? involving Chihuahuas

[Radar_Love]

Radar has been with us for over a year now. He came from a home full of Chihuahuas. But, since we've had him, I've noticed that he's not all that active. He'd rather just sleep, which he does pretty much all day. He'll play with us, but after a few minutes, he'll just lay down. I am thinking that maybe he misses being with other Chihuahuas. Could that be the case? Has anyone else had this experience?

[Punkygirl0101]

Chihuahuas are toy dogs, and toy dogs purpose was to simply be companions. I noticed my chihuahua Lucy is the same way...very lazy, and sleepy. I got her off the street when she was starving.

My other chihuahua mixes are mixed with terriers...which makes them active, but my pure chihuahua is a very inactive little girl.

I think its just normal for them to be that way...they were not bred to have a job to do.

Dogs are pack animals, so it could be he doesn't get enough time with other dogs? How often does he socialize with other dogs of any breed?

[Cassiepeia]

I disagree. Although my Jesse is very lazy now (due to bad health and old age) he would would happily venture on hour long walks with me into town and back when I lived in the country (and he was 5yrs old when I adopted him). He was constantly exploring and wandering about, only snoozing away when he was tired.

Most dogs will sleep all day if they have nothing to do, perhaps getting involved in some activity would help? Even if it's just going hiking (or the suburban equivilent). Agility classes might be fun though. Chihuahuas do compete in agility and obedience successfully and they really enjoy the activity.

Your Chi, although he may miss having other dogs around, might just need to you to find the right activity for him.

Cass.

[Punkygirl0101]

Whats there to disagree with? I didn't say Chihuahua's don't need exercise, just stated they were not bred to have a job...such as border collies, etc were.

[Swiftwind]

Maybe he needs to do something more stimulating. What kinds of games do you play with Radar? Do you take him to the park and let him socialise with other dogs?

My Chihuahua, Abby, will sleep all day if allowed (she is living with an old JRT who doesn't have much energy these days so he sleeps quite a bit), but she will 99% of the time be up for a game if we try and get her to play. She loves fetching (soft toys, balls, sticks) and can do so for hours. She's also been on plenty of walks that are more than 2 hours long walks. I thought I should mention that she's 6 1/2 years old.

I would try and find some activity that would really grab Radar's attention - something that makes him think, but is also fun. Cass's suggestion of something like agility might just be the thing to get him out of bed!

[Shadowkins]

I agree with Cass, your pup may simply be bored and sleeping his day away. Mind you it may not hurt to have him checked over by your vet too, just to eliminate any possible health concerns. Thyroid problems can cause a dog to be very lethargic as can many other problems...once that is eliminated you won't have any concerns.

[Swiftwind]

Originally Posted by Shadowkins

Thyroid problems can cause a dog to be very lethargic as can many other problems...once that is eliminated you won't have any concerns.

I have a dog who has hypothyroidism (not my Chihuahua) and it made him so lethargic. Some signs that hint towards an underactive thyroid glad is patches of fur falling out (especially at the base of the tail and tip of the tail), weight gain, tiredness, dog becomes a bit grouchy, everyday activities like walking up steps is hard for the dog. It's hard to detect if a dog has hypothyroidism, however there is treatement for the condition (but no cure).

[calgal]

My 15 year old Chihuahua, Delsi, never played with toys or the Bostons I had. She has always been what we call a *dead-head*. We love her anyway. Libby, the little 3 month old Chihuahua I got out of the pound and found a great home for, played herself silly with my two Yorkies and was as outgoing as she could be. Now however she seems to be different. I don't see her as outgoing as she was, but then maybe she misses her partner in crime (Azrael)

[Cassiepeia]

Punkygirl...You said that Chihuahuas are inactive and you believe, because they weren't bred as working dogs, that this is the way they're suppose to be.
It is that that I disagree with. Walks, hikes and agility are not activities one simply undertakes to exercise a dog. Exercise is not the topic here...activities, that will interest and excite a Chihuahua, are.

Cass.

[Radar_Love]

Well, we aren't able to socailize Radar much due to the fact that we move from place to place ALOT. We're rarely at home, and we're usually in hotels. Although, he does get to play with David's co-worker's Westie. Being at home, we stay with my In-Laws and there JRT mix. Not to mention the neighbor's two little dogs that come over. He loves the dogs at home, and is constantly running around the house and playing. So, he gets lots of socialization there. But, being out of state, I stray away from strange people and dogs. I am beginning to think that maybe he is missing the dog to dog interaction.

We will be moving in our new house in February and picking up the new Chi. So, after we move in, he'll have more dog interaction that what he is getting now. And, hopefully be more active.

[Cassiepeia]

You should try taking him to doggy daycare in the areas you visit, it's a good way for him to get supervised socialisation.

Cass.

[IceyBlueSibes]

Originally Posted by Cassiepeia

You should try taking him to doggy daycare in the areas you visit, it's a good way for him to get supervised socialisation.

Cass.

Excellent idea Cass.

I work at a doggy day care, and I can tell you that it's probably one of the greatest things you could do for your dog. They get to play all day to their hearts content, and there are usually the "regulars" that come in every week day, and you will always have a "new comer" or one that doesn't come too often. All of the chi's I have met at work, are soooo so friendly and love the attention from people and other dogs.

Doggy day care would be a great investment

[TinyAlbinoDancer]

Is he still lethargic when you try to play with him? Or when he's engaged in an activity like going for a walk? If you suspect he's lethargic rather than bored I would get him to the vet asap. Chi's are known for heart issues, which would cause persistent tiredness and lack of energy.

[Cassiepeia]

That's a good idea TAD. My boy has heart issues and that's exactly what he's like.
If he coughs a bit that can be a sign of a heart problem too (in addition to the lack of energy).

Cass.

[Radar_Love]

When we go out for a walk or have some playtime, he's very active. There are times that he runs around the room like a wild dog. He gets very excited over going out and playing with us. He only sleeps when we are indoors. It's alittle weird. When he's outside, you'd never know how inactive he usually is.

When it comes to Doggy Day Care. To be honest, I don't like the thought of dropping him off with a bunch of strange people and dogs. Especially when we are 2000 miles from home and know no one. Most of the towns we stay in arent exactly pet friendly, and think dogs are outdoor creatures and shouldnt be indoors. We have yet even hear of a dogpark nonetheless doggie day care out here.