Stimulation and Enrichment

[2Chiwawa]

Lys, I read the article on the stimulation program. http://www.breedingbetterdogs.com/achiever.html

How interesting that stimulating a pup so briefly every day so early would have such an impact on their development and health.

I can tell that Sammi Girl was either understimulated or over stressed or both before she came to me. Poor girl, she didn't even get her little dew claws removed.

I know I compounded things when I got her because it was winter and we hardly went out. So she was not enriched or exposed to a wide variety of situations properly. In fact, she was so timid that I had trouble training her to even sit because she didn't know she was being trained. She shook like she was being punished. I felt so sorry for her.

But she has come a long way. We have accomplished sit and stay and "come to me" when she is in the house. When she is outside she heels but is very easily spooked and too frightened to sit or come to me outside. She either walks with me or I pick her up. I will work on this and plan to train her to sit etc. outside starting in a quiet location.

I am determined to work with her slowly so that she can live a happier life. When she is secure she is the funniest and sweetest girl ever. I can't wait for you to meet her I know you will love her despite her deprivations.

[Amaze]

Faye,

I can't wait to meet her too! I think a lot of what Sammi does has to do with her nature-I have met many Chihuahuas that are shy/timid like that in situations and even when they are comfortable. Just like some people are super-confident and outgoing, while others prefer to sit quietly by themselves...Just have to love them all, no matter what their quirks! But I am sure she is so very sweet and I will try not to be heartbroken if she is not thrilled to meet me ;)

[2Chiwawa]

Alyssa, You guessed my secret worry. That you would come all the way to NY and think that Sammi is too frightened. Could you talk more about what is natural for some chihuahuas. That is why I want her to have another pup with her so she won't be isolated in the house.

[Amaze]

Faye,

In my experience and understanding, each breed has a "desired" temperament that best-illustrates that dog's purpose. However, dogs, like people, come in many personalities and that is why most good breeders temperament-test their puppies at 8 weeks. Here is a good article on the process, I will have my friend Barb do a similar test on my puppies: http://www.veterinarypartner.com/Content.plx?P=A&A=2141

There is always the "nature vs. nurture" debate regarding why dogs act a certain way, but I have made it a point in my breeding program to only breed dogs with good-excellent temperaments, now as well as in the future. Jessie is the BEST-tempered Chihuahua I have met besides Heuser in terms of sweet, happy, outgoing, confident, relaxed, etc. Dani is super-sweet but shy and a bit timid. But takes about 2 seconds to warm up to a stranger so I believe that if she had been raised differently and given that chance, she would be more-confident as well. Some just don't have that and that is okay too as long-they just take an understanding owner who loves them for being the way they are, like Sammi-girl has you!

[2Chiwawa]

they just take an understanding owner who loves them for being the way they are, like Sammi-girl has you!

I sure do love her, every bit of her. I will be in her corner every day that I have her with me. :)