How Do You Adopt a Long Haired Chihuahua in California?
The adoption process is relatively simple, but it does typically require you to fill out an application and attend in-person meetings. These measures are in place so that the shelter can properly assess your suitability for the rescue pup.
Here’s a quick overview of what you can expect:
- You’ll be given an adoption application to fill out. It’ll usually ask you questions about your lifestyle and home environment, like whether you rent or have any previous dog care experience.
- If your application is approved, you’ll need to attend an in-person interview with the shelter staff. You will also have an opportunity to meet your soon-to-be companion during this time.
- Some shelters will then arrange a home visit to check that your living environment matches what you’ve described in your application.
- If it all checks out — and the rescue pup is deemed the right fit — the shelter will arrange a date for you to take them home. You’ll also be provided information regarding their care, training, and other needs.
You can specify in the application that you’re interested in adopting a long haired Chihuahua.
Long Haired Chihuahuas For Adoption in California
How Much Does It Cost to Adopt a Long Haired Chihuahua in California?
Adoption is significantly cheaper than buying a puppy from a breeder. Most rescue shelters charge an adoption fee between $50 and $350, which covers expenses such as food, vaccinations, and petrol for home visits.
Do note though that some shelters charge a higher price for puppies.
How Should I Train a Long Haired Chihuahua?
Long haired Chihuahuas are incredibly intelligent. They can learn practically any command you can imagine, from basic obedience cues to advanced tricks like item retrieval or “rollover.”
However, training can still be fairly challenging because of their stubborn streaks — they aren’t afraid to make it known that they would rather be doing other things if they get bored or distracted during training! They’re also notoriously slow to housebreak.
A positive, consistent training approach will set long haired Chihuahuas up for success, and food-based rewards can usually motivate even the most stubborn pup.
Never use punishments while training long haired Chihuahuas. These measures have been proven time and time again to be ineffective in the long term. In some cases, punishments can even cause Chihuahuas to become aggressive or engage in destructive behaviors.
If you’re not sure where to start, check out Dog Academy’s online reward-based training courses. Each course has been carefully built by professional trainers and is suitable for beginners.
Find the Right Long Haired Chihuahua in California for You
Adopting a long haired Chihuahua won’t just provide you with a fur-ever companion who’ll be with you through thick and thin; it’ll also allow you to help a dog in need and support your local rescue shelter.
While our guide above outlines the long haired Chihuahua’s common traits and care needs, keep in mind that every dog is different — don’t commit to a particular pup before you’ve familiarized yourself with their personality, health, and age. This will give you the best chance at finding a pup that’s right for you and your home.