What's the best way to train a Chihuahua like Benjamin?

Consistent positive reinforcement training is key to developing good behavior in Chihuahuas. Be patient, gentle, and reward good behavior to avoid confusion and frustration.

How much exercise does a Chihuahua like Benjamin need?

Chihuahuas require regular exercise to stay happy and healthy. Aim for short walks and playtime sessions, avoiding overexertion to prevent injury.

Can Chihuahuas like Benjamin get along with other pets?

With proper introduction and socialization, Chihuahuas can get along with other pets. However, some may require extra attention and care to ensure a harmonious household.

What's the average lifespan of a Chihuahua like Benjamin?

Chihuahuas typically live between 12-18 years, with proper care and attention. Regular veterinary check-ups and a balanced diet can help ensure a long and healthy life.

How often should I bathe my Chihuahua like Benjamin?

Chihuahuas require regular grooming to prevent matting and tangling. Aim for weekly baths, using a mild shampoo and gentle conditioner to keep their coat clean and healthy.

Can Chihuahuas like Benjamin be left alone for extended periods?

While Chihuahuas can adapt to being alone, it's essential to provide regular breaks and attention to prevent separation anxiety. Consider hiring a dog walker or asking a trusted neighbor for help.

What's the best way to handle a barking Chihuahua like Benjamin?

Redirecting your Chihuahua's attention to a toy or treat can help curb barking. Consistent training and positive reinforcement can also help minimize barking behavior.

Can Chihuahuas like Benjamin be trained for agility or other dog sports?

While Chihuahuas can be trained for agility, their small size and fragile nature may limit their participation in high-impact activities. Consider low-impact sports or activities that cater to their unique needs.

How do I know if Benjamin is getting enough exercise?

Pay attention to his energy levels and behavior. If he seems lethargic or restless, it may be a sign that he needs more exercise.

Faithful Companion Review: Benjamin the Chihuahua

Name: My Unconventional Companion
Item: Chihuahua
Rating: 5
Author: isabel_clrk

Hello fellow dog lovers and Chihuahua enthusiasts! I've got a couple of furry friends at home, and today I'm going to share with you our little pup's story. He's a full-fledged member of our family, and let's be honest, who doesn't love dogs?

You know, there's this Jewish joke: When you're not around, people talk about you!!!! Tell them that when I'm not around, they can even hit me!

I love my Benjamin, and I love him not just like a pet, but like a person. A tiny, wonderful person who brings so much joy to my life. And I love him with all the quirks that come with loving someone.

Spoiler alert: there are going to be a lot of photos today. Fun ones, silly ones, and maybe a few that will make you go 'awww'. But first, let me tell you the story of how he joined our family.

It's been two years since we lost our beloved dog, Danik. He had cancer, and we were devastated. We thought we'd never be able to get over the loss. We're adults, we know it's a part of life, but it's not easy. It was like a physical pain. We didn't have the strength to get another dog. The COVID times had already taken a toll on us, and we were exhausted. But then my husband stumbled upon this little guy, Zorro, online...

Zorro

Check out Zorro - he's a dead ringer for Vanya. Vanya won over my partner with his charm, and they took a closer look at the breed's characteristics. They decided to book him, and I got to see him in person.

He looked amazing in the photos - so photogenic! He sat perfectly, and the lighting was great. His little face was so intelligent-looking. But when he arrived at our place, I got to see his true personality.

He didn't look like a Chihuahua at all. Even now, I see bits of a Bulldog and a Husky in him. But honestly, I don't care - he's perfect just the way he is.

My partner decided that our dog should love him and him alone, so he set up a little nest for himself and Zorro. They're quite the pair.

I was being a bit short-sighted, because Vena's a male and he's totally fallen for me.

Check out how lovingly he looks at me.

I'm looking at him the same way, by the way.

When Vena was still pretty young, he used to dance a lot and for hours on end.

What a unique pup we got!

I'm explaining why. This little guy is terrified of people, cars, bicycles, scooters, and any loud noises. He's a total introvert around other humans and dogs. Completely non-contact. I've never had a dog like this before, and I'm now convinced that dogs, just like humans, have their own emotional and psychological settings.

I've never had a dog like this before, and I'm now convinced that dogs, just like humans, have their own emotional and psychological settings. This pup is petrified of going for walks, to the point of a panic attack. And he's been like this for two whole years. He doesn't get any thrill from walks and refuses to go on them voluntarily. I have to carry him to the park, put him down, and then we're off running back home. I'm soaked in sweat by the time I get back, not because I've been walking, but because I've been sprinting.

I was told he'd get used to it, but nope, he's still a total stress ball to this day. When new people come to the house, he hides and stays on high alert for a long time. It's not just that he hides, he's genuinely scared and shakes with fear there.

And then there was the time when he was still a puppy, and he had another terrifying realization. He suddenly understood that the people he was so afraid of weren't just coming in through the door... They were also living in the TV!

We found it hilarious, but he was in a state – you should've seen him when he saw people on the screen.

After a while, he got used to the TV, and I'd show him movies. He'd actually watch them, and even seemed to understand what was going on.

I put on a movie about a mop – and he was glued to the screen, following the plot. When someone in the movie threatened the dog, Vanya would get spooked and scurry under the bed for cover. But then he'd peek out and keep watching the movie from there.

You still think dogs don't understand anything, huh? Our buddy's got a sixth sense for danger. He loves being at home with us, and that's where he feels safe and happy.

But I still have to take him out (I think that's the right way to put it – I'm not exactly sure what to call it when I'm taking Vanya for a walk). I don't have many photos from our walks, though – they're more like a sprint than a stroll. But I do have a few.

When we meet a dog.

My buddy Vena doesn't see any dogs. Well, he pretends he doesn't. I'll show you what I mean. If we're walking and a dog comes strolling up, he just walks right by without even giving it a sniff or a glance. His eyes are fixed on something else.

Even if we're standing still and the dog approaches, he won't budge. No other dog in sight! But if there's no big dog around, he'll let me know he wants some pets. I'll pick him up and carry him off.

I've never played with dogs or interacted with them before. We always leave the scene after a meet-and-greet. I usually warn the owners that we're not into playing or socializing. Sorry, no playtime for you, but feel free to visit us at home. That's always a good time.

And then snuggle up with all his goodies.

Just like humans and kids.

Over the past two years, Vena has undergone some serious visual changes.

He sleeps until lunchtime. That's amazing. At night, he's a total wild card.

He loves to sleep on his paws and generally on soft surfaces.

My cat's not exactly best buddies with this thing, but they've learned to share the roof. They do run around sometimes, but it's short-lived.

It gets chilly during the fall shoulder season.

This sweater, however, was a total no-go for him.

I'm not sure what Vene doesn't like about it - I'm guessing it's the sleeves. The sweater is stylish, looks great, and I'd totally rock a similar one.

He's not a fan of sharing food. He's a total foodie.

Actually, we even conducted an experiment. He seemed to be done with his bowl, so we replaced it with toys. Guess what? He totally fell for it.

I've seen our pup go to great lengths to make sure no one else gets a bite - he'll eat everything in sight. Check out how closely he's watching them. He's tracking their reactions to make sure they don't attack him for his food.

Sometimes he'll stash his treats away. It looks like he doesn't want to eat them, but just in case, I need to keep them out of reach from the other animals.

Or he'll place them nearby and keep a watchful eye.

Cutting his nails is one thing I've left to the professionals. Although, I could do it myself. But we go to a groomer. Not only is it intimidating - there are other people there. And other dogs. Dogs that he can't even see.)

Check out his face - he looks like he's saying, 'Mom, what's going on? I loved you, trusted you, and you just gave me away to someone?' Some people say he's a bit of a handful. My companion at home. I'm not taking him anywhere else. He only walks down the familiar path and refuses to go any other way. If I need to take him out, I have to carry him. If I put him down, he'll sit there, spin his head around, and memorize our surroundings. He's not going anywhere. You'll either have to carry him or drag him along, which is stressful for him.

Is this dog smart?

This particular dog is really hard to train. Worse than Danya. I've tried to teach him to walk beside me on the left, but he just won't do it. He either walks on the right or goes around me in a circle. He's very willing to give me a paw - or two. Maybe even five. He can sit on command, though. Danya knew more commands and picked them up quickly when he was younger. By the time he was a year old, he was already a pro at basic obedience.

I've got my own take on this world, and this time, I realized that through my dog, there are things in people that just don't change.

This little guy is mine. I miss him so much when I'm away, it's not just a feeling – it's a real ache. I talk to him, tell him how much I love him, and he responds in his own way.

When I came back from my two-week vacation last summer, he was over the moon with excitement. He showered me with kisses, and we settled down to watch a movie together.

I got a pretty unusual dog. He's one-of-a-kind. You might not notice it at first, especially if you're buying a puppy from a different city. But I'm not regretting it – I know we can give him the peace and security he needs.

We don't have young kids who'd bother him or drag him around. I'm confident that we're giving him a good life.

Yes, he's different from most dogs. He doesn't need constant interaction with other animals, or to be taken out for runs several times a day. He's happy with just his home. I remember when two little female dogs came over to visit – he didn't even bother to sniff them. He looked at them warily, let out a single bark, and then relaxed when the door closed behind them.

My other dog, Danik, was a completely different story. He was a people person!

Our beloved dog, aptly named: Kisser! How we learned to write in the bath and ended up being the favorite of all the ladies, aka female dogs

I'm still getting nostalgic thinking about our family member, who was essentially a real male dog. And he smelled amazing his whole life. I can still remember his feel in my hands. My hands remember the way I used to pet him, the way his body would curve. And his scent (he always had a clean, fresh smell coming from his mouth) is still etched in my memory.

Thanks for stopping by to meet our Vasily.

Our dog is one of a kind. He doesn't have to look like other dogs of the same breed. Just like how people have different views on life, we all have our own unique settings and configurations. Our temperaments, personalities, and so much more set us apart.

One day, a total dog lover came over to visit. She thought she could win Vasily over, so she'd lie on the floor, trying to get his attention. She'd inch her way closer, slowly, centimeter by centimeter.

She lay there for a while, trying to get closer to him. It was a pretty funny sight.

But in reality, the result was zero. It's been a while since I've had a dog like Vena, who's getting used to having guests around for a long time or even living with us. However, the distance he keeps gives everyone an idea of his next thought - I don't trust you. It turns out it can happen like that too. I've been living here for a while, and a dog like Vena has never crossed my path before. Everything is always something new for the first time, right?