Taking Care of a Six-Week-Old Chihuahua

Acquire all of your equipment in advance. You need at least two bowls: One for food and one for water. It's smart to have spares as well, especially if you intend to travel with your dog. Metal bowls are easier to clean than plastic ones. Although chihuahuas require minimal grooming, you need a brush to keep the coat clean. And, of course, a leash so you won't lose your chihuahua and dog toys to keep your new pet occupied.

Prepare your home. Before you bring your new pal home, ensure that your home is a safe environment for a young, inquisitive dog. Pay special attention to things that are at puppy-height, such as plants and plugs. Simple steps such as concealing wires and cords in plastic tubing can make your house puppy-friendly. Remove any toxic plants from your house and anything with sharp corners from areas where your puppy will be free to roam.

Investigate your dog's dietary requirements. Small dog breeds grow at a faster rate than large breeds and as a result they require more fat in their diet during the first few months of their life. Decide what type of diet you plan to feed your chihuahua: commercial dry food, commercial wet food, homemade fresh food or a combination of these options. Benefits exist for each, although a homemade diet gives you the advantage of monitoring your dog's nutrition.

Set boundaries from the beginning. If areas of your house are no-go zones, establish this from the start. It's counter-productive to allow your dog free reign if you intend to remove these privileges later. Discourage your dog from entering certain rooms by keeping the door closed. If you find your chihuahua in a dog-free zone, calmly guide him out and close the door. Six weeks old is too young to start obedience training, so focus on prevention rather than correction. Put your dog's collar on when you bring him home, this gets him used to wearing it.

Establish a routine. Dogs thrive on routine; it makes them feel secure. Set feeding times, walk times and bed time. Set aside periods of the day when the dog will be left alone. It's important not to let the dog get too used to human company, especially if you work. The sooner the dog learns that solitude is normal and temporary, the easier he will adjust to being separated from you. If the dog pines, don't reinforce the behavior by responding. Simply ignore pining until it stops, then make contact with the dog. This way your young chihuahua learns that human contact only happens when he is well behaved.

Get your dog used to the grooming equipment before you use it. Let him sniff and investigate the brush, the clippers and any other item you plan to use. Reward and praise him to help him develop a positive relationship with the tools. This helps keep the dog calm when it's time to start grooming.

De-worm your dog regularly. Simply put the tablet in his food. The interval between treatments varies depending on the medication, so always read the packaging.