Visiting Chihuahia

[Busderpuddle]

My best friend in the whole world is coming this weekend for 2 days and is bringing her chihuahia (sp?). Ruby has never been around any small dog, except for the one that nipped at her heels on a walk a couple years ago. She was not aggresive with that one at all and I ended up kicking it off of her. We don't take her to dog parks and there are no other dogs on our walks that she is exposed to. So basically, she has never been around dogs of any size.

We were told that she is not cat safe. She shows no reaction to cats when out for a walk however.

So obviously I am worried about this visit. I told my friend that Ruby is not cat safe and that I had no idea how this would go. She said that her dog stays glued to her side at all times.

I know that I will need to muzzle Ruby when they first get here, but any other recommendations ? I would hate for something awful to happen and I just don't know what to expect. Ruby usually lays on her bed at all times. She doesn't even get up when visitors come in. I am afraid this little dog will be a whole different ball game.

Edited May 30, 2014 by Busderpuddle

[Sambuca]

It's a wait and see situation. Muzzle and leash for the introduction. If she is really bad, you'll have to keep them separated. Otherwise you'll have to follow her lead. Let me know if there are issues and I'll help as needed. It's hard to predict and there are so many different reactions that I can't really give advice until I know more.

[GeorgeofNE]

Put the dog in the bedroom and shut the door. It's Ruby's house. Better safe than sorry, and I don't think you should have to put up your dog given it's your house.

[Riverhound]

I found a Shih Tzu a couple months ago, and brought it home on a Thursday. Brees is a cat eater. The first night, she "tasted" the critter while I was holding him (trying to get in the house), so we kept them separated. She drooled at the door and frantically tried to get I with us. We introduced in small doses, keeping the muzzle on Brees, but letting her see and sniff him. By the time we found his people (Sunday?), they were totally fine with each other. I wouldn't have let them run loose together, but the little guy could play with a squeaky while Brees slept on the sofa.

 

I never expected that Brees would be able to adjust to having a "bunny" in the house. Good luck!

[scullysmum]

As Ruby has never really had much socialisation with other dogs it is hard to tell how she might react as there are so many variables. She may not object to a small dog, many greys are just fine with them, some are fine with them on leash but not off, shemay be territorial of her home, which is quite normal but the degree varies from dog to dog.

 

I think this is an excellent opportunity for you to learn a bit more about Ruby, and perhaps if things go well, for Ruby to learn too. As you are fully aware it is a situation that needs careful handling. It may be better for the two dogs to meet for the first time somewhere "neutral", or at least for Ruby as all will be new for the visitor. Wear a muzzle of course, but try to gauge reaction and let them meet without too much fuss, if Ruby's reaction is bad then you have your answer, in my experience with greys what you see is what you get they're not sneaky.

 

If things go well initially then you can head home and re-assess the situation.

 

All of my Greys have been happy to welcome well mannered dogs of all shapes and sizes into their home, even if they needed a bit of persuasion to begin with! Good luck, and let us know how it goes. If nothing else, as I said before it will be a useful learning experience.

[greysandmollie]

I think a lot will depend on how mellow the Chihuahua is....if it is young and in the greyhound's face there could be challenges. They very well may just ignore each other. I have had little and big dogs for a while and never had any problems. There is no fluff with the Chi's so I think the greys see them differently than a cat.

[CharlieRhea]

As Ruby has never really had much socialisation with other dogs it is hard to tell how she might react as there are so many variables. She may not object to a small dog, many greys are just fine with them, some are fine with them on leash but not off, shemay be territorial of her home, which is quite normal but the degree varies from dog to dog.

 

I think this is an excellent opportunity for you to learn a bit more about Ruby, and perhaps if things go well, for Ruby to learn too. As you are fully aware it is a situation that needs careful handling. It may be better for the two dogs to meet for the first time somewhere "neutral", or at least for Ruby as all will be new for the visitor. Wear a muzzle of course, but try to gauge reaction and let them meet without too much fuss, if Ruby's reaction is bad then you have your answer, in my experience with greys what you see is what you get they're not sneaky.

 

If things go well initially then you can head home and re-assess the situation.

 

All of my Greys have been happy to welcome well mannered dogs of all shapes and sizes into their home, even if they needed a bit of persuasion to begin with! Good luck, and let us know how it goes. If nothing else, as I said before it will be a useful learning experience.

I agree that they should meet on neutral ground first. If it doesn't work out does your friend have a crate for the Chihuahua? You want to be able to enjoy your time with your best friend and not worry.

[Busderpuddle]

Great idea having them meet on neutral ground. I will make sure that happens and hadn't thought about that.

I am sure my friend does not have a crate for her dog. She sounds like a pocket dog that doesn't leave her side. I have never met hers.

I am anxious to see how it goes, and a bit terrified. I know greys can be quick, so I will not be turning my back or getting lax about the visit for a second.

We have been considering adding another dog, so this will also help with that decision.

Appreciate the advice.

[Neighsayer]

Do you have an exercise pen you could set up in the living area of your house? I do that when my son's small dog is here for a few days. The dog has water and a bed in there, but can still hang out with the people and big dogs.this may be an alternative to locking it in a room by itself.

[Guest Houston1219]

We were told our dog is not cat safe. Cat testing was the one and only time he has ever laid eyes on a cat, so I have no idea to what extent he failed the test. My little sister stays here when our parents are out of town and brings her 9 pound papillon chihuahua mix. They get along but little Lola tends to keep her distance for the most part.

 

Initially we let then sniff through the screen door with Lola outside. After a few minutes, Lola came in with Houston behind a gate for further sniffing, then they were in the same room, with (very tall) BF holding tiny pup out of reach.

 

( I would recommend a muzzle but for our guy gates are more effective. The minute a muzzle touches his face he drops to the ground and rolls around frantically fighting it off, for as long as it takes or until he collapses crying, totally missing whatever we were trying to introduce lol)

 

By this point Houston had lost interest and Lola had become old news.

[Hubcitypam]

 

 

I think a lot will depend on how mellow the Chihuahua is....if it is young and in the greyhound's face there could be challenges

I totally agree. Chihuahuas can be challenging dogs - that is part of the reason they are second to pit bulls in a lot of pounds in the Southwestern U.S. People get them because it is popular then can't handle them, which sounds funny for such a tiny dog. My personal theory is if Chihuahuas were larger they'd be on some dangerous breed lists. Tons of backyard bred ones with lots of aggression issues.

However. I'm sure you friends dog didn't come from a backyard and she has socialized him or her. Muzzle Ruby and keep a watchful eye on BOTH dogs. It should be fine.

[Busderpuddle]

Ruby does OK with her muzzle on, but I have never left it on for an extended time. I put it on when I trim her nails, just to keep her used to it, no other reason.

Tomorrow is the day and I have to admit I am really nervous. I hope it goes well............. will let you all know.

Thanks again for the ideas on how to go about this.

[Guest Jesse12789]

i say when your friend comes over put your beautiful grey in muzzle keep on a short leash and meet her and her dog outside in neutral territory and see how there initial reaction goes. take it from there.

[3greytjoys]

Good suggestions so far. I agree with a neutral territory introduction, and keeping Ruby muzzled and leashed to you when you get home. Some dogs will jump up to snatch a small animal from someone's arms. Don't let your guard down during your friend's visit. Even if Ruby appears to be small dog friendly at first (not showing much interest, looking away from the little dog, not lip licking, not salivating, not lunging, appearing more interested in lying down than interacting with the visiting dog, etc.); later, a Chi could look like a fun, live stuffie toy. Don't allow the Chi. near Ruby's bed, food/water bowls or toys.

 

If you leave the house leaving your friend's Chi. in a crate, I'd suggest locking the crated visiting dog into another room away from Ruby.

 

(While visiting someone's home many years ago, we had a scary experience when we left our cat safely crated inside their house while we ran out to grab a quick meal. Their large dog (different hunting breed) was placed outside in their yard during this brief absence. That dog jumped through a high window to get back inside the house in an attempt to eat our crated cat. The dog violently attacked the hard plastic crate (leaving many tooth holes) while dragging and rolling the crate all over the house. Our poor cat was terrorized but thankfully, the crate held together well enough to save our cat's life.)

 

Hopefully, all will go smoothly and Ruby will be happy to share her home with a little canine friend. Some hounds appear to recognize and accept the more familiar smell of a dog vs. a cat.