Are you thinking of getting a little Chihuahua to add to your family? These little guys are great to bring home and they are almost entirely harmless. They can get along well with your family and friends as well as other pets! We have compiled a list of reasons to help you consider adding one of these furry little buddies to your family. In here you’ll learn about chihuahuas and how to incorporate it properly into your life.
Size and Exercise Needs
The chihuahua is known as a small dog, they usually weight around 2-6 pounds. Because they’re small, they are good for living in apartments, but just because they’re small, you shouldn’t ignore the fact that they do have exercise needs. So, chihuahuas do require regular exercise in order to maintain a healthy life. So, giving it daily walks, playing with it, not overfeeding it will all help it live a better life. So remember that these guys can still gain weight and easily run into unhealthy weights.
Temperament and Socialization
Chihuahuas have a lot of emotions. They can sometimes be feisty, loyal or, even protective. Chihuahuas can also be affectionate. If they are not giving enough social interaction they can become more aggressive over time. Socializing and giving attention to the chihuahua will help it develop properly. So, be sure to take your dog out, let it interact with new people or even other new pets – this will help it develop better as well. Also, they respond well to positive reinforcements and rewards.
Health Considerations
They definitely have health conditions that you’ll want to be aware of. They can have dental issues, like tooth decay or gum disease, so you’ll want to ensure you take care of their teeth. But, they can also get dislocated kneecap, low blood sugar, and even heart problems. So, always be sure to give them frequent veterinary check-ups and help them maintain a healthy diet to prevent potential health issues. Finally, you may want to get a coat for them since they’re sensitive to colder weathers.
Longevity and Commitment
They can live for around 12-20 years. So, before getting one, be sure to consider the long-term prospects of having a chihuahua with you for years to come. Yes, they’ll want care and attention to sustain a happy life. Be sure to be around with them since they prefer human interaction. Always try to find spare time in your day to devote to your little lovable furry buddy.
Training and Leadership
Finally, they may be small but they’re also smart. With good training, you can yield more potential from your chihuahua. Give yourself the leadership position with your chihuahua, with proper training, positive reinforcement, and bonding. You’ll want to get into teaching it crate training, potty training, as well as other commands are essential so they can integrate better.
Conclusion
So, by learning and applying the fundamentals we’ve shared such as their exercise requirements, health concerns, and training needs, you’ll give your chihuahua a great home! This article was provided by Emotional Pet Support, a platform that connects patients to mental health professionals and offers ESA documentation.
