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Posts: 275
From:My IQ is higher than yours, I guarantee it.
Registered: Dec 2003

posted 01-06-2004 03:56 PM         

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I'm totally at my wits end now. My chihuahua is going on 7 months old. He doesn't know a single thing. He LIKES to go potty outside with my other dogs...but he doesnt know how to hold it...and refuses to use his litterbox anymore (which he USED to use reliably)
How do you teach a dog to use a dog door? Even my 4 and a half month old dane puppy knows more tricks and knows how to use the door even though he cant fit through it anymore. I tried luring the dog with treats....that doesnt work. I tried enclosing him in a kennel so the only place he had to GO would be inside through the dog door...he hates being by himself..I figured he would get desperate and try the door. He thinks he is being punished....and he does his typical chihuahua move.....stands still and shakes.

I cant even teach this dog to sit....its really not important in a dog his size....but I just dont think this dog is trainable period. Every time I try to take an authoritative tone with him...he goes into his "mode" and doesnt come out of it for a long time. You literally have to leave the room or let him be for 10 minutes before he snaps out of it. Its getting to be rediculous =/ Anyone else with toy puppies or chihuahuas ever faced anything like this? He was never abused...the only physical pain hes ever experienced would be getting knocked over by my other dogs....but if anyone raises their voice...he just FREAKS out.

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Registered: May 2003

posted 01-06-2004 04:08 PM         

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Wow, you have a great dane and a chiuaua! I have dog door and when my parents visit with their shitzu we have the same problem, hav enever ben able to get her to go thru the door, hopefylly someone here has some good suggestions.
Honeybear

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From:My IQ is higher than yours, I guarantee it.
Registered: Dec 2003

posted 01-06-2004 04:14 PM         

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I wish I woulda caught it on tape last night....Monkey, my chihuahua....was going to town humping my great danes leg =/ It was hysterical! Danes arent even known for being the most intelligent dog breed...yet he figured out how to use the door the first day i had him just by watching my poodle jump through it.

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From:Grand Rapids, MI
Registered: Nov 2003

posted 01-06-2004 04:26 PM         

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sounds like you have a very submissive pup--maybe the urination inside and the fact that he can't hold it might have to do with him urinating submissively. I think if you search the topic of submissive urination on this message board you will find some previous posts on it. As for the doggie door- sorry, I don't know much about that- I have never used one on ours, though we are thinking of getting one in our new house once the weather is not -5 degrees!

[This message has been edited by puggleowner (edited 01-06-2004).]

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From:My IQ is higher than yours, I guarantee it.
Registered: Dec 2003

posted 01-06-2004 04:32 PM         

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He doesnt really pee when hes scared....he just freezes. He used to pee when he got overly excited but he hasnt done that much lately. I dont think its a submissive urination thing

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From:Nellis AFB, Nevada
Registered: Jun 2003

posted 01-06-2004 09:48 PM         

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Gosh, I wouldn't know what to do either. The only thing I can think of is getting a dog behaviorist to come in and evaluate your chihuahua. Maybe they can give you some tricks to use to help him understand better. I used one to help me with my dog and they were really helpful. Good luck!

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From:My IQ is higher than yours, I guarantee it.
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posted 01-06-2004 09:50 PM         

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I just noticed you live pretty much next door to me Karriesue! Have the name of the person you talked to by chance?

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From:Nellis AFB, Nevada
Registered: Jun 2003

posted 01-07-2004 08:12 AM         

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Yes, I do. I went through Smarty Paws. The woman there was really knowledgeable and helped me with my Huskies. She came out to my house and wasn't horribly expensive. About $40-$50. Good luck with your dog. I hope you are able to work out something with her. Maybe it could be her age (7 mos). I don't know much about Chihuahuas though.

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posted 01-07-2004 08:17 AM         

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it may be the weight of the door and the dog is scared of cat uses it, he really struggles toget the flap open, but then he is dEtermined to fo outside
honeybear

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From:Santa Maria, Ca.
Registered: Nov 2003

posted 01-07-2004 08:40 AM         

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Hi! I have a doggie door, I don't have a problem with my dogs. but, when my sister comes over her dog won't go through it. He's only 3lbs. I think its the weight of the flap that scares him. He doesn't understand that it won't hurt him. Once when Casey went out, the flap swang back and hit him, it didn't hurt him though. We tried everything to get him to go through it! nothing worked...but then he doesn't live here so it's not constant....I realy think it's due to his age and size, just keep trying! Don't give up! Continue to use treats and praise...Good luck! Susan

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