I love eating out. I get to spend quality time with my daddies and see other people. Best of all, I get to go out and not stay home alone.

Often I get to eat a treat or two. If my daddy is eating a salad I get a crunchy piece of lettuce and some chicken too.

There’s also new people to meet and greet. I usually get to sit on one of my daddy’s lap for a while but I prefer the floor so I can suck up any food items that fall to the ground. Sometimes I catch something at a nearby table.

When dining out with your Chihuahua (or other dog breed), be sure to follow these helpful tips:

1. Keep your Chi off the table. Most people would balk at eating off a table that a dog has stood on.
2. Keep your Chi quiet. A well behaved Chihuahua is a joy to behold. A yapping, growling one is annoying.
3. Bring a toy or safe treat for your Chi to enjoy. Perhaps a chew toy would occupy them for  awhile.
4. Bring a bowl for water. Most restaurants with outdoor seating do not offer bowl service to dogs.
5. Bring a blanket or carrier in case your Chi gets cold or sleepy.
6. Be careful of poisonous foods that may fall near your Chi. These include raisins, grapes, seeds, chocolate and such. People do drop food.
7. Make sure your Chi will not bite others. Many people love putting their hands on or near a cute little Chihuahua. We don’t always like that.

You can also check out this informative article:

Doggie Dining Etiquette: Tips for Dining Out With Your Dog

Here’s a little video I saw on PetPlace.com. It teaches you how to trim your dog’s nails. All I can say is good luck to you.

Image by Stuart Miles

Children are unpredictable and active. I should know, my daddies just got two temporary foster kids. Their ages are 4 and 6. I don’t know how long they’ll be staying.

At first I was hesitant. I knew little about children other than that they tend to come up to me in herds and squeal, sticking their hands in my face.

But these two guys are mostly well-behaved and easy to play with. They keep me company and sometimes throw the ball or toy for me.

I have to watch after them. They need as much supervision as my daddies.

Children Can Be Dangerous to a Chihuahua

You must teach your children how fragile a Chihuahua is. I also recommend you don’t leave them alone together. I have been grabbed and picked up by both the 4 and 6 year old boys. I admit I did growl a few times, just as a warning.

Here are a few important tips to look out for:

1. Introduce your children to your Chi. Let the Chi get to know them.
2. Don’t touch. Children can easily break your Chi’s legs.
3. Don’t hold. Children can drop the Chi or hold them the wrong way.
4. Don’t feed. Children don’t understand that certain foods, like grapes, raisins and chocolate, can kill your Chi. After a few mishaps, my daddies are very diligent about feeding the kids these forbidden foods around me.
5. Don’t drop. Please don’t. We break.
6. Don’t tease. We hate being teased and will let you know it.

I am probably the exception to the Chihuahua rules. Perhaps because I’m a bit “grande”. Still, a 10 pound dog is a delicate creature too.

That said, I love my new family of kids, even if they’re only temporary. I look forward to seeing them and playing with them. I also know when to keep out of the way.

When it comes to Chihuahuas and children, proceed with caution.

You may find the following articles helpful on dealing with children and Chihuahuas.

Chihuahuas and Children

Is the Chihuahua Right for Me?

Follow Lucy on Twitter and like me on Facebook too!

Subscribe to Lucy’s fun-tabulous newsletter.

Happy Valentine's Day!

Vets Are Scary Places

I hate going to the vet. I can sense when we’re going and I get extremely nervous. Once there I shake like a phone on vibrate.

Recently I had my yearly checkup. I did not need any vaccinations. I’m only 3 and half years old. But my daddy wanted to have me checked out.

The Leg Incident

When I play I play hard and there was a moment when I hurt my back leg. I yelped like a little girl. Both daddies were a bit panicked. After a few minutes I was okay. But my daddy did discover a growth.

Turns out it was a benign cyst. Something just to be watched.

But I did get my nails done and my tushy squeezed. I feel like a new girl.

This is why I suggest regular vet checkups. It always feels better when you know your Chi is healthy and happy.

Annual Vet Visit Checklist

Follow Lucy on Twitter and like me on Facebook too!

Subscribe to Lucy’s fun-tabulous newsletter.

Chis are highly intelligent and inquisitive. And we like lots of attention and know how to get it.

If they’re clever like me, they create a website and write informative and fun blog posts.

It’s true I get some help from my daddy. I have difficulty typing because I don’t have thumbs. Computer keyboards are not Chihuahua friendly.

So I dictate my thoughts in my native language and my daddy translates and types. I have complete editorial control and final say so of the way my website looks. Unless, of course, you don’t like it, then I blame my daddy.

Understanding How a Chihuahua Communicates

• Bark. It’s our main way of talking. Barking is a complex language. There are no “Bark to English” translation books. There are no known written examples of Bark (except for a musical). It just is.
• Whine. Not as loud as barking but just as annoying if done properly. I should teach a course on this. It’s a very effective way to get results.
• Scratching. I like to scratch my daddies’ leg to get attention. This usually works fine for getting my ball or stuffed rodent tossed. It sometimes works for getting an extra treat. I may be small but I like to be seen and noticed.
• Tail Wagging. This instrument has many meanings. It could show happiness (fast), sadness (droopy) and fear (between my legs). A book should be written on this alone.
• Ears. Very expressive, my ears can be up and perky (happy or inquisitive), floppy (relaxed), or down (scared).
• Body. The way I carry my body can show different moods and feelings. I can be erect and confident, crouching and ready to pounce, or crawling and ready to hide.

Be sure to check out these other articles for a more thorough understanding of this incredibly important topic:

Attention Seeking Behavior By Dr. Nicholas Dodman

Understanding and Communicating with Man’s Best Friend By Dog Whisperer Paul Owens

Understanding Dog Body Language and Verbal Clues

Follow Lucy on Twitter and like me on Facebook too!

Subscribe to Lucy’s fun-tabulous newsletter.

Whether or not Chihuahuas are affected by the winter blues, we are certainly not fond of cold weather.

Chihuahuas are known to love the heat. I for one can never be too warm. I am never far from a comfy blankie.

I also hate the rain. It’s very wet. Who wants to walk in wet grass and sloshy puddles. Boots are out of the question. I don’t like my feet touched. Did you know we use our feet as a sense of smell and to spread our scent? Snow… forget about it. It’s rare to find a Chi that likes playing in the snow.

Here are 10 of my favorite ways to feel better during winter:

1. Move to a warm climate. I live in Southern California where it is mostly warm. Although living by the beach can be a bit chilly.
2. Have central heat. Keep it warm inside.
3. Indoor plumbing for you Chihuahua. Why go outside in the cold and snow when there exists perfectly good piddle pads for easy indoor access.
4. Sunlamps and ocean sounds. Just kidding. Sorta.
5. A warm, inviting lap. Cover your Chihuahua with a cozy blanket when they’re all settled on you.
6. Lots of fun playing with toys and throwing balls. Exercise is always important for you and your Chi. All that movement keeps your Chihuahua warm.
7. Play some more. With all that attention we don’t have time to feel blue.
8. Food. I love to eat. Most Chihuahuas do. Feed us lots of small treats. You don’t want us to get too fat.
9. Clean water. Wash our water dish daily. Who wants to drink out of a slimy bowl of stagnant water. That would make anyone blue.
10. Give us lots of love and attention. We’re easy to please.

You may also enjoy this article from PetPlace.com:

SAD – How the Winter Blues Affects Your Dog

Follow Lucy on Twitter and like me on Facebook too!

Don’t forget to subscribe to Lucy’s Newsletter

Subscribe to Lucy’s fun-tabulous newsletter.

Check out the latest indoor toys from ChuckIt:

Chihuahuas, like most dogs, do well with a daily routine. When we know what to expect, we can relax and go with the flow.

But when that routine is disrupted, you can expect possible bad behavior. It’s our way of showing our disapproval of your bad behavior.

I like to get up around 7:30 am. I get to use the outdoor restroom, play, and have breakfast. Occasionally I allow my daddy to try brushing my teeth. Mostly I just like the toothpaste and chew the toothbrush a little.

After a little playtime it’s time for my morning nap in daddy’s home office.

Sometime around 11 it’s time for my long morning walk. Then it’s lunch time. I mostly just get a snack while daddy pigs-out.

I look forward to my afternoon nap, which is interrupted by another long walk around 3 pm. After that, another much deserved nap.

My other daddy comes home about 6. Then yet another walk as a family, meeting and greeting neighbors along the way.

Then comes dinnertime, play time and then relaxing in front of the TV before bedtime.

Routines make me feel comfortable. I know what to expect.

So it’s best to stick to your dog’s routine whenever possible.

Change your Chihuahua’s Routine Occasionally

It couldn’t hurt to mix it up once in a while, like taking your dog on a different route for their walk. Or taking them on an outing to a pet store for a treat.

Or how about a nice little lunch out? I love going to Daphne’s or Chicken Maison and sitting in the outdoor dining area with my daddies. I often get a bit of chicken or salad.

For further information, check out the following article:

Ideal Dog Schedule

Follow Lucy on Twitter and like me on Facebook too!

Don’t forget to subscribe to Lucy’s Newsletter (Coming Soon)

Subscribe to Lucy’s fun-tabulous newsletter.

1. Don’t feed your Chi table scraps
2. Never give your Chi turkey bones or skin
3. Prepare Chi friendly treats to give your little one
4. Keep your Chihuahua away from decorations and toxic plants
5. Have a safe place for your Chi to hide from the guests and rest

4 Tips for a Dog-Friendly Thanksgiving

What Thanksgiving Scraps Your Dog Should NOT Eat, Even If He Begs

Healthy Thanksgiving Treats for Your Dog: 101 Dog Care Tips

“I have a beautiful chihuahua Minnie a girl who is 5 months old she’s great affectionate playful always give you lots of kisses when you get home.  There is one thing about her that no one likes. She growls at you at me my husband and the kid.  What can I do for that to stop? or is this part of her personality?

Please advise, very concerned.”
Thanks
Ana

Dear Ana,

Thanks for bringing up this important question.

I am a relatively friendly Chihuahua. I love meeting people. But some things do make me growl. Such as when my daddy puts on my harness to go for a walk. I just don’t want to be disturbed. Or when I see a cat or squirrel.

It is in the nature of some dogs to growl.

It’s our way of showing disapproval for whatever it is you’re doing to annoy us. We haven’t learned how to roll our eyes as yet.

It’s possible your Chihuahua might have decided that he or she is the pack leader and should be obeyed. This is probably not a good thing and should be dealt with a little patient re-training in between treats.

Sometimes the growling is an end in itself. But in some dogs it could be followed by biting. All forms of aggression should be promptly dealt with, gently yet firmly and not with aggression. My daddy does not hit nor should anyone hit their dogs, especially a little Chihuahua.

But a firm “NO” should make the Chi know they’ve done something wrong. Then ignore them for a while. If you give too much attention to negative behavior you are actually rewarding the dog. We all love attention, no matter we have to do to get it.

If you’re having a problem with your dog’s aggressive behavior, you may consider seeing an animal behaviorist. It might be worth the expense.

For more information:

What to Do If Your Dog Growls or Snaps

Reasons Why Dogs Growl

And it’s fun. We love to play and chasing is a form of play. Also we like to prey on things that move. It’s our instinct.

I especially like to chase big trucks. FedEx, UPS and garbage trucks are my favorites.

I also love to chase squirrels, cats, birds and other dogs.

But what really gets me going are skateboards and scooters. The sound of the little wheels on the pavement is just too hard to resist. I need to catch that person. I need to win.

In reality, I don’t actually chase these fun things. I’m tethered to my daddy and he won’t let me go. He can be a real drag. He would probably chase them too if he weren’t quite so old.

The dangers of chasing

This could be problematic. Especially if I escape from my daddy, because I probably will run after the skateboarder. Cars also share the street with skateboards. And a squished Chihuahua is not a happy sight.

Please share your happy chasing stories here.

Other related articles:

Dogs Chasing Bicycles, Skateboards and Other Moving Things

The Emotional Center of Gravity: Why Dogs Chase Moving Objects

Why Do Dogs Chase Cars?

Follow Lucy on Twitter and like me on Facebook too!

Don’t forget to subscribe to Lucy’s Newsletter (Coming Soon)

Subscribe to Lucy’s fun-tabulous newsletter.