Chihuahuas Have Lots to Say
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
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Winter can be dreary. Chihuahuas, like people, can be affected by the shorter days and cold nights. Mostly we’re affected by how you feel. If you’re blue, we will sense that.
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:
- 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.
- Have central heat. Keep it warm inside.
- Indoor plumbing for you Chihuahua. Why go outside in the cold and snow when there exists perfectly good piddle pads for easy indoor access.
- Sunlamps and ocean sounds. Just kidding. Sorta.
- A warm, inviting lap. Cover your Chihuahua with a cozy blanket when they’re all settled on you.
- 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.
- Play some more. With all that attention we don’t have time to feel blue.
- Food. I love to eat. Most Chihuahuas do. Feed us lots of small treats. You don’t want us to get too fat.
- Clean water. Wash our water dish daily. Who wants to drink out of a slimy bowl of stagnant water. That would make anyone blue.
- 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
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Check out the latest indoor toys from ChuckIt:
The holidays are a busy time for most people. There’s gifts to be bought, parties to go to or give, decorating to be done.
The list seems endless. My daddies and I are very busy, between work and a new “temporary” foster brother for me to get to know.
A Chihuahua’s work is never done. I wanted to take a few moments to give you some easy gift ideas for your little Chi or for those who love Chihuahuas.
1. Chihuahua-opoly. If you love Monopoly, you’ll love this Chihuahua version. Your Chi might not understand the rules, but if you give the game to a Chihuahua lover they will greatly appreciate it.
2.Chuck-It. This is my most favorite toy. I have five of them all over the house and absolutely love it. I toss it to my daddies and they toss it across the room. Fetch is fun. You should really try it. Sometimes I just don’t want to give up on the game and fall asleep with the ball in my mouth.
3. Kong. Every night I get a treat in my Kong toy. The object is to not only give your dog a treat, but to encourage them to think as well. Figuring out how to get the treat out of the Kong is part of the fun. Sometimes I cheat and bring the Kong to my daddy. I nudge him until he finally takes the treat out and gives it to me. I know that’s cheating but oh well. I’m just a little girl.
4. Stuffed Hedgehog. You can’t go wrong with a Stuffed Hedgehog. It’s easy to grab, easy to toss and easy to make squeak. I love it and play with it daily. I have three of them in various stages of wear. My Hedgehogs are part of my daily fetch routine. I go from Chuck-it ball to Hedgehog. It’s the perfect size for your Chihuahua.
5. Bully Chew Sticks. When I’m tired of playing with my daddies I like to relax and chew on my Bully Chew Sticks. I have several hidden around the house. Sometimes I find them under the furniture. I don’t know how they get there. It takes a daddy to retrieve them but then that’s what daddies are for.
Keep your Chihuahua safe on Thanksgiving. If you’re having a herd of guest over, please protect your little Chi.
- Don’t feed your Chi table scraps
- Never give your Chi turkey bones or skin
- Prepare Chi friendly treats to give your little one
- Keep your Chihuahua away from decorations and toxic plants
- 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 received the following email from Ana:
“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
Is Your Chihuahua Halloween Ready?
As a proud Chihuahua I do not like getting dressed up for Halloween. Unless I’m wearing my pink parka to keep me warm, I prefer to run around naked. Except, of course, for my built in fur coat. I never take it off because that would hurt.
Still, some Chihuahuas may enjoy wearing something special for Halloween.
Here’s my advice on surviving Halloween:
- If your Chi is fighting you on wearing a costume, don’t force them. (They’re probably embarrassed).
- Taking your Chi trick-or-treating is probably not a good idea. Most of us Chis hate crowds and strangers. We’re very cute and everyone wants to touch us. Scary.
- Avoid gaggles of children. Chihuahuas are small and break easily. Imagine a herd of kids screeching at you and waving wands and bags of candy. Yikes.
- Never feed your Chihuahua candy. It’s not good for them and can be toxic, especially chocolate. Half eaten candy on the sidewalk is seen as a treat for you Chi. The trick for you would be taking your Chi to the emergency pet clinic for a stomach pumping. Ugh.
- When at home, provide a nice, quite spot for your Chihuahua to hide in. It can be quite annoying when the doorbell rings or people knock constantly.
- When giving out candy to trick-or-treaters, make sure you don’t drop any. We Chihuahuas are quick on picking up dropped treasures. Once it hits the floor, it’s ours.
- Keep Halloween decorations away from your Chihuahua. We may enjoy eating them as much as candy.
- Make sure you don’t let your Chi escape into the night. Some of us might be scared and confused by all the ruckus.
- Don’t forget to give us a healthy dog treat when the Halloween ordeal is all over.
Check out these other interesting dog friendly Halloween articles:
How to Safely Prepare Your Chihuahua for Halloween
If your Chihuahua does enjoy dressing up for Halloween and being the center of attention, check out these specials from PetSmart:
Save up to 75% on all Halloween costumes, Toys & Treats at the PetSmart Halloween Sale!
Save 20% On All Dog Halloween Costumes at PetSmart!
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Our Mouth is Our Air Conditioner
For some reason we Chihuahuas (and all dogs) seem to cool ourselves through our mouths. Our skin does not sweat. I’m a lady, after all. And I wear a beautiful fur coat every day.
Sweating through our mouths may seem inefficient, but it’s the best we can do.
Sometimes panting makes us look like we’re smiling and happy. Keep thinking that.
It really means we’re hot and probably bothered.
Plenty of Water is Important
You must keep your Chi hydrated. We need to drink plenty of water, especially in warm weather. Encouraging your Chi to drink may not be easy but it’s worth the effort. In hot weather add an ice cube for enticement.
Some dogs like fancy fountain dishes. I just have a cheap aluminum bowl. It’s shiny. Aluminum is better than other types of bowls since it’s not porous and doesn’t breed germs. You should wash your Chi’s water dish once or twice a day. After all, it’s just sitting there on the floor all day and night. Would you drink out of that?
Use Caution When Exercising in the Heat
Exercise is important for all dogs, including little Chihuahuas. But if the weather is very hot, it’s best to walk your Chi in the early morning or late evening to avoid the hot sun. Keep in mind that our little feet are somewhat naked and are touching the hot sidewalk and asphalt. Ugh.
Do your Chihuahuas pant? Any stories?
Other articles on panting:
Another article on why dogs pant.
All people need mental stimulation.
Chihuahuas are no different. We think, therefore we are.
Did you know Chihuahuas (and most dogs) have the mental capacity of a 2-3 year old child? Freaky, huh. That’s why it is very important to keep your Chihuahua thinking. Just like humans, if Chihuahuas are allowed to vegetate all day, every day, their minds will turn to mush. At the very least, their senior years may not be too pretty.
6 Tips on Stimulating Your Chihuahua’s Mind
- Exercise – Lots of Walkies with your human companion. It’s a bonding experience and healthy too. There’s a lot of sniffing to do.
- Crossword Puzzles – Or else toys like Kong* that challenge your Chi. I enjoy my Kong, but only when there’s a treat to eat. I still have a hard time writing without thumbs, so crosswords are out for now.
- Meeting and Greeting – A large social network of friends is helpful to keep your Chi entertained. This can be part of the walking routine. Or just take your Chi on play dates.
- Working for a Treat – Make your Chi work for their treat. Don’t just give him/her one. (I wouldn’t mind getting more treats). This could be as simple as asking your Chihuahua to sit first.
- Don’t leave your Chi home alone every day – Chihuahuas are portable. Take them wherever you go, even to work. Who doesn’t love a Chihuahua?!
- Get your Chihuahua a pet. Another dog makes a great companion for your Chi.
Give Your Chi a Mini Kong
Show you really care. I love my Kong and play with it daily. Especially when daddy puts a treat inside.
*The Small Classic Kong Toy is
- Perfect for typical chewers.
- Small: Up to 20 lbs.
- Perfect for stuffing with Kong treats.
- All natural, puncture resistant rubber.
- Super bouncy and chewer friendly.
- Cleans teeth, conditions gums.
- Recommended by Veterinarians, Trainers & Dog Professionals.
- Made in USA.
Features
- Cleans teeth and gums
- Hollow center can be filled with food and treats
- Keep your dogs busy and out of trouble for long periods of time
- The world’s best dog toys!™
Another source of information about stimulating your Chi’s mind:
Mental Stimulation for Your Dog
Chihuahuas are not known for being social creatures. People tend to think of Chihuahuas as yappy and bitey. I was raised to be friendly with people. My daddy’s previous Chihuahua, Tasha, did not like most people. I’m sure she had good reasons.
Calm and gentle is the way to go
The trick is to not scare the Chihuahua. As with most “dogs”, it’s best to let us come to you. We’re very inquisitive and will want to see and smell you. Chi’s can be hesitant when meeting new people. We don’t want you to lunge at us with hands extended.
How would you like a stranger to approach you and stick their huge hand in front of your face. Some people are taught to let a dog sniff their hand. The proper way to do this is to kneel down slowly, and quietly hold out your hand. We will approach you if and when we feel safe.
Ask Permission
Never assume a little dog won’t bite, really hard. Usually we’re attached to a person. Ask them if it’s okay to approach us.
Don’t show your teeth and don’t look the dog directly in the eye. And furthermore, never crouch over them. Talk about scary!
Children can be the worst offenders
Often children run in herds. They all seem to love Chihuahuas because we are so small. But we’re breakable too. And we don’t like fast, sudden movements. Imagine being very small and having a herd of little people screeching and running toward you. We tend to get skittish and want to escape. If that’s not possible then we’ll want to defend ourselves against the intruders.
So be very careful. Parents tend to not like their children being bitten by a little dog, no matter how cute they are.
Bicycles, Skateboards and Scooters, oh my
I hate them. If you’re on one, keep away from me. They’re noisy and scary. I do enjoy chasing after a UPS or FedEx truck though. It’s the challenge.
As a Chihuahua I urge all people to respect us and treat us gently. Then we can all get along just fine.
Have you had a good or bad experience greeting a Chihuahua?
For more information check out these articles:
11 Tips for Greeting a Strange Dog
Dog Etiquette. How to greet a dog. Free pdf.
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The other day I was acting my usual, friendly, lively self. My favorite neighbor stopped by for a moment and I greeted her as I always do.
Daddy picked me up to prevent me from running outside to snarl at the neighborhood pugs walking by. The neighbor left and daddy put me down while he started dinner.
A few moments later daddy saw me slinking into the kitchen. Something was wrong. I was shivering and my ears were down.
Seizure or Freakout?
Daddy picked me up immediately because I was acting strangely stiff and terrified. Was it a seizure? I wasn’t flopping around or foaming at the mouth. I did not lose consciousness or fall down.
I just acted petrified which scared daddy and myself. After holding me still for a while I seemed to be calming down. When daddy let go of me I headed for the bedroom and hid under the bed.
About a half hour later I came out of hiding and looked around to see what was up. My other daddy came home and everything was fine as usual. You would never know I had a major freak-out.
Daddy is not going to take me to the dreaded Vet because that would really freak me out. I’m back to normal. Daddy’s last Chihuahua had seizures but this did not seem like one.
What Causes Chihuahua Freak-outs?
This has happened before. There were no loud noises, no yelling, no commotion. Nothing.
But perhaps there was something. I have very sensitive ears and a terrific sense of smell. I may have heard something that caused a sensory overload.
I cannot explain it because I haven’t mastered English well enough to verbalize my feelings and experiences. It’s hard enough to get my daddy to transcribe these posts for all my fans. I come up with the ideas and do all the proofreading.
Have you experienced the new “Chihuahua Freak Out” syndrome? If so, tell us your experiences.
If you suspect your Chihuahua is having a seizure contact your vet immediately, even if your Chi protests.
Check out these posts on Chihuahua seizures and freaking out.
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