I got Mia in July when she was 12 weeks old, and I keep in touch with the breeder. I just don't know why she ALWAYS judge me when I email her, and say that I'm not treating my Chihuahua well. Am I really not treating her well???
Well the first few days, I wrote and told her about the potty training and the accidents - which I expected. She got VERY upset as she thought that I was complainig to her, and that I was not patient with Mia. Well I wrote to her just because I thought she'd want to know how she's doing. Well I guess not.
And the first few days Mia had to eat what the breeder had been feeding her. I was following her instruction, but when I wrote to her, I just forgot to write ONE of the ingredients.. then she got so mad that she thought I was stupid, and couldn't follow instructions.
Then yesterday, I wrote to her about Mia's puppy kindergarten, she had a really great "report card", and I told her that I was thinking of getting her into basic obedience class. I also sent her a link of Mia's pictures, which we took when we went camping and swimming. SHE WAS EXTREMELY MAD. She said I do not deserve a chihuahua. She said swimming would make her sick (or even die from the illness), and that I'm training Mia like a big dog. That part I'm very confused. Bringing her to obedience class = training her like a big dog? So only big dogs go to obedience school? And Chihuahuas do not need to be trained? That is a very interesting thought.
Oh well, according to her standard, chihuahuas should only stay home and relax, do not go outdoor, no outdoor activities... they don't need to be trained or anything. I think I have to keep Mia grounded!
Hi, I am a farely new chi owner. To me it doesn't sound like you are a bad mommy. Sounds like the breeder may have some deep issues regarding her chihuahuas. Maybe she had a hard time letting them go and is just paranoid that you are not taking good care of the chi. It is your chi now, you paid for her, so if she is going to be mean then maybe not contact her as often or make your communication very vague, meaning don't tell her too much. Don't let her bring you down and think that you are not a good mommy. We all do things differently with raising our chis. Her way is not the only way.
Any questions, pics, or stories you have about your chi you can share with us here.
Hey... try not to sweat it to much. It sounds to me that maybe she means for her pups to be house dolls or something. Like luv2chis said, if you can't get any positive support out of her, then I would stop writing her. Why do you need all that mess when you got us to keep your spirits up and help you with Mia? We all are constantly learning about our chi's and once in a while, we don't make the best choices for our dogs, but that is what we are all here for! To learn and share experiences! So CHIN UP!!!! I am sure Mia has a super mommy!!!! Post some pics please!!!!!
I'm very confused. Mia is YOUR dog now. Mz Breeder has NOTHING to do with how you raise YOUR dog. I say cut all comunication with her because no matter what you do, in her eyes, you are doing it wrong. Read your chi books, talk to your vet, go on the internet, come to us with a problem and I guaranty you will find the help you need.
It sounds like you're doing a great job. I agree with the others, seems you would be best off to cut ties with the Breeder. She is putting you down for no reason and just wanting you to believe that you are not raising your chi right. She sold the pup to you, now she is yours, NOT the Breeders. Do not let this lady treat you like this. I'd not write her anymore if it were me. Continue your GOOD work at raising your baby.
I emailed her coz she said she would like to keep in touch with me (acutally Mia), but I think I will cut that connection now. I did not feel respected at all. She always writes email in a very harsh and rude tone. So, I just wrote her a very long email a while ago and tell her how I felt. That probably will be the LAST email to her.
Thanks for all your support!
Acutally i don't know how to post pictures up here... >.< but I'll try to figure out!
Well, it sounds like you've had all the advice and support you need for the moment, I think the other members did a great job! And for that matter, so are you honey! I can offer just one more piece of encouragement; the Obedience Dog Class is brilliant and absolutely works with Chihuahuas. I am just about to finish one with Ellie, based on the clicker method, and it was fantastic! Do it, you wont regret it!
I think you're a great Chi Mum, keep up the good work, and I really look forward to hearing all about little Mia.
I haven't been a Chi owner for very long either, but from what i have learned here and in books is that Chihuahuas aren't has delicate as you may think. And to treat them as normal dogs! I swear i read that. I took harley swimming in the lake and he didn't get sick or anything. It was hot outside and after he was all wet i held him in a towel so he wouldn't be freezing. Don't listen to that crazy women!!
Ellie, yes I think traiing courses are good for all breeds of dogs. I don't understand why she was against training class. I'll register her in a basic obedience class when she is 6 months old.
Harley's mom, yeah, from what I read on books, chihuahuas are dogs! just like any other dogs. They're not more delicate then any other dogs (oh well, any other small dogs...). I will still bring her to swim when the weather's warm enough.
I got another email from the breeder which was just a sentence. She was so rude again, but my husband and I thought that it was very unprofessional for her to say something like that. Oh well, I don't think I'll recommand her to any one who wants to buy chihuahua.
Holy cow - she doesn't sound like the best influence. I have to agree with all - just stop emailing her. If she emails you and asks for progress reports, just tell her the dog is fine. I wouldn't give specifics if she's going to freak out.
To me, it sounds like you love your dog, and that makes you a great mommy!
I think that you are a great chi mom as well! I can't imagine having my breeders telling me otherwise, though :( It seems as if she has very different views on how to treat small dogs, and her views are very different from mine (and apparently your's as well). I would take what she says with a grain of salt... I wouldn't be rude back to her, but if she continues to be rude to you I would no longer keep in touch.
Most people who get a puppy do not keep intouch with their breeders... so that should tell her something about you. I am the same way as you- I still send Rylie and Chloe's breeders pictures and updates.
Oh well, I have never been rude to her. I write very nicely, even after that really bad email. I don't believe in yelling at a person for no reason.
Thanks a lot again! ^_^ Mia's doing so fine here! I just bought a pillow at Ikea for her! hehe! it'll be her day bed! Conna make a fleece cover for the pillow! Have to start working soon! hehe! ^_^
Oh well, I have never been rude to her. I write very nicely, even after that really bad email. I don't believe in yelling at a person for no reason.
Thanks a lot again! ^_^ Mia's doing so fine here! I just bought a pillow at Ikea for her! hehe! it'll be her day bed! Conna make a fleece cover for the pillow! Have to start working soon! hehe! ^_^
You were very nice to her despite her rude emails. You did better than I would have!!!
sattie wrote: I still keep in touch with mine, but she is very nice and supportive. I send her pics once in a while so she can see how much Binks has grown.
I still keep in touch with Ellie's breeder too, and I may even use one of her sogs as a sire to the pups I intend to have from Ellie! I am so thankful to have a breeder who is actually nice! The relationship between breeder/owner reminds me a little of the mother-in-law/daughter, son-in-law relationship; if they're good it's wonderful, but if they're bad it's a nightmare. I thank my stars evry day for how good both relationships are for me!
I'm glad to hear Mia is doing well, although to be honest I didn't really expect anything else as I know you are a wonderdful Chi Mummy! Keep us updated on her progress huh?
mialamb wrote: Harley's mom, yeah, from what I read on books, chihuahuas are dogs! just like any other dogs. They're not more delicate then any other dogs (oh well, any other small dogs...). I will still bring her to swim when the weather's warm enough.
I agree Chihuahua's are just dogs. I also believe that people who don't let them be just dogs, are doing a disservice to them. I've had so many people comment on what good Chihuahuas I have and they want to know how they can make theirs be more like mine. Usually, they have only 1 and they treat them like a porcelian doll. Won't let them on the ground, never off the leash, never outside, never allowed to play with other dogs. I tell them, let them be a dog and get them a chi playmate. Worked like a charm with Chewy. He was starting to become that stereotypical Chi and I got another one and now everyone who meets them, wants a Chi like mine. Moral of the story-Treat them like their just as much of a dog as an English Mastiff is a dog.
gottaluvchis wrote: I agree Chihuahua's are just dogs. I also believe that people who don't let them be just dogs, are doing a disservice to them. I've had so many people comment on what good Chihuahuas I have and they want to know how they can make theirs be more like mine. Usually, they have only 1 and they treat them like a porcelian doll. Won't let them on the ground, never off the leash, never outside, never allowed to play with other dogs. I tell them, let them be a dog and get them a chi playmate. Worked like a charm with Chewy. He was starting to become that stereotypical Chi and I got another one and now everyone who meets them, wants a Chi like mine. Moral of the story-Treat them like their just as much of a dog as an English Mastiff is a dog.
Yes, I agree with that too. I also want to add that I think some people think they are the only "experts" of chihuahuas, like they know more than anyone else, and they take all the "fun" out of raising them.
Just wondering, do you guys let your chis play with big dogs (like German shepard)?
Mia doesn't like other dogs. She was actually scared of dogs, but now she's getting better... at least she would observe how dogs play instead of hiding or trying to escape.
I don't mind letting Mia play with dogs in puppy kindergarten, but I still don't trust those big dogs that are in dog parks. Those I usually see in dog parks are like 100+ pounds... they can easily knock me over (in fact, the owners said their dogs would knock them over). I'm so scared that they'd step on Mia and... I can't imagine what will happen.
gottaluvchis, do you let your chi play with big dogs???
If I were you, I would cut all connections with the breeder. Chi's are like any other dog, they need training and activities besides laying around all day doing nothing. Radar travels with us all over the US, he goes fishing with us, and is learning his obedience. You sound like a great mama, don't let that breeder get you down. You know what is best for your baby...dont' feel bad.
Mialamb, only big dogs I know, like my in-laws lab and their puppy (spaniel/border collie mix). And my mom's 30lb JRT and 15lb Maltese. My Dad's mini poodle and his normal size JRT. We took them to the dog park once and decided to let them run a little in the big dog area. Big mistake. A English mastiff puppy thought it would be fun to chase poor Akira. I almost got attacked by that dog trying to rescue Akira from being chased.
Dogs are unconditional LOVE!
