About Mari Expertise I can answer on mostly everything except questions on Breeding or Pregnancy. Please do not ask me questions on those topics. I do not believe in people breeding their dogs unless they are experienced in the area and in it to better the breed. There is nothing more heartbreaking than a Chihuahua dying at the hands of an unexperienced breeder who was not prepared and bred their beloved pet because it was so cute to have puppies or for their kids to experience the "miracle of life". Please leave this up to the experts. Enough said...
Experience I have been around chihuahuas since I was 15 years old. I have experienced many situations with this dog breed from housebreaking, introducing new dogs, common ailments, skin problems, feeding, etc. Again do not ask me questions on breeding because you will not like what I have to say. I am all about educating responsible owners about this breed not aiding in the decline of the dogs.
Education/Credentials Bachelors degree in Science.
Expert: Mari Date: 6/10/2007 Subject: potty training my chihuahua
Question i got this Chihuahua and he is such an awesome dog but he has a hard time going to the bathroom. he will go sometimes outside but he likes to go to the bathroom inside and hide it > what do i do & how do i punish him
Answer Are you crate training him? Are you making sure to watch for signs that he has to go (such as sniffing the floor in a hurried way?) You can't let him have free roam of the house, make sure you pen in a section for him with pee pads and what not, and then later take him outside and praise him like crazy when he does. If he poops and pees in the house don't punish him because it is your fault for not watching him and looking for signs to take him outside. You have to watch them like a HAWK! It's hard work but with persistance it can be done. Make sure you clean the area where he pooops or pees with a cleaner made to clean up urine such as nature's miracle. If they can smell where they went, they will go again. Also take the poops outside and say something silly like "Good outside" Dogs work well with cue words, my guys know that when I say "Ok, Outside" it's time to go potty and they run to the door. And with persistance they will show you, for example my 11 week old chi girl actually goes to the slider and looks at me to alert me she needs to go out. I have only had her for a week but I am diligent about watching her and showing her that oustide is where she does her business. We have pee pee and poo poo dance parties outside...lol...as soon as she finished peeing I say "Good girl...outside" and get really excited and she runs over to me like WOW MOM I DID IT! and then we do a little dance...lol
