Found a Chihuahua!

[mandelyn]

A couple of days ago I heard the Shepherds just going off, and a guy yelling. Went flying out the door to see this tiny little Chihuahua up against our garage, with a neighbor trying to catch it. Put the Shepherds up, and we got the little dog caught. The neighbor didn't want to claim it, so we took it. No microchip, no tag, no lost adds or fliers. Placed a found add out in a couple of places, but no response has been him yet. Lot's of missing Chi's in this town. Theft must be an issue or something.

As his personality comes out, it looks as though we're keeping him if no owner steps forward with legit proof of ownership. He was SO scared, starved, jumpy, and wanting to escape from us as soon as he could. He managed it once, but I was able to sneak up on him and casually pick him up. There are now logs around the whole perimeter of the fence.

Now that he's settling in, he's a great dog. No bark, no bite, no potty issues, and he's SO sweet. He's been accepted by the cat and Shepherds both. Though the Shepherds don't seem to consider him a dog, just something else they have to leave alone. But the Chi has started checking them out, slowly, shyly, submissively. He's not showing signs of having a severe case of little dog syndrome.

After coming from a big dog back ground and having the two big Shepherds, this little guy is easier than the cat. $10 will feed him 5 times a day for weeks and weeks! He needs it too, skin and bones. I've been measuring out small (tiny!) meals, through out the day, to ease him back into meals and gaining weight.

This will be his "before" photo, the day we found him. All 9 inches of him (at the shoulder). Bought him some gear, none of my size small stuff fit him, way too big. He got a little harness that says "I'm kind of a big deal". Hahaha

You can see every bone he's got, hips and ribs and shoulder blades. He already looks better in just 3 days.



Vet said he's in good health other than needing weight, and he's between 1-2 years old. Said to just keep feeding him tiny meals through the day and watch for any signs of an issue, and come back for another poo test for worms since he had been on the run.

He isn't neutered, so he either escaped, or had behavior problems that led him to freedom. The fact that no one seems to be missing him is sad. I'd be freaking out if I lost him, and I've only had him a number of days, let alone since he was a baby.

He has his prance back though, ever since yesterday. His walk just totally changed over night. SO CUTE!

 

[SA Farm]

I'm so glad you found him and could take him in. He sounds like he'll fit in nicely with you!

 

[mandelyn]

We're glad too, he's so sweet! And potty trained now, so he must have been before. As long as you take him regularly anyways, he won't ask yet.

He's getting better with strangers, but still terribly shy. Took him to my dad's yesterday, where he met the neighbor's Italian Greyhound. Totally different dog when meeting one closer to his size, he was SO excited.

I got quite the greeting yesterday after work, this little ball of dog spazzing out at my feet. So cute!

I can see the appeal these little dogs have now. He's starting to play, comes when he's called, and we went with the name Nugget since I started using it as a nick name until we thought of something better, but it stuck.

 

[theoldchick]

He so tiny! When I worked at an animal shelter I'd see these tiny dogs come in with terror in their big brown eyes and wondered what in the world happened to them to have them end up at a shelter. While some had temperment issues or health problems, a few were truly nice dogs who deserved a good home.

I think you found yourself a keeper!

 

[mandelyn]

Well he's now really settled in. I can't imagine he'll get much better. He hangs with the big dogs now, doesn't ask to be held so much, isn't so bad with the separation anxiety, and he has quite the game with the cat (who is unwilling to play back, but generally accepting of him).

He also stopped trying to escape. He'll glance at the fence line, there is one more area we need to dog proof before we don't have to accompany him. He's not being so sneaky anymore though.

And boy is he smart! I had no idea so much went on in that little bitty head. He's filling out pretty good too, almost where he needs to be in just over a week. Doesn't take these little ones long to bounce back.

 

[theoldchick]

 

[BakinInAZ]

It's sad how many animals are turned out once they grow up-not saying that is what happened w/Nugget. I do hope you get him neutered, that might cut down on him trying the fence so much. Sounds like he is much happier & yes, the little ones are quite smart, too. I've been blessed to have many good dogs throughout the years of all different sizes-they each had a special place in my heart, although my favorite breed is the German Shepherd..My smallest dogs were a mini Doxie, & a Cock-a-Poo. Have fun w/Nugget!

 

[mandelyn]

Yeah, him and the boy Shepherd are going together to get the big snip, for moral support. Waiting on a little more weight gain on Nugget. Having a second unaltered male has made Logan feel the need to... express himself.... on the blue berry bushes, my baby pine tree, the built in grill, the fire pit, and anything else one or the other tags. Thankfully they draw the line in the house, after Logan saw the discussion Nugget and I had over that.

Ricca, the girl Shepherd, now lets Nugget clean her, her face, her gum line.... I think she likes it. Nugget is taking his time and just bonding with everyone. He spends just as much time with my husband. We were worried he'd latch onto me and start up that lap guarding thing, but he hasn't. We're really trying to avoid setting him up for "little dog syndrome". I've met some terrible Chihuahuas. Glad Nugget has come along to change my opinion on the breed.

Need some updated pictures, he's starting to look pretty nice! Even his gait has improved, this floaty little prance.

Even the cat is making more progress in total acceptance, and he's pretty much set in his ways.

Logan always did act like he was neutered when he wasn't, so it never made it that far up on the list of priorities. Now at the ripe age of 5 he's going in, thanks to Nugget. Man, that means Ricca is getting old... she'll be 8 years old this year!

 

[poodlechicks]

Hi Mandelyn,

So wonderful that you rescued the little guy! I can see you are a bit concerned about small dog syndrome. Little dogs are just great dogs, but can become really obnoxious if you treat them like a human baby. Because chihuahuas were bred to be companion dogs, they're main job is to be with you. To have your chi be a great friend without having to be your "baby", here are somethings you can do:



Have him come to your lap only when invited. He can't jump on your lap the minute you sit down. This rule serves some purposes:
1- to prevent him from becoming demanding of affection at all times;
2- to prevent him from viewing you as his "property", leading to attacks on others who might approach you when he is on your lap;
3- to prevent accidents. Imagine you holding a hot food plate, or 2 glasses of beverages, etc. You decide to sit on the couch, only to have the dog jump up on your lap. They can be pretty fast and soon you may have a big mess to clean up and /or a burned or hurt dog.

Same goes to bed time, if he is allowed to sleep in the same bed with you. He can't just jump on the bed, because it isn't his bed. It's yours. Make sure he is invited.

Have him sit for treats and before he is allowed to eat

Chis are very smart dogs whose brains need exercise. They will love to have to "work" for food.


I assume you are already doing this, but here it goes anyway: walk him on a leash and take him places with you. Small dogs can be the best buddies in the car. And the more people he meets and greets, the better socialized he will become. If you haven't done this yet, take him for very short rides at first to see if he isn't car sick.



Most importantly, have the whole family be on board with his training, or he'll be one confused little dog. Confusion leads to misbehavior (biting, aggression, urinating in all the wrong places even after neutering, etc.)

Hope this helps. Enjoy your little dog! I can't imagine a better dog family than german shepherds and little breeds

 

[mandelyn]

He travels great! He'll meet any dog happily, wants to start a game right there. Still working on meeting people, he's very shy still. But making progress!

We do have the "invite only" rule for furniture and laps, and he's not allowed to sleep with us. Anything the Shepherds can't do, he can't do either. He's not allowed to be on the couch if we're eating for example, he has to go sit and pout with the others elsewhere. Begging gets you trouble, waiting patiently gets rewarded.

We have to watch the jealousy levels between them all, since some are prone to acting out. Have to keep the sanity! The cat was mad for a spell, so we had to work with him too and let him know he wasn't replaced. Yes the cat gets training too, he can't act like he owns the place. He's accepted his fate though, no matter how he detests having the same rules as the dogs. He too must ask permission for lap or couch time. One little paw and a "please?" face. That's how we got him to share space with Nugget.... if he hisses and spits he's off the couch. If he's calm and sane I'll pet him and let him stay. Took about a week.