The Everything Chihuahua Book · A Complete Guide to Raising, Training, and Caring for Your Chihuahua (Everything®) by Walker, Joan Hustace -- Read -- Imperial Library of Trantor

Index

Title Page Copyright Dedication Breed Specifications Acknowledgements Contents Introduction CHAPTER 1: A Dog Without Borders

Ancient Beginnings Sacred Canine Latin America’s Pet The Dog from Chihuahua Recognition in North America Chihuahua Breed Standard Being Famous Is Not Fortunate Chi Strengths and Challenges

CHAPTER 2: ¡Yo Quiero Chihuahuas!

Narrowing Down Your Choices Of Apples and Deer Is Itty-Bitty Better? Not Just Fawning over Fawn The Long and Short of Coats Male Versus Female Activity Level Temperaments Puppy or Adult?

CHAPTER 3: Choosing a Pup

Puppies, Puppies Everywhere and Not a One to Buy The Best Breeders Care Finding a Reputable, Knowledgeable Breeder Health Tests and Certifications Contracts and Health Guarantees The Puppy’s Parents The Rest of the Gang Finding That Perfect Puppy

CHAPTER 4: Adopting an Adult Dog

Charming Chis In Search of Good Owners Looking for a Good Home Shelters and Pounds Working with a Chihuahua Rescue Evaluating Health and Temperament

CHAPTER 5: Chihuahua Proofing In and Out

Dangers Lurking in the Home Foods That Can Kill Kitchen and Breakfast Areas Bathrooms and Laundry Other Living-Space Hazards Garage Yard or Patio Fencing

CHAPTER 6: Bringing Your Chihuahua Home

Planning Ahead Appointments to Make Class Reservations Breeder Assistance The Ride Home Supplies for the First Night First-Year Supplies and Expenses

CHAPTER 7: Your Puppy’s First Month

The First Day Getting Through the Dark Hours Handle with Care! Setting House Rules—And Keeping Them Everything Counts Socialization Begins Why Little Dogs Need Training, Too

CHAPTER 8: Life with an Adopted Chi

The First Twenty-Four Hours Minimize Stress Gentle Handling First Night Blues The Next Few Months Adult Chis and Children Typical Challenges of the Rescued Dog Who Can Help You A Rewarding Endeavor

CHAPTER 9: Tips for Housetraining

An Easy Principle The Reward System Using a Crate Playpens Dog Doors Litter Training Determining a Workable Schedule

CHAPTER 10: Socialization

A Must for Every Chihuahua Recognizing “Pancaking” What Is a Timid or Shy Dog? Aggression in the Chihuahua Where to Go for Help Working with Strangers Introducing Other Dogs

CHAPTER 11: Puppy Parenting

Would You Let a 100-Pound Dog Do That? Needle Teeth Humping Barking Digging Chewing and Shredding Escape Artists Separation Anxiety Bolting

CHAPTER 12: Working with Multiple Dogs

The More the Merrier? Introducing a New Dog Pack Ethics Essentials Changes in Pack Order Resource Guarding Determining Illness Raising Two Puppies Together

CHAPTER 13: A New Way of Training

No Excuses! Benefits of the Well-Trained Chi Choosing a Training Collar Basics of Operant Conditioning Primary and Secondary Reinforcements Free Shaping Using Food Lures Small Steps to Success How to Find a Good Trainer

CHAPTER 14: A Few Basic Commands

The Well-Mannered Chihuahua Is Welcome Choosing Your Reward The Importance of a Quiet Place Sit Down Stay Come Off Take It and Give Walk Nicely

CHAPTER 15: Nutrition

Choosing a Healthy Diet Commercial Foods Natural and Home-Prepared Diets Feeding the Puppy Maintenance Diets Obesity: Number-One Health Risk

CHAPTER 16: Grooming Your Chihuahua

Coat Care Shedding Bathing Shampoos Trimming Nails The Ears and Eyes Have It Teeth Are Number-One Priority

CHAPTER 17: Basic Health Care

Prevention Is Key Keep It Moving! Finding a Veterinarian The Holistic Alternative Vaccinations External Parasites Worming Around

CHAPTER 18: Advanced Health Care

Protecting Your Chihuahua Luxating Patellas Upper Respiratory Issues Eyes: Injuries and Diseases Heart Conditions: Grave and Chronic Puppy Perils Adult Ailments Skin Issues The “C” Word

CHAPTER 19: The Senior Chi

Seniors and Geriatrics Grooming Nutrition Exercise Mental Stimulation Veterinary Exams Aging Ailments Making Life Easier

CHAPTER 20: Traveling with Your Chi

The Benefits of a Small Dog Carrier Types and Purposes Around Town Overnighting Jetsetters When Your Chihuahua Can’t Come with You Planning for the Unknown

Appendix A: Additional Resources Appendix B: Chihuahua Rescue Index