits of this breed due to vast experience with a great number of Chihuahuas and Chihuahua owners. I am not, however, a breeder of Chihuahuas and claim no experience in that area and DO NOT ANSWER QUESTIONS THAT HAVE TO DO WITH BREEDING -you need to check with a qualified veterinarian if you plan to breed your Chihuahua or if your Chihuahua is having problems with a pregnancy or you're having problems with pups that you bred - this is not the proper forum to address those issues and a delay in seeking proper medical treatment can have grave consequences for your dog.
Experience
Owner/Moderator for Chihuahua_Health_Behavior (since 8/04), Owner/Moderator for Chihuahualovers (since 4/04), Owner/Moderator for Chis-and-ToyDogs (since 2/07), Chihuahua owner for 10 years, current owner of three Chihuahuas, have done Chihuahua rescue and transport and have a deep love & respect for the breed. I also have dealt with allergies, broken legs, liver problems and other medical problems with this breed and have researched and consulted with some of the top experts in these areas. Additionally, I have done dog and cat rescue for 20 years which has exposed me to a variety of health and behavioral conditions which have become a part of my extensive knowledge.
Organizations
I ran the local Chihuahua Meetup group locally for a number of years.
I run Chihuahua_Health_Behavior@yahoogroups.com
Education/Credentials
Just my combined experience and research. I don't pretend to be something I'm not and will be honest and recommend veterinary care and proper diagnosis for medical conditions as needed and aid in the research for good, qualified veterinarians or holistic practioners who are familiar with this breed and the medical problems that are common to Chihuahuas.
Past/Present Clients
Too numerous to mention - all members of my Yahoo groups over the past five years
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