I need some guidelines on what to expect, mainly. Let’s Begin:

1. Yes, I’m fully aware that it is better to adopt or rescue. I have always rescued my dogs/animals before, but I am ready to have just one from a reputable breeder because I want a chihuahua.

2. Here is my situation: I am going to be moving in with either one or two roommates in August or September. I will (hopefully) have the job that I am looking to receive. This job is at a dog grooming salon and catering business. If I do not get this job, this means that I cannot take my pup to work with me. This means she will be left alone for my shift, but I will come home at lunch time. Is this okay?

3. I am buying a crate, but I am NOT crate training. The crate will stay in the family room as her "den" so that she has someplace to go if she gets tired or fed up with people. However, the puppy’s "space" is going to be in a closet that is about the size of a bathroom. I am putting a baby gate up at the doorway, NOT closing the door. In this room, she will have her bed, food dishes, toys, and her litter box. (I’ll get to that later). I will be placing her in this room at night time and when we are not at home.

4. Yes, I am litter box training my dog. Since I will be living in an apartment complex and the winters get below 0, I believe this is best for a chihuahua. I have done all of my research, and am hoping this will work out suitably.

5. I am not sure about feeding. What times should I feed her? How many times should I feed her? How much should I feed her? What is the best type of puppy food? How about the best type of dog food when she matures? (I have done research on this as well, I have just heard so many different things!) Should she have a feeding schedule when potty training? If so, what should it look like?

6. About treats: What kind of treats are best for training? What about potty training? Will it mess up the feeding schedule?

7. I have a breeder lined up. I THINK I know that she is reputable, however, like I’ve said, I have never done this before. She has ten females and two males. I recently visited her home and there are no kennels, they are kept indoors AND outdoors. (Indoors if it is not nice out, outdoors if it is). All her puppies are raised indoors and are socialized with her five children and with her bigger dogs, as well as with horses and other farm animals. She had 3 litters when I visited, all at different ages. Her pups come with a one year health warranty, first shots, deworming, and a contract saying that the pup will be returned if you no longer want it. She does not give her pups up until they are at least 10 weeks of age. She answered all of my questions without getting angry or impatient. She asked me questions as well. Her pups all looked very healthy and had clean living conditions. Some advice for me from people who have done this before please?

Thank you to all who answer! Please answer if you have experience with chihuahuas and/or breeders. I have done so much research! I have a notebook practically filled with ideas and tips on training, grooming, health issues, etc. of chihuahuas. Just had some questions. Thanks again.
Marie: Thank you for your advice. However, I am litter training my dog. If you actually looked it up, it is better for potty training small dogs. It is not laziness. This is so it will not have to hold it while I am gone or asleep. I am fully aware that it is a dog, not a toy. I am fully aware that it needs to go on walks daily. I’m going to do this. However, if you would look up litter training dogs, instead of just being rude about voicing your opinion, you would see that it is actually a very good alternative.
About the breeder: I know about puppy mills, and she does have quite a few dogs. However, all of her dogs were in great shape physically and were very friendly. Does this mean anything?

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