Dog problems-

[Betty]

Ok doggie experts - this thread has inspired me to ask my own question.

Why does our chihuahua try to make a break for it every time the front door is opened? He'll slip out and run at breakneck speed stopping only to pee on the way... and he'll stop only long enough for one of the kids to close in on him and he's off again. I'm afraid he's going to get run over on one of these escapades.

Is he not getting out enough? not enough excersize? He's just a little guy and I know he doesn't need as much excersize as a big dog does. I swear - he's a little lap sitter / couch sleeper for the vast majority of the day.

[JWBear]

Originally Posted by Betty

Ok doggie experts - this thread has inspired me to ask my own question.

Why does our chihuahua try to make a break for it every time the front door is opened? He'll slip out and run at breakneck speed stopping only to pee on the way... and he'll stop only long enough for one of the kids to close in on him and he's off again...

OK... Did anyone else start hearing I Want To Break Free by Queen in their head while reading this?


Anyone?


No?


Just me then...

[Not Afraid]

Originally Posted by Betty

Ok doggie experts - this thread has inspired me to ask my own question.

Why does our chihuahua try to make a break for it every time the front door is opened? He'll slip out and run at breakneck speed stopping only to pee on the way... and he'll stop only long enough for one of the kids to close in on him and he's off again. I'm afraid he's going to get run over on one of these escapades.

Is he not getting out enough? not enough excersize? He's just a little guy and I know he doesn't need as much excersize as a big dog does. I swear - he's a little lap sitter / couch sleeper for the vast majority of the day.

He does it because playing chase is a FUN game! He loves it when you chase him and he has no idea that a car tire is going to smash him one day.

He needs to learn the "come" command. This is a touch one for dogs that are easily distracted. Thurston STILL doesn't always listen and Kimchi - well, we're working on her.

You may need to keep him on a leash in the house for a while and, when you open the door, step on his leash when he tries to make a run for it giving a command at the same time.

[Betty]

Originally Posted by Not Afraid

You may need to keep him on a leash in the house for a while and, when you open the door, step on his leash when he tries to make a run for it giving a command at the same time.

This is a great tip! We'll try it.