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Expert: Karen Brittan - 7/7/2009


Question

Pixie, my chihuahua
Hi there, firstly i really appreciate the service you are providing, its great!!

I have a baby Chihuahua, just over 11 weeks old now, she has had all her jabs and is allowed to meet other dogs etc, so i was wondering what sort of games to play with her when we are out and also when indoors, she loves it when i run with her and she chases after me but i need other games to play, i dont really want to do 'tug-of-war' as i heard that this gives a tendancy for the dog to become aggressive, but i would like to play games that are suited to her size and breed. I chose you as you said you were involved with miniture breeds.

Also i cant help worrying about her when she meets other dogs, as she does get frightened as they are bigger than her (she is a standard size chi, not a 't-cup') and she sort of 'squels' so i pick her up and give her a cuddle and tell her its okay, but i have read that i shouldnt do this as it reinforces her fear. But when she seems so scared what else should i do?

Thanks so much for reading, any advice would be great!!

I look forward to hearing from you!

Erin Brown (U.K)

Answer
I am one of those who thinks tug-of-war is bad for the dog. Not only is it bad for the bite, but in the human/dog relationship, the dog should never win as the dog will think himself more alpha. It does teach the dog to use its mouth.

Teach her to retrieve and you can play all day and tire her out at the same time. I once had a dog who had a favorite toy, and I used to hide it and he had to find it (sometimes putting it on top of my head... that was funny!). Hide from her and make her find you. Do anything that makes her think.

Start teaching her tricks, and get her into obedience classes. There are SO many things you can do with her! Obedience, rally, tracking, agility... Just because she is small doesn't mean you can't have a LOT of fun with her!

NEVER, and I mean **NEVER** tell her something is "okay" if she is frightened. You will create a monster! And it will be VERY difficult to undo that. Instead, ignore what she is doing and get her attention back on you, using treats. It should just be you and her, eye-to-eye... nothing else in the world matters but the two of you. If it is an inanimate object, always let her investigate it so that she can see that it is nothing at all that will hurt her.

I am one who believes that dogs do not need to interact with other dogs when they go out, and discourage others from allowing their dogs to interact with mine. I want my dog to totally pay attention to me, and nothing else. However, I have other dogs here for them to interact with, so that is not a problem for me.

Make friends with others who have smaller dogs, and let her do her interaction with those dogs... playdates, if you will. It is just way too dangerous to have her around larger dogs (particularly off-leash), as dogs have no concept of size and just react, dog-to-dog.

There are a number of chihuahua clubs throughout the UK, but they don't all have websites. You should be able to find out more information at the following link when trying to find other chihuahua owners who might be interested in getting together. Our local schnauzer club has a picnic, with dogs, every summer. Some clubs here have "dog walks" where they all get together and walk around a local lake or park. It can't be that much different in the UK. http://www.the-british-chihuahua-club.org.uk/
    Questioner's Rating
    Rating(1-10)Knowledgeability = 10Clarity of Response = 10Politeness = 10
    CommentThanks so much! So many great ideas and useful tips! Thank you! Erin xx


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Karen Brittan

Expertise

I have been showing miniature schnauzers in conformation, obedience, and earthdog for forty years, and am a professional dog groomer. I am not a veterinarian and cannot answer questions of a veterinary nature. However, I can give my opinion or share some experiences on some health issues. Everyone should remember that this is a volunteer service, and few of us are up late into the night. Medical emergencies require a veterinary visit, or at least a telephone call... not an internet question which might not be viewed and answered until hours later. If your dog is sick or injured, it should be seen by a licensed professional for proper diagnosis and treatment.

Experience

I have taught obedience classes and have taught people how to groom for many years.

Learn more about me and my dogs: http://britmorschnauzers.com

Organizations
Member of: American Miniature Schnauzer Club; Twin Cities Miniature Schnauzer Club; Twin Cities Obedience Training Club; Elk River Kennel Club; Minnesota Professional Pet Groomers Association; Greater Twin Cities Earthdog Club.

Education/Credentials
Fifty-one years of living with, observing, and training dogs, along with numerous seminars during that time.

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