basic needs

Question
ok, first, i have had my chi for about 1 week, and i want to make sure i'm doing the very best for him, his name is nacho.  I have recieved alot of different advice so i figured, i would ask someone, who pretty much specializes in this type of dog, my first question, is about food, i have an applehead chi, who weighs 10 lbs, what is the best food to give(the brand) and how often do i do it, how much do i give, currently, i'm giving him about 1/4c twice a  day.  I also want to know what is the best way to retrain my chi about my son, for the most part he loves my son
and they interact very well together, however, he growls everytime, my son attempts to sit in my lap.

Answer
Hi Helen...

Congratulations on your new puppy and may you have many, many happy and healthy years together.

My first question to you, Helen, is where did you get this dog and what was he being fed before you got him?  Have you been continuing with the food that he was already accustomed to?  Also, how old is he?  Do you think he's on the heavy side at 10 lbs. or does he look just about right?  Did you have a vet check up when you got him?  And, if so, what did the vet say about his weight? The amount of food you feed will depend on the type of food you feed - the premium, human grade brands of food require that you feed less for optimum nutrition because they don't have all the fillers and junk in them that other grocery story-type brands do.

About your son....  First off, one week is an awfully short period of time to determine that this dog has a behavior issue that needs changing.  Chihuahuas are absolutely notorious for being protective of their owners and displaying jealousy.  While Nacho may get along fine with your son, you are obviously his "chosen" person.  Each one of my Chihuahuas exhibits a bit of jealousy when I'm holding one of the other Chis and I had a Chi one time that really didn't like it at all when my husband hugged me.  She'd never think to bite him, but she just didn't like anyone being closer to me than her. The fact that Nacho likes your son as well as he does is a huge PLUS in my opinion as Chihuahuas are notorious for not liking children and being fearful of them which may culminate in fear biting.  It sounds to me like you're closely observing the situation with your son and your new Chi and I give you huge kudos for that and for asking questions like you are.

Get back to me with answers to the questions asked above and any further questions, okay?!?

Jo Ann