Tender loving

[snoopydogg]

Is it possible to show too much love for your dog? Will it affect their behaviour in the long run?

I have a little Chihuahua and being so small, it is easy to carry him around and baby him. I want him to get some independence but he is not even a year old and just so darn cute. People are always petting him and he has constant attention.

I also do not want to turn out like this guy in the video, a little extreme for even me.

http://www.gib.ca/interventions/ click on the Chihuahua video

Let me know your thoughts are please.

 

[SmexyPibble]

As long as he's a submissive dog and not showing any aggresion, it's fine. But if he is, you'd need to assert your "bossy-ness"

 

[Maxy24]

I think you can show your dog as much affection as you want but should not allow him to get away with bad behavior. That means don't give him attention if he begs for it because some day he'll want it and you'll be tired or busy and he might just loose his temper and bite you because he is not getting his way like he always does. He still needs to be trained and walked, on the ground, on a leash, not carried everywhere. He needs to be able to play with other dogs and such, he can be loved but he still needs everything a big dog needs including rules that need to be followed.

Please don't reward bad behavior like barking, begging or growling by petting or picking up your dog, (even if you are trying to "comfort" him) that could lead to an aggressive dog or a very annoying dog, that's how Chihuahuas get the reputation as snappy yippy little dogs.

 

[SmexyPibble]

Agree with Erin completely ^^

 

[Paige]

I think you can. Love your dog as much as you want but spoiling certain dogs can lead to creating jerks. If I spoiled my dog Bandit he'd be a right arse. If I spoiled my mother two they'd be just as lovely as they are now. It depends all on the individual dog.

They still need to be dogs though.

 

[Dekka]

There is a big difference between love and spoiling.

For example lets say Dekka is feeling very needy and wants attention NOW. I will make her do something first (like a few tricks) and then give her lots of attention (if I am not busy). If I just gave her the attention for nothing she would be spoiled. But she knows she has to say 'please' if she wants something.

So no I don't think you can give any dog too much love.

 

[lizzybeth727]

I agree, you can never love your dog too much.

But of course, spoiling is another story.