So I'm getting a dog.

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Apr 4, 2010 | 12:08 AM

#16

Gottaford

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From: Chaparral, NM

You will fall in love and the chore of it won't sting as bad. Like with having a child. The difference though is that a child will grow up and try to undo all that you've taught them with thinking that they are smarter than you, and a dog will only grow more in tune with you never denying or defying you. There are times that I wish that humans were more like dogs. Take her out often to get her used to people, places and other dogs while she is young so that she will have less of a tendency to become a snapper from fear or with trying to protect you. As you've heard, they can be pretty aggressive so scold her good (verbally) if she starts that nasty habit. I wish you a long and happy life with your new little Babs. Share pictures if you can.

P.S. I forgot to mention that most puppies don't have a very good 'hold the pee till they get outside' mechanism until they are about three months, so understand if there isn't instant success in house training her till then.

Apr 4, 2010 | 09:41 AM

#17

stu37d

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Joined: Oct 2003

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From: Virginia Beach

I remember when, I first got Nano, looking at her tiny little feet and marveling about how small the bones must be. At 9 weeks, the bones must be incredibly small. Also, the first time they bark is probably the cutest thing you'll ever see. Just this tiny little sound coming from her. Yeah, you'll fall in love with the pup. Chihuahuas, I think, have a tendency to be bowlegged. Ours has what's called luxating patella, which apparently means 'bowlegged.' Actually, it means that her patellas aren't in front of the legs, where they're supposed to be. They slide off to the side making her legs bow out. It causes her no discomfort so there's really no need to try fixing it. Other than that, she's an almost perfect specimen.
One more thing. These little dogs are fearless:
http://www.ktla.com/videobeta/?watch...f-78f27e3131e3

Apr 4, 2010 | 04:45 PM

#18

Gottaford

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From: Chaparral, NM

Quote:

Originally Posted by stu37d

Ours has what's called luxating patella, It causes her no discomfort so there's really no need to try fixing it. Other than that, she's an almost perfect specimen.

I doubt that something that causes a dislocation and lameness is painless, but I'm not here to debate. There is always google, which I can tell you've done a little research on the subject already, but by some of your comments I think you need to delve into it a little further. Your Nano is totally precious and I could imagine that you have a line out your door wanting a puppy from her (shoot, I was about to give you a call myself) ... but please don't breed her. This condition is hereditary. Keep her lean. Keep an eye out for arthritis later, and if they start popping out more as time goes by you may have to get them fixed. Good job for noticing and mentioning it.

Apr 4, 2010 | 07:10 PM

#19

stu37d

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From: Virginia Beach

Quote:

Originally Posted by Gottaford

Well, all I have to go on, regarding any pain with her condition is that she never complains; she can easily jump up onto the couch, she runs and plays normally. One time I hugged her to my chest and I think I got her back legs at an awkward angle that made her yelp, but I am a little more careful with her now. Don't worry, she's very well loved and cared for (spoiled rotten!). No, we didn't want to breed her, that was never the plan, but she's fixed now anyway, so that's not an issue. We may end up getting another Chi later on, but for now, she's like our little kid.