Chihuahuas and Other Pets: Successfully Introducing A New Puppy

Introducing Chihuahua Puppy Training early and be ready when the time comes meet the existing pet(s) which requires patience, structure, and careful management to build positive relationships and prevent stress or injury.

  • Exchanging blankets or toys between your new puppy and resident pets so they become familiar with each other’s smell.
  • Conduct initial introductions in neutral territory like a quiet yard or hallway. Keep your Chihuahua puppy in a secure carrier or “Iris” pen while allowing your other pet to approach calmly “on a leash” to investigate.
  • Supervise all interactions closely, watch for signs of stress like stiff body language, growling, or excessive excitement, and separate immediately if tension arises—never leave them unsupported until full trust is established.
  • For resident dogs, reward calm behavior with treats and praise, and ensure your Chihuahua puppy has a safe retreat space like a crate or gated area where they can decompress. Never give a new puppy the full run f the house until h/she becomes familiar with the new people and surroundings.
  • With cats, use baby gates to create visual access without physical contact, allowing gradual acclimation over several days or weeks.
  • Feed pets separately to prevent resource guarding, provide individual attention to avoid jealousy, and maintain established routines for your existing pets to minimize disruption. Free Feeding is not recommended it there is more than one dog.

Whether it be dog or puppy training, multiple short, positive sessions work better than prolonged exposure, and involving all family members in the process ensures consistency. With time, supervision, and positive reinforcement, your Chihuahua puppy will integrate smoothly into your multi-pet household, forming lasting bonds with their new companions.

Understanding New Family Member Care

Discovering the Unique World of Your BFF Care

Whether they com “Itsy-Bitsy, “Teeny-Tiny” or “Big and Bully”, “Rough, Tough and Ready” a new puppy is a New Puppy! Even though we specialize in these wonderful little Chihuahuas you see on our website, it just doesn’t matter the breed or size. They are all cute in their own way. 

What you may want to consider before bringing a new puppy or a rescue home for the first time (and we’ve done our share of both over the years), is puppy proofing your home just like you would for a small toddler. Be sure there are no objects that could be ingested lying around or electrical cords to chew on, no candy or gum, sugar-free or otherwise, especially no chocolate. Let’s just say…”don’t leave any food lying out on the counters, table, etc., maybe even in the bedroom, nothing breakable they could knock off and possibly swallow small pieces. At this time of the year there are extra items like toys, jewelry, candles, flowers and plants or clothing from our gifts that make it especially tempting to check out but could be potentially hazardous. Better to be safe than pay the price later. Right! So be certain to look around from the floor to the counters and above.

Now the day has come, the new arrival is here at last! Oh, the joy and excitement abounds and everyone is joining in the fun; family, friends and neighbor kids may be present too. It’s a celebration of love! There is just a few things that are important to understand. When a puppy enters your home, it’s very possible is the first time it has been away from its mother and liter mates (the only world h/she has ever known). Kind of like a small child going to camp, away from their parents, family members and friends for the first time. Then we teach them “don’t talk to or go with strangers”! Fear and uncertainty has a way of setting in even with our pets.

It takes lots of patience and understanding when bringing a little one home for the first time. We can’t automatically expect them to know our schedules, where and when we want them to go potty, eat, don’t whine or cry because I don’t have time for you right now. Yes, some may even go so far as to expect them to sleep in a strange bed and place “all night long” without so much as a whimper.

My question to you is this – why do we expect more from our four legged kids than we do of our own selves at times? It’s all about patience, compassion and understanding. Now, go love on your new puppy and use the best skills when it comes to training…and if you need help, give me a call. 

Thanks, Linda