Chihuahua Forum:
advice for a rescue Chi owner?

Hi, I am adopting a 6yr old male Chi this week. He is the sweetest dog I have ever met but being a rescue dog he does have some issues that need dealing with. If you can offer any advice I would appreciate it. He has to be the center of attention. He will run from one person to the next and want to be picked up and petted. I don't mind this at all of course but if one person is holding him and another tries to pet him or take him away he will growl. It is as though he is protecting the person holding him and is worried that he is going to lose that person's attention. If he is sitting with you and someone else is petting another animal he will get very jealous and run over to the other animal and bark and nip at it. This won't be a problem when I get him because I don't have any other animals or children but I would like to help him deal with this problem. Also he is food possessive and will growl or bite if you come near his bowl or even walk by him. I have read about this problem and have a pretty good idea of how to help fix it. Can anyone recommend what type of food to feed him and how much? He weighs about 5.5 pounds. The foster Mom is feeding him lamb and rice Purina. Has anyone tried litter box training a Chi? Thank you to anyone who can offer advice. Have a great day! Melissa