Miss Squeak and Miss Mildred Go Shopping.

  So today I would like to talk about having a shy timid furbaby, My  little girl Miss Mildred is a little shy and sometimes nervous around new people and dogs, So I been doing lots of research in to this problem over the last year and I believe we are now getting her over this problem, we have done lots of treat and command training with Miss Mildred and over the last few weeks have taken Miss Mildred our sweet shy little chihuahua out and about and getting her to met new people and dogs. 

We went to a Chihuahua play date and my normally playful and bossy girl, and to my surprise she went very shy and scared I was thinking when walking into the play date what if she barks at all the other fur babies and starts to be overly bossy, Gee was I wrong she had never acted like this before so I was a shocked, Miss Mildred's fur brother George had a wonderful time running around playing with all the other cute chihuahua while Miss Mildred would not even try to play and just looked like she was frozen, 

But after about 30mins she was warming up to just a few other chihuahuas, but her little tail was still not waging and I felt so bad for her as I had been reading that chihuahua's like to be around other chihuahua's so I just didn't know what was going on.

Poor little Miss Mildred we just wanted her to have some fun with other furbabys. As she is around 6 other dogs all the time I thought we would be fine but I was wrong wasn't I. 

So I started taking her out walking and trying to get other people to talk to her and pat her, its a very slow process and we are making great progress with our little girl, But the biggest highlight is the we  went to Bunnings and we put Miss Mildred and George into a trolly  and started to push them around looking for what Monster need and while going about our shopping people would come over and start talking to us then ask if they could pat the dogs this is when the real training started, I would give Miss Mildred the

 Command "say hello" or "who is it" then they people would  pat her and George and after I would say "good girl" and make a big fuss of her we were able to have about 10 people pat and talk to her without her barking growling and tucking her tail between her legs. So this was a great success to me and I am so very proud of her and how far she had come, anything is possible if you put your mind to it and keep it up! So do you have any problem with your Furbabys?

 Here are some more tips and ideas to help you with your Furbaby

Because each dog will have their own personality, some dogs may just be quiet. Others, outgoing. Others a little bit crazy ! Let’s first discuss how to know if a Chihuahua is technically shy. 

A shy Chihuahua will show physical symptoms. The dog’s ears will lie back against the head, the dog’s pupils may become dilated, the dog may pant when there is no need, tuck its tail between its legs and avoid all eye contact.

Does your Chihuahua do this? If so, then your dog is shy.

A dog that is fearful and not just shy will urinate out of fear, run from people or other dogs and/or show extreme submission such as exposing their belly. If a frightened dog cannot run, they may then show aggression. Therefore biting, barking and growling could be signs of a dog that is very scared

How To Train a Shy Chihuahua

There is training for a shy Chihuahua that will be successful if followed and if an owner is patient enough to allow this slow,  gradual conditioning to work.      

The best way to help a shy dog is to show him that there is nothing to be wary about. Never comfort your dog, this will be perceived as your confirmation that there is indeed things to be timid of.

The general gist of this sort of training is to show a dog that shy behaviour is not punished; yet it brings no benefits at all.

Conversely, interest and curiosity that nudges a dog to become a bit braver will bring him benefits.

If at any time, your dog shows behavior of interest or curiosity with the trigger that caused the shy reaction… praise your dog as if they just did something extremely wonderful. Give treats, talk in a happy, proud tone, and pat your Chi.

Timid Behaviour With Guests

If your dog is particularly shy when guests come over, you will want to use desensitize training with your dog. This can be done by having a guest come over for just 10 to 15 minutes per day. Increase the time very slowly over the course of several weeks. 

Whenever your dog acts shy, both people must ignore him.  100% completely and utterly ignore him.  This will actually set off a chain of events that will help the Chihuahua come out of his shell. 

There will be times that the Chi prefers to remain alone, often watching from a distance. Though, when humans ignore the dog - not trying to coax him out or pay any attention to him - something happens now and again... Curiosity will take over.  

When the atmosphere is calm, without any pressure to show himself or perform - a shy dog often on his own will venture out to see what is happening. 

You see, when a timid dogs knows that there are no eyes on him, he will then feel safer to inspect things, to come a bit closer to hear conversations, to peer over to hands to see if they hold any treats.  If he can smell a particular food, this will insure that he will be inquisitive about exactly where it is and how to go about getting it. 

The key to this, is to make sure that the dog does indeed receive confirmation that there is a treat for him.  Plan this with your guest in advance.  As soon as he or she enters the premises, indiscreetly give that friend a treat for just this moment. Have one in your hand as well. 

A crispy piece of bacon works amazingly well for this type of training. Pre-cooked microwave bacon - with grease blotted out via paper towels - is only 40cals a slice.  With both people holding a 1/2 slice, this is 20 calories for each treat. 

As the Chi - insecure as he is - slowly comes over to sniff or see just what you are both holding, without saying his name or making a big deal out of things, each of you can extend your hand and allow the Chihuahua to retrieve the snack from whomever he wishes. 

Afterward, go back to the conversation and allow your puppy or dog to do as he wishes. On this first attempt, he may very well bring the food back to his little corner or his special bed.  
After several visits in which this same thing is done, add on the element of giving praise for taking the treat.  It can also help to have it be a treat one time and a new toy  the next, to keep the curiosity level high. 

This will allow the Chihuahua to associate something good (snack or toy) with a 'stranger' speaking to him.  The next time,  a gentle pat can be added. The next time, a fun new squeaky ball can be rolled, with quiet yet enthusiastic encouragement to play.

This way, on his own terms, a puppy or dog will begin to make the association that being shy does not cause anything negative to happen, but being a tad more outgoing and summoning the courage to greet a guest brings about very good things. 

In time, a Chihuahua will 'forget' that he was shy. The arrival of guests is a fun event!  Tasty treats are given, new toys are brought, fun play is initiated.  Life couldn't be better. 

I really hope this has helped you out in finding some new ways to train your furbaby to be less timid and shy! 

Like I have said before we would love to hear your stories and hints you may have used to help your little one! So until I blog again we hope you are all happy and well enjoy your week.

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Miss Squeaks Truth About Dogs 
Miss Squeak Miss Mildred 

Miss Squeaks The Snoring Chihuahua Ten Reason Why.

Why does my Chihuahua Snore so loud? Snoring may be a common occurrence in Chihuahuas and has nothing to do with a collapsed trachea. It is attributed to their short muzzle and generally it's loud enough to wake the house up. It isunbelievably funny when you have guests as nobody will believe that such a tiny dog can create that much noise.

Many new Chihuahua mums and dads are astonished the first time they hear the sounds of their Chihuahua enjoying a deep, luxurious sleep. No need to panic, it’s absolutely normal and characteristic of the breed. In fact, Chihuahuas additionally make snorting and grunting noises once they are playing or simply investigating a brand new smell. This is conjointly absolutely normal

10 Potential Reasons Why Your Dog Might Be Snoring:

Obstruction.
If your dog has one thing stuck in his nose or throat — whether or not it’s part of a pine cone or part of his favourite toy — it will block normal respiration and cause snoring.

Anatomy.
Certain breeds are simply more vulnerable to snoring than others. Dogs with terribly short noses — pugs, bulldogs, boston terriers — are more probably to have respiratory problems at the hours of darkness. These roundheaded breeds have shorter air passages than other dogs and need to work harder to breathe in some cases. You maystill wish to see with your vet to make positive that the condition doesn’t call for medical or surgical intervention.

Allergies/Sensitivities.
Dogs can have sensitivities and develop allergies to many of identical things we tend to do, including dirt, pollen, fragrance and different pets — all of which might cause airway constriction and snoring.

Obesity. 
More than 1/2 all dogs are estimated to be overweight or fat, If you’re pup has packed on some additional pounds, extra tissue in his throat will block the airways. Or the rings in his trachea can collapse or shut once he’s asleep.

Medicine.
Some medicine, like painkillers, muscle relaxants and tranquilizers will relax your dog so much that the muscles within the throat relax and cause snoring.

Dental Issues. 
An abscess or any growth or mass within the mouth or sinus are often the basis reason for snoring. Untreated, An infection will spread through a pet’s body and cause far more serious issues.

Secondhand Smoke. 
Want another excuse to stop smoking? Many individuals overlook their habit as a factor in their pet’s life, Just like people, secondhand smoke can injury an animal’s respiratory system, resulting in bronchial asthma, bronchitis and snoring.

Fungal Desease. 
Snoring is the results of a fungal disease called aspergillosis. The illness is triggered by mildew, usuallypicked up on grass clippings, hay, straw or dirt. The fungus can enter through the nose’s damp lining and cause symptoms like sneezing, swelling, nasal discharge and snoring.

Rhinitis. 
Dogs Will get “colds” just like  us and that can cause stuffy noses. Your pet’s mucus membranes get inflamed and irritated from an infection, fungus, trauma or other cause. That may lead to symptoms that include nasal discharge, sneezing, snoring and laboured respiration.

Sleeping Position.
 Just the way your dog likes to sleep will trigger snoring. Dogs that lay on their backs are more likely to snore than those who curl or sleep on their stomachs.

 Miss Mildred is great at snoring sometimes it's so very loud 

Other times she will make cute grunts and whizzing noises.

And then she might bark or growl when she is dreaming 

I love watching her when she sleeps she appears to be so soundly asleep its like watching a baby. I remember when she was a puppy I would think she was not breathing in her sleep and constantly check on her to make sure she was. I was like a new mother with her first baby, just like I was when I had both of my sons home from the hospital. I would check her as I did them 

I spent so much time with Miss Mildred as all new furbaby owners do! But I wouldn't let her out of my sight as we have other larger dogs and a swimming pool that is not fenced and even if it was she would have been able to get through it. 

I became a crazy furbaby mumma, Miss Mildred would and still does go with me every where, my constant companion, But gee can this tiny chihuahua snore no matter what way she sleeps she will snore sometimes so loud she will wake herself up and that is funny to watch as well because she looks at me as if to say why did you wake me up for so very cute! 

 So it has come to that part of my blog where I ask you if this has been helpful or if you have enjoyed read what goes on in and around this fun household its never a dull moment, 

So Miss Mildred and I Miss Squeak would love to hear about any funny snoring stories you have! 

Thanks For Reading 

and please remember to 

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Miss Squeaks Talks Fat Overweight Furbabys.

The Chihuahua is such a small dog that even an additional pound will create an enormous totally different in the dog's look. It ought to be noted that it's terribly rare for a puppy to be considered fat. 

Puppies are supposed to have a rounded body; additional layers of fat are vital as fuel reserves. As the pup matures, he will have a sleeker, leaner look. Dogs below the age of one year old shouldn't be placed on a diet unless directed by a respected Furbaby Doctor. 

There are three main reasons that an adult Chihuahua can become too heavy:

1) If you feed your dog too much. Many Furbaby owners, want their dog to eat what looks to be a decent amount of food. 

The problem is that what sounds like a decent serving is really too much for this breed. With adults being only 2 lbs. (.9 kg) to 6 lbs (2.7 kg) the amount of calories that an adult Chihuahua wants per day can vary from 70 to 270.

Depending on whether or not you feed dry kibble, a wet commercial brand or home stewed meals, this may vary from 1/2 cup to 1 cup per day. Compared to what humans eat (it is suggested we tend to eat 2.5 cups of vegetables per day, not to mentions proteins and carbs).

2) Not enough exercise. it's hard to find a decent balance. Puppies shouldn't be over-exercised as this will cause issues with growth plates. Chihuahua of all ages ought to be walked 1 to 2 times per day. 

Owners with very busy schedules could find themselves stuck in a pattern of taking the dog out for toilet needs thenheading right back inside. In addition, foul weather plays a factor in how much outside activity a dog receives.

Here are some tips to make positive your Chi burns off enough calories:

It is best to make a routine that works best for both owner and dog. Twenty minutes in the morning and another twenty after dinner may work best for many households. There are dogs that are more willing to go for walks at certain times of the day. One Chihuahua might be rev'd up when he 1st wakes up; for another, a mid-day outing works better.

Prepare ahead for days that are rainy, cold or wet. This is actually one breed in which dressing up isn't a fun accessory, however a real technique for safeguarding a Chihuahua from biting cold and soaking rains. Being so little, this breed will have a tough time controlling body temperature; donning a sweater, coat or alternative protective gear can help a Chi tolerate being outside when the weather is less than perfect.

Make outside activity fun for each of you. Find some new walking routes to travel on. Designate the weekends to be days of exploring new areas and parks. Take on the challenge of teaching your dog a brand new game (fetch, hide n' seek) or a brand new command (hurdles, weaving around poles, etc.)

3) Permitting the dog to eat off of your plate. It may be tempting to share a little of your food together with your pet. However, table scraps aren't healthy for dogs. Many human foods are simply too high in calories, fat and sodium for a Chihuahua to safely eat on a daily basis. 

And many Fuebaby owners who feel that they only offer scraps once in while may be in denial about just how oftenthis is done. In addition, if there are four members of the family and every one are giving in to those 'puppy dog eyes', it can be enough excess to create a dog fat, even if he's receiving daily exercise.

Senior Chihuahuas:

As this breed ages, there will be a gradual decrease in metabolism. Seniors (8 years and older) will need about 5 to 10less calories per day - per pound of body weight. depending on the dimensions of the dog, this may vary from 10 to 60less calories required while maintaining activity levels.

When older, senior furbaby's are less active - either because of medical problems or an intolerance for long walks - you have got a scenario where a normally healthy dog will become heavy and fat within a comparatively short quantity of time.

Effects of Carrying Too Much Fat:

Being to fat is damaging for any breed, however the Chihuahua has a significantly troublesome time with this. Here aresome things to take note of:

A Chi could become out of breath when walking. This creates a problem as owner wants the dog to move and receive correct exercise however concerns over his ability to try and do so appear limiting.

Excess fat can place stress and strain on the body. this may most frequently have an effect on hips and knees; there may be injury to bones, joints and ligaments. In some cases, a Chihuahua might begin to have back issues.

One of the foremost common complications of fatness in canines is the onset of diabetes.

There is an enhanced risk for cardiovascular disease.

Medical Causes:

Thyroid - Weight gain in a Chihuahua are often caused by a thyroid problem. Just as with humans, the thyroid controls metabolism and when it's off kelter, this could cause a dog to become fat in a very short amount of time. 

Other signs are: Lethargy, a dulling of the coat, cold intolerance and excessive shedding. Once diagnosed, a dog is usually prescribed a daily dose of artificial thyroid hormone.

Cushing's Disease - this is often a dog medical issue that affects the adrenalin secretory organ. Different signs beside weight gain are: increased panting, a pot-bellied abdomen, fur problems including a thinning of the coat and bald spots, weakness, blackheads developing on the skin and white scaly skin patches.

Treatment could involve the removal of adrenal tumours and medicine that works by stopping the production of cortisolwithin the adrenal glands.

Diabetes - while being fat will cause diabetes, the illness itself will cause a dog to become too fat. Therefore it may be a cause or an effect. while this illness can result in many health issues, having your Furbaby Doctor catch this early can help to regulate it. Correct exercise feeding and possibly drugs can help to control this. Leaving this untreated can result in blindness, lame limbs and eventual death.

How to Help a Chihuahua  Scale Back Body Fat

If all attainable medical causes are rules out, it'll be time to create changes to each food and activity level. Here area unit some tips to assist this toy breed step by step lose weight:

1) Switch out snacks - you are doing not essentially have to be compelled to scale back the number of food that you simply feed your Chi if a amendment is created concerning the standard. subbing raw baby carrots or apple slices (be certain to not feed any elements of the core) for factory-made treats will terribly useful.

2) Fill out meals with vegetables - Adding baby peas and string beans to the Chihuahua's main meals could be a good way to supply identical quantity of food however with fewer calories. If you're feeding a dry kibble, add some heatwater or slightly of low-salt broth to help in mixing the ingredients.

3) Increase exercise in a very slow gradual approach that a dog carrying additional fat are ready to handle. Expecting a inactive dog to suddenly walk double per day could also be phantasmagoric and may cause injury to a stressed body. Begin by adding five minutes to what routine the dog is acquainted with. Increase by five minute intervals every week. 

The end goal ought to be 2 walks per day, with every lasting twenty to half-hour at a moderate pace. The pace ought tobe brisk while not being overtaxing. A dog ought to be respiration well while not overly panting. In weather condition, take a break halfway through in the shade and supply fresh water.

Don't enable the cold or rain to prevent you; Shield your dog with article of clothing and find a safe route to walk on.

There are ways to assist a heavy dog move more when inside the house. Even one thing as straightforward as jogging from area to area and having your dog chase you'll be able to get him in motion.

You may additionally play a game of hide and seek, where you train him to look for a toy that you have hidden. Most dogs fancy the engagement and interaction that games bring; 

We love playing games at home we play about three times a day and we do trick training after as I find it easier to hold Miss Mildred's attention after she has had a good play, 

Now on to some tips for the diet and feeding of your fat overweight furbaby.

What kind of food?

You don’t have to be compelled to switch to a “lite” food, however you would possibly wish to since it suggests that you won’t need to reduce quite as much on the amount you feed your dog. (Hey, if it had been simple for us to deny our dogs we wouldn’t be in this fix in the 1st place.) Regardless, he’ll be eating less, so help him feel happy by adding low-calorie, high-fiber foods to his bowl. These will include fresh steamed green beans, low-sodium canned green beans, and plain canned pumpkin. Your dog can still feel as if he’s obtaining plenty of food; he simply won’t be taking in as many calories.

How much?

A diet starts in earnest once you’ve cut back on his food by one-third to one-half. persist with this set up till he reaches a healthy weight. Be strong. In spite of those pleading looks, your dog won't starve.

Also, keep in mind that the quantity recommended on the bag or can of food is merely a place to begin. Dogs are individuals, and also the amount they have to eat depends on variety of things, including their metabolism, the sort of food they eat, their age, how much exercise they get, and what the climate’s like where they live. Therefore once he loses his excess weight, continue adjusting the quantity of food he gets till you discover an amount that may sustain a healthy weight.

When?

Make a lot of ruckus about mealtime, by feeding your dog twice each day and sticking to identical times as much as possible. Don’t leave food sitting out the remainder of the day. Make him to take a seat politely while you prepare his food. And think about scheduling his meal so he’s eating at a similar time as the rest of the family.

As for snacks, offer him one as long as he’s earned  it–and then make feeding it a fun challenge. Attempt inserting some dry food within a Kong or puzzle toy, like a Buster Cube. Your dog will need to shake or roll the toy to get the food out. (This works provided that there aren't any other dogs or pets around to tease out the food before your overweight dog does.)

Thanks so very much for reading my blog 

on fat overweight furbabies. We hope this has helped you out with some idea on what to do with your furbaby. Let Miss Mildred and me 

Miss Squeak  know what you have done to get your little fattie to slim down as we won't some more ideas, I love doing this blog and giving you all a little look into my life with my 

Chihuahua Miss Mildred 

Hope you come back soon and check us out again!

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