I'm getting a chihuahua this Summer! Help me with the supplies!

[Celena]

You may want to get a clicker if you intend on training her yourself without the use of treats. You can Google "dog clicker training" if you want to learn more about this method of training. I think it's a great idea to be able to train a dog without the use of treats.

Also, you will want to research the Chihuahua breed and their general health to get a further understanding of what you need to know about Willow.

Make sure to find out what kinds of foods and plants are toxic to dogs. Don't let her eat anything she finds on the ground outside, and be careful of seemingly harmless human foods laying on the street. There are bad people out there who may be purposely poisoning dogs, and there have been cases of that in many parks.

Because of their relatively small size, you may not need to exercise a Chihuahua much. Still, they will need daily exercise, so do not forget to play with her. :] Long walks are not necessary, but if Willow enjoys short ones, by all means go ahead and take her. Because Chihuahuas are delicate, be gentle with them. Don't pull on her collar, for it may injure her breathing, and instead, you may want to consider buying a harness. Also, they will require a coat if going on winter walks. They are not tolerant to the cold.

Make sure to socialize her with other dogs and humans when she's young. Socializing her will allow her to be a happier dog, and you will benefit from the process of well. If a dog is not socialized, they may act aggressive toward other dogs or humans.

Lastly, Chihuahuas are not meant to be outdoor dogs. They will prefer being inside with you, and being indoors will protect them from the weather outside.

Small, cute dogs may be targetted by dognappers, so do not leave Willow unattended in the backyard. Dognappers will steal a dog and sell it to other unknowing people.

Good luck with your new puppy, and stay safe! :] This post is not intended to scare you, but instead, will allow you and Willow many years of happiness together.

[twilight]

oooh! Celena, that was helpful! thanks!!!

[cfoodgurl]

I don't know much about chihuahuas but here is stuff I do know about them.
Are you worried about stepping on your chihuahua? Well worry no more because most chihuahuas are smart and are carefull about not geting stepped on still be carefull.
It is inportent to understand this tip I am about to give you. Lets say I have a chihuahua and I jumps on top of me. It looks so cute when it jumps up on you but you must disapline it because most people underestimate the smaller dogs because they don't punish it for jumping on there legs. Also if you have a another dog that you disapline for jumping on you it will feel sad that you are not treating them equlley or even if its a big dog and old enough to behave your big dog will start jumping and it will be much harder to teach it not to jump than to treat both dogs equelly.

[januarywebkinz]

You should get some toys!!!

[twilight]

yes, i know to knee the dog to make it get off, my little dog does it! i really need to teach them not to bark at people at the door, though! and i found a little squeaky toy in my room! im going to give it to my chihuahua

[bipplyboo]

Good luck and Congrats. You will need some free time to play with your dog, a name and lots of patience other than that you have what you need

[zappity]

LOL I have a Chihuahua! LOL
I Suggest that you might want to have another dog that it can stay with so it doesn't get lonly LOL
I have three Chihuahuas
And I suggest also that you don't want your puppy to get bored either so maybe like 20 different choices of toys? lol
HOpe this helps
:chi::chi::chi::chi::chi::chi::chi::chi::chi::chi::chi::chi::chi::chi::chi::chi:
I, Chihuahua! Lol

[zappity]

And spend LOTS of time with it

[twilight]

ooh, is your avvie your chihuahua? yes, that's why i am getting it after vacation, in summer, so i have lots of time! i have 2 other dogs, a huge lab and a little dachshund/min pin! i am planning on taking it almost everywhere i can, though! yeah, the toys i will need to buy. my dogs hate this one toy, so maybe she will like it!

[PeaceOut]

I have a Chihuahua too, and let me just say, They are little Divas! My Chi loves sleeping with me, under the blanket. I'm not sure if all chi's do that, but mine does!

Another thing you might want to think about is letting her meet all your friends and family when she is young. My Pooch does NOT like anyone she didn't meet within 6 months of when we go her.

A good book to read is "Chihuahuas for dummies" it really helped me when I got one!