I’m going to be the proud owner of a Chihuahua at the end of May.
I was wondering how long the walks should be for this breed when they're puppies...
I obviously don't want to overdo it, so I’m looking for some advice.
Thanks
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I agree with docline; you really need to let him walk on the ground, meet other dogs, and discover the world without being overprotective...
That’s exactly how small dogs end up becoming "yappers" with fear-based aggression, barking away in their owner's arms until the other dog has passed by....
A well-adjusted little dog should be able to walk past dogs much bigger than himself while feeling perfectly at ease...
Let him socialise with dogs of all sizes. Give yourself peace of mind by quickly sussing out the temperament of the dog approaching, and if they seem well-socialised and chilled out, let them interact. Don't constantly reassure him; stay relaxed yourself to show him that meeting other dogs is completely normal and safe...
As for his jabs, you just need to avoid anywhere really filthy...
Vary the places you go, let him meet other dogs, let him walk everywhere, and only carry him when he’s genuinely knackered...
Classic mistake: keeping your puppy away from other dogs at the very age they have everything to learn from them. All this fuss about waiting for every single jab... it’s crazy how many poorly adjusted dogs it leads to.
For the umpteenth time, you just need to avoid areas with dog mess, standing water, and so on. Let them off the lead in a safe spot where they can take in the world and everyone in it, and discover at their own pace that life is great and the world isn't actually full of big monsters. (If you wait too long, you’ll end up with a socially stunted dog for years to come – it’s a real shame for them and a total headache for you!)
Personally, I’ve got a little two-month-old Chihuahua puppy who's very calm, almost timid really. I’ve already started taking him everywhere with me in his carrier to get him used to things, often for several hours at a time. Walks are a bit more tricky; he’s a bit more nervous so I just stay in the park right by my place for about fifteen minutes, just to get him used to the lead, going for walks, and especially just being outdoors, since the breeder never really let him run about on his own. I don't let him off the lead for the simple reason that the park by my flat is near a busy road, but in quiet areas away from cars I do let him off, once I’ve made sure there aren't any other animals around. I know some people will say you shouldn’t do that because it might make him fearful of other dogs, but it’s mostly because mine has only had his first jab and I don’t want him catching anything from being around other dogs. Once he's fully vaccinated, I can't wait to let him run around with his new mates!
99% of the serious risks for puppies are down to overcrowding in certain breeding establishments. It’s just like factory-farmed calves being pumped full of antibiotics from the get-go; it’s cheaper than providing decent living conditions...
(From what I’ve seen in ten years on pet forums, there’s only been one case of a health issue reported from the outside world. Meanwhile, 40% of posts are about behavioural problems that wouldn’t have been an issue if the dog had learned the 'canine codes' at the right stages of its development. Imagine a human child—another social species—raised by well-meaning animals but deprived of any human contact between the ages of three and seven. You could bring in the best tutors from age eight onwards, but that child would struggle with communication and language for the rest of their life. It’s a massive handicap, really...)
Hi there, I socialised my girl as soon as I brought her home at 10 weeks old (meeting my parents' dog, cats, horses, and other dogs while out on walks...). Basically, puppies start off with protection from maternal antibodies found in the colostrum, and then the first jab also provides some coverage. To me, waiting for the second dose makes no sense since they already have antibodies present. We just make sure to avoid stagnant water and anything nasty they might try to eat, but waiting until a pup is 4 months old is just asking for a load of behavioural issues to deal with down the line. That isn't fair on the dog or the owner.
I’m getting her when she’s exactly two months old.
I was planning on waiting until she was three months and had all her jabs before socialising her, but now I’m starting to have second thoughts lol.
What are the risks of her catching something if I let her meet other dogs too soon?
My neighbour has a German Shepherd who is fully up to date with his vaccinations, and I want to take her to a dog training centre.
Plus, I’ve got some lovely walks in the woods nearby—is it dangerous to take her there if she hasn’t been vaccinated yet?
It’s all making me a bit nervous, so I’ve got loads of questions...
Have a great day!
...for a puppy between 2 and 4 months old, it’s better to stick to short walks away from other dogs if they haven't had all their jabs yet...
Yeah... but you’ve still got to be aware that keeping a puppy away from other dogs is a surefire way to end up with a 'problem dog' for the rest of its life. (Anxious dogs always get picked on more than confident ones). Experienced owners instinctively know to avoid risky spots (dog mess, stagnant water, etc.) but they make sure the pup gets used to being around all sorts of dogs. It honestly makes life so much easier for the dog and their owners alike!
I second that.
Keeping your pup away from others until they're 4 months old is exactly what many owners of breeds like Chihuahuas and Yorkies do, which is why there are so many aggressive little dogs out there – they just haven't been socialised properly...
Hi there, I’d like to jump in regarding what LAURINE posted above, as it seems a bit off to me. How long you walk a dog or puppy for has nothing to do with its size; a Chihuahua doesn't need any less exercise than a big dog, even if that’s what people try to tell us. Small dogs like Chihuahuas are actually quite athletic—just as much as the big ones!
However, age does play a big part. At 2 months old, walks should be quite restricted and then gradually increased until they're 6 months old. By that age, a Chihuahua has often nearly reached its adult size, and you won’t have any issues doing much more with them. But to suggest that a 4 to 8-month-old Chihuahua should only go out once or twice for 20 minutes max... I’m sorry, but I really have to question the quality of your advice.
If you’re interested, I’ve recently made a video about what to do during dog walks. It doesn't focus on puppies, but it might still be useful.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q_cMATvfFX8
My vet and the puppy school I went to told me there’s no problem letting other dogs approach mine, as the risk is very low since the other adult dogs she was mixing with were vaccinated themselves. Even between puppies the risk is minimal. Personally, I think it’s better to socialise them as early as possible through contact with other dogs.
