How to Raise a Chihuahua Puppy

It seems like more and more people today are deciding they want to own a Chihuahua puppy over other dog breeds. However, before jumping into such a big decision, it is important to take a step back and realize it entitles. This article will help you understand how to successfully raise a Chihuahua puppy.

Chihuahua puppies are most known for two things; being cute, and being small. There is nothing wrong with them being cute, but being so small means they can get injured or even killed much easier than larger dog breeds. All it takes is a careless child running through your house to accidentally step on or knock something onto your Chihuahua puppy. If you have a house with small children or other dogs, it is important to always keep them separate from your puppies. It is your responsibility to provide a safe environment for your Chihuahua puppy.

One of the first things you want to do when you get your new puppy is to call and schedule an appointment to take them to your Veterinarian. Puppies need to go periodically to get their sets of shots and vaccines. These are an important part of raising a healthy Chihuahua puppy and keeping them protected from deadly diseases, such as the infamous "Parvo".

Since your Chihuahua will be an indoor pet, you should start the potty-training process the first day you get your puppy. Many people are misinformed about the proper way to handle the potty-training task. So, forget what you've heard in the past, and follow these guidelines. Take your puppy outside to go potty the same area every time. This will let them become used to the area and associate it with potty-time. Stay out there with your puppy and speak a command, such as "go potty". When they are good and potty outside, give them a treat and lots of affection. It is a good idea to keep your puppy confined in a crate during the night time to help prevent them from having potty accidents. Most animals don't want to sleep where they pee, which is why keeping them in a crate is an effective way of training a puppy. Just remember to take your puppy outside first thing in the morning, chances are they held their pee and will go potty much faster. You don't want to keep your puppy locked up in a crate all day. You can let them roam around in a safe area of the house as long as you can keep a close eye on them. When you see them have an accident indoors (yes, they will have accidents), simply say "No!", or "Bad Boy!", and immediately take them outside to their same spot to potty. You don't ever need hit or spank your puppy. Chihuahuas respond well to positive reinforcement, and the opposite for negative.

To help your puppy grow up to be less aggressive it is important to socialize them with other people and animals at an early age. Doing so will let them become comfortable being around others and should make them less "snappy". You can socialize your puppy by taking them over to a relatives house, carrying them in a pet carrier through the mall, going to the pet store, or just going outside to a public park.

It is a big responsibility to take a Chihuahua puppy under your care, but you will develop a loving bond with them that will last a lifetime. Just remember to take care of your puppy and give them the love they deserve.