chihuahua question

poppycorn · New member Joined: 22 Mar 2004 Posts: 5

I asked before about getting another chihuahua. I have another question about it. I have a 10 month male chihuahua. Over the weekend I took in my friends 5 month old beagle. It was an emergency situation. My puppy barked and growled for awhile, but then left her alone. The next day when he saw she was still here, he started shaking and would not leave me. He would run from her, if she came by him at all. I had another friend then take the beagle. Now I am concerned about getting another puppy. Do you think Poppy had a hard time because she was bigger then him, or because it was a different breed of dog? I have heard chihuahuas only like their kind. Or do you think Poppy would not do well with another puppy. Thanks for any advice you can give.

bellasmommy · Senior Member Joined: 20 Mar 2004 Posts: 489

there could be many reasons why he was shaking.

but i do think he could do fine with another pup. however, if you do get another pup it is would be important to introduce them on neutral territory.

i would guess that he barked and growled at her because he is the alpha male and didn't like having someone "new" on his territory. especially if she presented herself to him as an alpha.

my suggestion would be to find a good breeder and explain that you already have a 10 month old male, so that you would want to introduce the new puppy and poppy on neutral grounds a couple of times before bringing the pup home. hopefully a breeder would agree to this and also agree to take the pup back if for some reason things do not work out.

i am curious though, how much socializing with other pups does poppy get?

nern · Moderator Joined: 14 Mar 2004 Posts: 5042 Location: NY

If your current dog was not well socialized with other dogs I think this behavior is likely to occur when you bring a new puppy home. Maybe you can have your friend take her Beagle pup to the park to meet you and see if your dog still behaves this way on neutral territory.

poppycorn · New member Joined: 22 Mar 2004 Posts: 5

I dont bring Poppy around other dogs, because everyone I know has big dogs and I am afraid they will hurt him. I am actually afraid of big dogs myself. He goes to Petsmart to shop! He goes by other dogs there and sniffs them, but never growls or barks. I had a friend watch him for the weekend a couple of months ago, she has two small dogs and she said Poppy was fine with them. He barked a few minutes, but then played with them. I was wondering about trying another puppy to see how it went, I didnt know if I would be able to to that.

nern · Moderator Joined: 14 Mar 2004 Posts: 5042 Location: NY

Well in that case it sounds like he has maybe just not been socialized with larger dogs or as you suggested maybe the size of the beagle pup intimidated him. It will probably be fine to get another little dog but I agree with the other poster on introducing them on neutral ground the first time they meet.

sandangel · Member Joined: 22 Mar 2004 Posts: 22

I have a chihuahua puppy and she just loves all my other dogs. I also have heard about Chi's only liking their own kind but mine likes all my other dogs.
I do remember however that when i first brought my second dog home there was a bit if barking and growling for a couple days and I had to referee and keep watch, but now the older dogs just take it in stride when a new pup comes home. You just have to get them used to new additions if they have aleways been the only one. JUST KEEP AN EYE on everything for a couple days and you should be OK. best to get the addition when yo have a few days home, and also I would crate the new pup when not home for at least awhile anyway unbtil everone was comfortable. pretty soon your older dog will start sleepping and playing next to the crate.

puttin510 · Super Senior Member Plus Joined: 19 Mar 2004 Posts: 2748

Your dog is young still. Do as everyone said about the neutral ground thing. My poodle does not like being around big dogs either. She is afraid they may hurt her I think. She can't stand being hovered over. I can bring her around them and does not cause a ruccous or anything. Just wants to be up with me. She tried to play once with a standard poo ten month old and he jumped on her back, she screamed in fear and rushed for me to pick her up. After she cussed him out in doggie language. But I think your chi will be fine with another. Most small dog owners don't just have one. They are like chips kind of. LOL You can't just have one.

Aqueous · Posted: Mon Mar 22, 2004 7:43 pm Post subject:

Neutral ground is a good idea. My uncle has a doberman and the first time he brought her into my house Rocky (the 12 lb Yorkie) started to bark and nip at her, but when they see each other in the park they're the best of friends.

Poppy probably thought that the beagle was trying to take over her territory or was a threat to her pack (namely YOU) and was trying to be protective.

I don't think you should have a problem if you introduce a new puppy slowly into your family.

ilovemaltipoos · Posted: Tue Mar 23, 2004 6:52 am Post subject:

Do as the others say ,neutral place and socializing with other pets .Introduce your new puppy slowly and under watch .He will come around .Mostly it looks like a territory thing .

poppycorn · New member Joined: 22 Mar 2004 Posts: 5

Thanks for all your input! I actually bought a chihuahua puppy yesturday, Pajamas. My 5 month old kitten started playing with him right away. Poppy just kind of watched him. But he was fine! No growling or barking. He also shared his water with Pajamas. I gave Poppy a couple of treats. After he held him in his mouth for awhile, Pajamas picked one up and ate it. Poppy had no problem with this. I hope this is a sign of good times to come. Pajamas is still sleeping now, so I guess I'll see!