First day of life photograph.   When this birth picture was taken, my family was worried I would not make it through the night.  I was so very tiny in comparison to my siblings, but I am a fighter and soon proved to everyone that I intended to survive.  Right after this picture was taken, I tried wiggling out of her hands.  I was so very little, and yet so strong.  When nursing, I would climb on top of my siblings to be to Mommy's nipples.  I succeeded too.

I had to be bottle fed.  The story behind this picture is that my Mommy developed "preclampsia" because we were 6 puppies and just totally wore her out. My owners supplemented feedings with Vet-recommended milk, and I nursed very often and very well.  It wasn't the same as Mommy feeding me, but it kept me healthy and strong.

 

My "quiet" space with my Martha Stewart blankie.  As I've grown, oftentimes, I would watch the Martha Stewart show with Mom.  It is only logical that she would buy me a snugly Martha Stewart blanket for my crate.  I love my crate!  This is how Mommy taught me not to go potty inside the house, and also where I like to go when I need some special private time.  It's my own little world and I step inside quite often.  The crate door is kept open 99% of the time, unless Mom is mopping the floor or something.   I'm possessive about my private area though -- I just don't like any other dog inside.  Mom and Dad are working on that.

First day eating solid food -- what a mess that was!  I'll never forget this day --- food!! Yes!! I had some much fun, although I had more food on more paws and body than inside the dish.  :) The nice part about this memory is that there were at least 5 family members watching me it.  Even this young, I loved getting all the attention.  Everyone smile and laughed with glee after I was done eating.  See how happy I look?

 

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Interesting Mini-Article for our Viewers

The Dos And Don'ts Of Chihuahua Paper Training
By Sandra Dean

When you are trying to housebreak your toy breed of dog you will always run in to some challenges along the way. The Chihuahua presents some special problems because they hate the elements and many times will refuse to go outside. Many people turn to Chihuahua paper training as an option but if you do not follow through with continuous housebreaking techniques then the newspaper approach could be a very bad idea. So if you are going to use papers use them as a part of the process and not the entire solution.

As was mentioned before the Chihuahua is not fond of wind, rain, and the cold so when you choose its outside spot make sure it is someplace that is protected from these elements or else your dog may refuse to use that spot. No matter what you do never use physical punishment on your Chihuahua when you are housebreaking it, as that will just develop aggressive and negative behavior.

If you really want to use Chihuahua paper training then remember that it is part of the housebreaking process and not the final solution. The final solution is getting your dog to go outside. Lay some papers in a designated paper area away from the dog's food. A Chihuahua will not go to the bathroom anywhere near it's food or water so be sure to make the two very separate. Lay down layers of papers in a small area that the dog can easily get to.

Get your dog on a regular feeding schedule because this will reduce accidents. If you know when your dog eats then you will know when it needs to relieve itself and that can help immensely in the training. When the dog is done eating, or whenever you notice the dog drinking water, take it to the papers. When it uses the papers praise it and make it understand that the papers are where it can go in the house and the only place that it is allowed to go to the bathroom.

As Chihuahua paper training seems to be working you can start slowly moving the paper area closer and closer to the outside door. Always clean the paper area and leave some soiled paper with it so the dog knows that is the spot to go. As you get closer to the door start laying papers under the door and outside reducing the size of the inside paper spot. Soon your dog should want to go outside to use the papers outside because the area inside is too small to use.

Avoid giving your Chihuahua food and water to eat and drink during the night while it is in its crate, because they cannot go all night without relieving themselves if they are allowed to eat. Just be smart about housebreaking your Chihuahua and the paper method should be effective enough to get your Chihuahua to go do its business outside rather than inside your house.  As a dog lover the Sandra Dean has spent time studying the history of dog breeds. The Chihuahua is a diverse breed suitable for certain types of households. As a bold breed, the Chihuahua is highly protective and loyal of their owners. Knowing Chihuahua information can help you determine if it is a breed right for you.  Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Sandra_Dean