INTRODUCING NEW CHIHUAHUA TO OUR CHIHUAHUA

Question
WE HAVE A FEMALE CHIHUAHUA SINCE SHE WAS A PUPPY, SHE IS ALMOST 3 YRS OLD. WE WANTED TO GET A FRIEND FOR HER SO WE ADOPTED A 2 YR OLD FEMALE CHIHUAHUA. WE BROUGHT HER HOME YESTERDAY AND SHE HATES (GROWLS AND SNAPS AT MY HUSBAND) ALSO OUR CHIHUAHUA TRIES TO SNIFF HER AND THE NEW ONE GROWLS AND SHOWS HER TEETH. I AM SCARED THE NEW ONE MIGHT BE MEAN, OR IS SHE JUST SCARED? OUR CHIHUAHUA THAT WEVE HAD LOVES EVERYONE, EVEN STRANGERS. DO YOU HAVE ANY ADVISE ABOUT CHIHUAHUAS LIVING TOGETHER AND THEN ALSO HER FEELINGS ABOUT MY HUSBAND?
THANKS SO MUCH!!!!

Answer
Well here is the thing, females tend to be very dominate in chihuahuas. Usually it is recommended if male-female, male-male, because when you have 2 females together they tend to want to be the leader. With that being said now that you have the 2 ladies how can we get some peace! Females usually bond with one person, but you can get them to work with others. First with your husband, have the chi on the ground and both you and your husband on the floor, have him offer her a treat she loves and see if she takes it..no forcing, no speaking...just very nonchalantly offer a treat. If she gets aggressive just leave her alone, as for you do not pick her up. She might feel it is her job to protect YOU her property...have him feed her the meals, you do nothing. Does this make sense? By having him the be the "ruler" so to speak without forcing anything she has a choice of either participating or not getting attention or food! They are stubborn but they do catch on quick! If she growls around him are you holding her? Make sure if she does this to put her on the floor and ignore her, by scolding or sympathizing you are rewarding the behavior, we don't want that. It's a simple "Oh your growling...on the floor you go and we will ignore you" And it will be hard because they are so cute, but it's for their own good.

As for the other chi, when introducing them make sure you can do it outside maybe? And just let them sniff, talk to your husband like nothing is going on...remember this is key because they can sense apprehension. Some will never be best friends, but we want some type of piece...give it time, she just got there and they have to establish pack order. You will hear growling, baring of teeth, but as long as one doesn't hurt another it is normal. If this does occur (they are in a real fight hurting each other) separate the two and seek assistance from a trainer as you then will have a serious behavior issue.

I don't think that is the issue, she is just new to a new place...it will take time..Don't give up!

I hope that helps!