Help

mylittlesilas · 01-11-2007, 12:01 AM

I have a question for you chihuahua lovers. My little Silas is proving to be a chalange is many ways. I have rearranged my life to accomadate my little buddy. However the more I do the worse he gets. Example: I have purchase the best organtic food I can find he may or may not eat it. I have stopped leaving him in his kennel and started putting up a baby gate so he could have more freedom during the day while I am @ work. He did great for the first 2 days and then he started chewing up his puppy pad and using the floor. He is 7 mos. old had been doing great. I do not know what has happened to him. I do not want to have to put him in his kennel again but I cannnot let him destroy my home. Does anyone habe any ideas?
I do love so much and I want to do what is best for him!

ilovemychihuahua · 01-11-2007, 12:06 AM

I'm a chihuahua lover, but I do not know this solution. I'm sorry

, i'm just so dumb. And "habe" I think you mean "have"

Curbside Prophet · 01-11-2007, 12:35 AM

You can still use the crate if it means he can be let out every few hours. This may mean hiring a dog sitter, familiy member, or friend to let him out. Doggie daycare is also another option. You can also give him his freedom with the gate and try the papertraining method, but the area you use needs to be puppy proof, and expect his house training to take longer. But most importantly, give your dog lavish praise for eliminating outside, walk him regularly, and be a teacher for him.

ilovemychihuahua · 01-11-2007, 05:37 PM

Hm.....I think I replied................yes!!! Sorry.

tirluc · 01-11-2007, 06:20 PM

instead of the crate (not enuff room) or the baby gate (too much room) get yourself an ex-pen and put him in there.....at the same time give him plenty of toys to play w/ and even something like the Buster Cube w/ his meal in it would be quite usefull......basically, what you have here is a very BORED little boy that is trying to find anything to amuse himself......if at all possible, come home for a little bit of time at lunch or have some one you know and trust come in to take him out for a bit.....

also, b/4 you leave try to get him good and tired by playing w/ him (this may mean getting up a 1/2 hr earlier to do so, but we all know that our dogs are worth it, right?) and then when you get home, spend a good hr or so (even on and off) playing w/ him to tire him out b/4 bed.....

Peterson Pocket Pups · 01-11-2007, 09:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tirluc

instead of the crate (not enuff room) or the baby gate (too much room) get yourself an ex-pen and put him in there.....at the same time give him plenty of toys to play w/ and even something like the Buster Cube w/ his meal in it would be quite usefull......basically, what you have here is a very BORED little boy that is trying to find anything to amuse himself......if at all possible, come home for a little bit of time at lunch or have some one you know and trust come in to take him out for a bit.....

also, b/4 you leave try to get him good and tired by playing w/ him (this may mean getting up a 1/2 hr earlier to do so, but we all know that our dogs are worth it, right?) and then when you get home, spend a good hr or so (even on and off) playing w/ him to tire him out b/4 bed.....

Can't agree More... he is just plain Ole bored. You can try the Kong toys, the ones you stuff with peanut butter or cheese. They work great. These will keep him busy for a long time. Should you have someone come over and play with him, you can ask them to leave an ice cube out for him before they leave... My chi's will chase an ice cube until it melts.... they can't hold it in their mouths too long because it's cold but they can't just leave it be either.... Also I have several toys tied up on a string just above floor level. Preferring a toy that makes a noise.. actually I have bells attached to the string and they ring when they move the toy... My Chi's will jump forever trying to get them down. I use a stuffed monkey who arms and legs I took the stuffing out of... so there are 4 'legs' hanging down... when they walk by it the legs graze their heads and they go nuts! Of course, make sure it is safe and not a loop or anything that he could hurt himself with... I use a baby gate to limit the areas the chi's can be in if we are not at home, but the pen sounds like a better way in your case. Just like a baby , the room must be Chi proof... get down on his level...and I do mean get down and see the world as he sees it.. look for electric cords, plugs, stuff on tables, sofa pillows and so on. I know this is a lot of work but remember, you are training him in a safe manner to be by himself for a long period of time. A waffle ball is great, they can roll AND carry it... Good luck and keep trying, they are worth it!