I'll be bringing home my first pup in about 6 weeks and I hardly know where to start. Aside from the very basic and obvious, what things should I look at getting and are there any specific brands or items that you'd recommend? She'll be a "house dog" for starters, but then I'll be moving to an apartment shortly after getting her so would like to go the litterbox route.... and yes, our winter climate will be COLD (approx. -20*C).
Any help or advice you can offer is greatly appreciated.
I have never litter trained a dog, ( i live in texas ) but i would think traing her in it NOW is best idea, dont let her think she can go anywhere but there. of coarse puppies have accidents, and dont understand, but they learn quick! Maybe someone who has done litter box traing can lend more advise! :)
We live in Texas too, but do know all about the cold in Canada. I dont have a litter trained dog, so I cant offer any advice on how to do that..but we did puppy pad train Chuwee. Thank goodness he was easy to train. All I know is she is going to need some sweaters or a good coat to help keep her warm in the cold months. Even here in Texas Chuwee needs a sweater or coat as it does get cold.
Stacey, I use those wee pads for the cold weather. I do have sweaters for my girlies esp when it is cold and damp. Other than that.. I can't think of anything to keep the pup warm. Maybe a fleece snuggly, I sometimes put a heating pad on low for Lucy and Coco b/c they are near bald.
I'm not a big fan of pee pads or litter box training, I prefer to take them outside to do their business. But I live in Texas and this decision is easy for me. Chihuahuas are quite tough and believe it or not, they can handle a little bit of cold. They are quite sturdy and are not as fragile as some would think.
I would also take some time to consider what food you will feed her, there are some good articles posted in the chi health section I believe on different types of food. When you have a moment, I encourage you to read them.
Also a nice soft bed for her and possibly a kennel cab for her to stay in when you are not at home or need to transport her somewhere.
Also, toenails.... make sure you play with and touch her paws alot. Get her use to you touching her paws. Start timming her toe nails very early and then it wont be such a big deal to her as she gets older. I use a dremmel tool which sands the toenails, it only takes about five minutes.
And... teeth... start brushing their teeth early, ask your vet about a flouride soak, this will help their teeth stay strong and healthy.
Those things should get you going, let us know if you have any questions or concerns.
The reason I want to litterbox train isn't so much because I'm afraid she'd freeze to death by going outside, but because I will be living in an apartment and it just wouldnt be feasible to gather her up, and go down an elevator and through a lobby outside every time she needs to go to the bathroom... that would be an especially impossible task while housebreaking and if I caught her "in the act" on the floor.
Dogs are unconditional LOVE!
