My Chihuahua Puppy, Terry

by Josh
(CT)

A few months back, I purchased an AKC registered pure bred chihuahua puppy that I named Terry. When I first got him, he was not trained whatsoever, and he had a lot of issues with going to the bathroom in the house. I knew I was going to have a lot of work to do, so I immediately got started.

I made a purchase of some puppy pads and potty training spray. I put a puppy pad where I wanted him to go to the bathroom, and sprayed areas that I did not want him to go to the bathroom with potty training spray.

At first, he didn't quite grasp the concept that he was supposed to pee on the pad, but eventually he understood the reasoning behind my efforts and started to pee on the pad. When he did so, I praised him excessively and excitedly and gave him a treat. Each time Terry used the pad, I moved it closer to the door so that eventually he would just decide to go outside.

After about a week and a half of using the pads and moving closer to the door, Terry went outside and urinated for the first time. I praised him excessively again and rewarded him with puppy treats. Ever since, he's been going outside, and I couldn't be happier with his huge improvement.

He is also quite playful and enjoys playing with rope bones and tennis balls, which I feel contributes positively to his health. Terry really enjoys playing fetch, and having his toys tossed for him. He will retrieve them and bring them back, wanting them to be thrown again. He also really likes to take his toy, tease our other dog, and have her chase him in an effort to get the toy.

His favorite toys, however, are toys that he can chew apart, such as animals with squeakers and stuffing. Many times, Terry will quickly rip a hole in the toy with his teeth, take the squeaker out, and then start to remove the stuffing. Then, I have to take the toy away so he doesn't eat the fluff.

Terry likes to have baths, but hates to be dried off. He likes to act like getting dry is a game, and he will take the towel and run away with it. He's a very loving dog, and will wake me up in the morning by sniffing and licking my face. He then expects to be taken outside to use the bathroom, and is always ready for his breakfast.

I've only had him for a few short months, but I am looking forward to a lifetime with him. We've had so many happy memories, and I cannot wait to make more.