My chihuahua is not normal !!?

Pay the $100 and let this dog go to someone who has the patience to work with him.
References :

Sure it is called training. You need to train your animal and it is highly irresponsible of you to get rid of him because you deem it hard. After all you are the one who chose him not the other way around. Yes you should neuter him and you should crate train him..
References :

well if you werent going to be able to take care of a dog, willing to spend money (cause animals cost money) and know how to train him why did you get one, i suggest getting a trainer if your willing to pay
References :

hey my name is trish, well my dog did that to, growled or snapped when he was done playing or he was sleeping, he is a pom/Chihuahua/terrier mix, i have brothers. what i do is make a noise, stern and tell him no, and give him treats when he is good, lots of attention to make him re assured, and not scared. where did you get him? if he had a previous owner then the running away could be a sign that he was abused or taunted, just try and work with him, give him love, and treats, and reprimand him if he is bad, hope i helped a little, your friend, trish
References :

lol it sounds like you have a pretty funny little dog. I don't know what to say about why he cries when people come over, except to say that he might be frightened by the sudden opening of the door or something like that.

About the snapping, though, I can help. The way that most people play with their dogs is by playing some sort of tugofwar where you both shake a toy around until somebody gives up. Dont do this. I have a poodle who is getting rather snappish at my brother and dad, who think its cool to play tug of war and hear his little growl, but he started snapping at them later, because that game encourages your dog to be aggressive and territorial. Play fetch or something instead.
But no matter what game you are playing with him, he should never growl or bite at you. If he even starts to growl, or not let you take a toy from him, give him a sharp tap on his neck or flank to snap him out of his fit. He should stop immediately. After a few of these corrections, he shouldnt even try to growl or snap at you anymore, unless you encourage him to fight over toys.
Neutering will help with the housebreaking, though many smaller dogs just have a harder time with the whole concept, for some reason.
References :

all chihuahua's are not normal
References :

A few things have to happen. First of all, he needs to know that you are alpha. Small dogs tend to get babied and let on furniture and hugged and allowed to sleep on their owners bed. This leads them to believe they are higher on the ladder than other "people" in the family. As far as being afraid when people come over: give your friends/family a little treat when they walk in. While you are holding the dog, have them feed him this treat. Eventually he will realize that visitors bring tasty treats. He should be neutered and housebroken. If you're not crating him, you should and watch him every minute until he's housebroken. You should see a huge change if you do all these things.
References :

I think you and your son should stop playing with him.

You have to be careful playing with dogs because its almost like teasing and baiting them on and it can cause unwanted personality problems.
References :

First, it is not "stupid" for the rescue to request money to make your life easier. I guarantee, $100 will no where near cover their expenses for caring for your dog until he finds a home.

If you want to change his behaviors you need to hire a private trainer. His reaction to strangers sounds like fear, which is not easy for the novice to treat effectively. His behavior toward you after play may be simply over-stimulation, it may be bossiness. A trained eye can tell you what the cause is and how to fix it. The trainer can also give you info on housetraining (which can be difficult with small dogs, but not impossible; if you are doing everything correctly and he still eliminates indoors, he has a medical problem).

If you can't or won't hire a trainer, give him up to rescue so they can place him with someone who understands Chihuahuas and knows how to deal with his issues.
References :
dog trainer

Did you even try and train him? Sounds like he was abused or neglected at a time in his life. If you want to give him up, give him to someone who has the time and patience to train him properly.
Dr. Maxwell J. Titelman
References :

First I am going to make a wild guess here and suggest you got him from a Pet Store. He has not been socialized at all, and many pet store puppies are extremely difficult to house train because of their horrible upbringing at the puppy mill.

You have two choices: relinquish him to Chihuahua Rescue so they can neuter him, put him in a foster home for rehabilitation and find him a forever home, or neuter him yourself and find an experienced dog behaviorist and trainer and start doing some serious work with the puppy.

He needs a dedicated owner who will give him a chance at becoming a good canine companion, but it is going to take a lot of hard work and commitment. If you are not able or willing to do this, PLEASE give the little guy a chance and turn him over to Rescue.

Here is a link to Association of Pet Dog Trainers, an excellent place to start if you want to keep him
http://www.apdt.com/
References :
breed rescue volunteer

ok this is what i think but im not 100% sure
"when he is done playing he will growl or snap at you"it might be because he thinks u are still playing with him.does he ever bother you like that just randomly?
"he runs screaming to another room like someone is beating him" Where did you get him go to them and ask if he was abused, also how long ago did you get him it could be he is not used to it yet.My friends dog used to bark when i went to her house than it hid in the corner and cried than it barked then back to crying in the corner she got used to me though and she likes me so now she just follows us around all day. Hope i helped! Sorry if I didnt.
References :

Being a trainer, nothing is impossible when it comes to training a dog, no matter what the breed. It takes education of the owners to raise a social and trained dog. Puppies don't come into our lives with the knowledge already in their little brains. As owners we are responsible to our dogs to teach them this knowledge.

I suggest that you enroll into training, or even getting a trainer to come to your house and help you setting up rules and boundaries. Check with your vet and see about getting referrals for a trainer who UPDATES themselves in the latest training methods using positive reinforcements. I would not give up on him. I have a rottie in recovery on food aggression, and didn't give up on him. There isn't anything that you can really do unless a trainer can come out and do a case evaluation. There is probably some missed communication skills.

As for the rescue group, $100 is reasonable as the dogs goes into families and there is no money given to them for the care of the dogs. The money is for medical care, spay/neuter, vaccinations, check ups. The foster families pays for the rest. When I worked at PetSmart I gave the foster parents free training to help get the dogs adopted.

Don't know what you have tried to do to house break him, but I can send you something in detail if you give me your e-mail.

If he has issues with growling and snapping I would not place him with another family, because of liability if he bites a child or person. Let rescue have him if you decide to go that route and they would have someone work with him and place him into a good home.

I would have him attached to you so that he doesn't make any mistakes. Making sure that he doesn't go back to the mistakes, smell it, and go over the top of it. I use "Get Serious" to get the smell out of the carpet. Where did you get your dog? Also, use the "Get Serious", inside the kennel and pour it on the bedding. The Tide will not get out the smell out of the bedding.
References :
k9Lz

Hi,
Your Chihuahua is definitely normal, unless mine is abnormal also. He does the same thing when playing. However, if we make a loud noise or say "No" loudly, his aggression turns to licking instead. He also displays this behavior when napping. He's usually ok if I bother him or move him when he's sleeping, but he will become agressive and snappy sometimes, when my husband or other family members try it.
Chihuahuas sometimes think they are a lot bigger than their size, and will occasionally act like a Doberman, but will back down if consistant measures are taken. (Again making a loud noise or saying No very firmly will help). He needs to know you're the boss.

We got our little guy when he was 5 weeks old, and he's 2 years now, and still isn't fully housetrained. It's a pain sometimes, but someone told me neutering does help. I'm going to check with the vet and see what he recommends.

As far as him being afraid of other people, if he wasn't socialized or isn't being socialized that can become a problem. I would recommend socializing him as much as possible with other people. We did that, and Duke is the most friendly Chihuahua now. People can't believe it because of the stereotypes Chihuahuas received about being snippy.

Overall, they are babies and become very attached to their owners. They can easily manipulate you and get you trained to do what they want. Continue to be firm and he'll learn. They are very intelligent dogs, but are also very stubborn.
References :
Current owner and have done my research.

A chihuahua needs as much dicipline as a Great Dane, he should not be allowed to get away with nasty behavior that would not be tolerated in a larger breed of dog. Most people don't like to punish or correct a small dog because they think his behavior is "cute" but it isn't cute when they bite and if you dont' take action NOW you will have the dog removed from you permanently by Animal Control and you wont' have any choice in the matter.

When he growls or snaps are you holding him at the time? Is he on your lap or is he being held in your arms? If you are holding him and he growls or snaps (don't let it get to snapping react immediately to his warning signs, ears back, stiff body etc) if he growls or shows any warning signs put him on the floor immediately I mean IMMEDIATELY, you are showing him "I do not accept this behavior from you" when he's calm allow him back up on your lap, if he repeats you put him on the floor and walk out of the room. Remove your attention from him immediately, after a few times he'll stop snapping if he wants to be held.

If after playing around with him he snaps and bites, cease all play and remove yourself from the room, leave him behind, he'll learn that if he does this behavior you'll not only leave but all play will cease.

Is this dog trained in ANY tricks/obedience at all? Have you taught basic obedience, sit, stay, lie down etc? If not then start working on obedience training, make him work for EVERYTHING he gets in the house, he must learn that NOTHING in your house is free. His food, his toys, affection all must be worked for they are not to be given freely. He needs rules, boundaries and limitations, he is not the ruler of the household anymore YOU are. Everything he gets must come thru you from now on. Now when people come over you must make him focus all of his attention ON YOU, by making him do tricks, "Watch me" "Sit" etc. Feed him little bits of boiled chicken as your guests enter help him build his confidence when people visit by keeping all of his attention on you he will be less likely to run screaming from the room. Your guests must never STARE at the dog, this is an aggressive gesture that frightens him into fleeing, they must NOT look at him they must not even acknowledge that he is in the room, they must walk in and sit down quietly without speaking or making any sort of fuss. they must continue to ignore him and NOT under any circumstances greet or attempt to pet him. After they have been seated and he's been busy doing tricks then you can have a normal conversation with him in the room. The minute he growls or does anything that is unacceptable remove him from the room and put him in a place he can do time out only let him return once he's calm.

This takes time, patience and consistency, you cannot change your method of training or you'll end up with a confused dog.

Next when he eats do you make him sit before placing the bowl on the floor? Do you eat out of his bowl first before giving it to him? If not then put his food in a bowl and then eat a few potato chips out of it while he watches. As you make up his food does he crowd you? is he under foot? if yes, then walk into him and tell him to back up, keep doing this until he gives you space and he stays back, then make him sit and eat out of his bowl. When you put the bowl down if he runs to the bowl do not put it down, pick it back up wait for him to back off and sit and then try again, until he waits for your "release" to eat he does not get to eat he must wait until the bowl is on the floor and you say RELEASE. Both my dogs WAIT until I give the OK before eating, I put one bowl down and make the lab wait then I put my dogs food down and make her wait, then I stand where I can see both dogs and they must WAIT until I say RELEASE before they eat. I've even only released one dog to eat before then releasing the second dog to eat. They work for everything they get, they don't get a treat without one or two tricks first, they don't get to go outside without sitting at the door first etc. You must be the boss or your chi will be impossible to live with. It's easy to give up it's hard to actually work to make your dog a nice companion.

As for housebreaking how did you do it? Were you consistent, did you praise him when he peed or pooped outside? Were you diligent in getting him outside, did you put him on a strict potty schedule? Start over again from the beginning. chi's have small bladders and need to go out A LOT if you didn't properly toilet train then you cannot get mad at him for peeing inside the house. Take him outside immediately upon waking up, put him on a leash and walk him out to the yard when he toilets say good Potty and give him a treat and praise, then walk him around until he poops, say go potty or go poops and wait until he goes, when he does say good potty and reward with a treat. Bring him inside, feed him and 30 mins later take out again and repeat. If you leave him for the day don't leave a bowl of water it will fill his bladder and he will pee all over. Leave a few ice cubes in a bowl, he will get water without filling his bladder. Do not allow him to free feed all day, put his food down if he doesn't eat it all in 20 mins pick it up and don't give him anything again until night time. If he eats all day he's going to be thirsty and drinking water all day. Feed his last meal by 5 pm and pick up water by 7 pm, make sure he gets out a lot before bedtime. Also if he isn't neutered he is going to mark all over your house, neutering not only is healthier but he'll calm down (less aggressive) and also he'll stop marking his territory so get him fixed immediately. If you happen to catch him going in the house, clap your hands and say OUTSIDE, pick him up by his bottom (it stops them peeing) and take outside to finish when he does praise and reward, do not punish if he goes inside because it's your fault he's not trained and also it'll make him fearful of going toilet in front of you outside.

Good luck, if you are willing to work at the above items you'll end up with a wonderful dog you will enjoy. If you don't work at this then rehome him to someone who can. No one said having a dog was easy and those who did don't own dogs.

Good luck
References :

# 1: He isn't an old sock to be gotten "rid of." He is a feeling, living creature that DESERVES love and protection!!

#2: GET HIM NEUTERED. This goes a long way in controlling aggression in males. It will make all the difference in housebreaking. So does a crate. My little male took 15 months to housebreak. I used belly bands to help. Like potty training in kids, it takes as long as it takes. 9 months and not housebroken yet? SO???? Has a Vet examined him so you can rule out a physical problem?

#3: If $100 is too much to give a rescue group to take him and have him neutered, how much are you willing to spend if he gets sick or hurt? Remember, this little dog is a thinking, feeling being who has the RIGHT to be loved just as much as your son is loved. My 8 year old needed back surgery that cost nearly $5000. That is the commitment you make when you adopt a dog or cat.

#4: HOW MUCH RESEARCH did you do before getting a chihuahua? I have had chihuahuas for many years. They scream and run away when they are frightened. Especially if not properly socialized. If he does this when you have company, then put him in a quiet room, or his crate (in a quiet area) when you are going to have people over. Also, he needs a special place (eg a crate) where he can go when he needs to feel safe. Your kids need to know that when he goes there they ARE FORBIDDEN to bother him. Chihuahuas are not toys! You always need to supervise young kids when they play with your puppy. He is very fragile and easily injured!! Other answers have covered the how to's of socializing him. That's critical for a chi.

#5: Chihuahuas can snap and growl when they feel threatened. They are very very tiny in comparison to human beings, even children. I used a squirt bottle with mine, along with a firm no. Now he licks rather than snaps.

#6: Nothing you have said tells me your little chihuahua is unusual. I would take him in a second. He needs a home where he is going to be loved, protected, and given what he needs. A home that is safe and quiet. YOUR CHIHUAHUA IS NORMAL!! I think the problem lies with the owner. If you are not willing to give him every bit as much love and affection as you do your kids, please place him in loving home before he ends up traumatized or unadoptable.

#7: I just had to put down my 15 year old female. There is NOTHING I wouldn't pay to just have one more week, one more day, even one more hour with her. I think it's "stupid" to ignore the unconditional love that comes from these wonderful little creatures.
References :
http://www.chihuahuapuppiesguide.com/socializing-chihuahua-puppy.html
http://ezinearticles.com/?Chihuahua-Puppy-Training—Fast-and-Easy&id=1017825

my chihuahua has been urinating in her bed for the past week. I take her outside at least five times a day,and we go for one long walk every day around 5:oo. she has really never done this before,any suggestions what might be up with her? a frustrated owner!

[WORDPRESS HASHCASH] The poster sent us ‘0 which is not a hashcash value.

[...] and well behaved Chihuahua. Among other topics at this website, you can also learn all about Chihuahua Common Problems plus a whole lot more. Share and Enjoy: These icons link to social bookmarking sites where [...]