The Chihuahua Puppy Was First to Greet the Relatives at the Door
The front door has just swung open, and a cream Chihuahua puppy is first in line to say hello. She sits on the wooden floor, with her ears perked and a bright, curious face turned up toward the visitors. A smiling woman in a plaid shirt and a green scarf holds a woven bag, and a man in a brown sweater carries a foil-covered dish, with a garland on the door behind them. Coats hang on pegs, boots line the wall, and a pot of autumn flowers sits on a table in the corner.
Chihuahuas are tiny dogs with big personalities, and they tend to bond closely with their families and be alert to anything new. Greeting guests can be exciting or overwhelming for a small puppy, so it helps to teach a calm hello, such as sitting before being petted, and to ask visitors to watch their feet. Little dogs can slip out an open door or be stepped on in the bustle, so closing the door behind guests and keeping the puppy in view is wise. Dishes carried in for the meal should stay out of reach, because many holiday foods are unsafe for dogs. Your vet can help with socialization tips.
She greets everyone as if each arrival were the best news of the day. A welcome like that is the best sort of holiday decoration.
