Hi, I am new and had a question...

[imchrissysmama]

Hi, My name is Mary and I recently got a little chihuahua girl named CHICHI and my question is ..she is still really skittish around me, like when I get up she runs and puts her ears back like I am gonna hurt her and also I have 3 children and she does really good with them except when she falls asleep on thier lap and they try to move her she will growl at them and I get up and tap her neck and tell her NO and she seems to listen. Will she outgrow this she is only 11 weeks old? Any advice you can give will be appreciated. Also how do I get her to let me cut her toenails?



Thanks,
Mary

[DragonLady]

Hi Mary,

You need to be the boss with your dog as she is trying to take control. Her growling is her way of saying she is in control not you or your children. To put her in her place, the bottom dog you must hold her in her back and stare her in the eye until she looks away.

As for trimming the nails we trim a nail and give a tiny bit of bacon or other treat, then trim the next nail with lits of love, praise, and scritches, We also handle their feet often while petting and giving belly rubs.

Always touch every area of your dog, ears, open it's mouth, and lift it's tail. This way it is not scary when they go to the vet. As each of these will be done and should be familar to the dog.

Teresa