Chins & New Dog

[MyFuzzies]

So, I'm watching a dog for a friend of mine at my apartment. He's not aggressive at all, but is naturally curious about the chins. I keep him away from their cages the best I can and usually I'll fuss at him and he'll move on to something else. Of course the chins sleep during the day and I take the dog to my room with me at night, but during the day they're staying at the highest part of their cages possible. Natural prey behavior, of course.

Tonight for playtime, I put the dog upstairs in my room with the door closed and none of the chins seem to want to come out to play They'll wander out of their cages, but won't go too far. I guess I'm wondering how long they'll behave this way while he is here?? I was thinking maybe I should move them all upstairs to my room, but I don't want to make their stress worse in doing that.

Reggie isn't a big dog, he's medium sized and still very much a puppy...7 months old. Will the chins be ok with this or should I have my Mom watch the dog until my friend comes back??

***As I'm typing this, they're roaming further away from their cages and acting crazy as they usually do LOL***

 

[daistarya]

If youre asking if you can let the chins and dog out together. Please no! You never know what can happen. Dogs are predators by nature. Additionally the dog could carry an illness to your chins. I would keep them separate.

If you mean just that they are acting wary. Well they probably smell him or can see him and are worried. Just keep the chin room door closed and let the dog in the rest of the house while you are watching him.

 

[MyFuzzies]

Oh NO NO I would never let the chins out with the dog!!!!! They just seem very weary and I don't want the dogs presence to stress them out too much. I know other chin owners have dogs...is this normal behavior and will they begin to relax a bit??

 

[3CsMommy]

In my limited experience, any time something in a chinchilla's environment changes drastically, they revert to more cautious behavior until they figure out the new thing. Example: It took most of a week for our guys to go back to normal after we got the new couch.

 

[staceylwolf]

Additionally the dog could carry an illness to your chins. I would keep them separate.

What illness can the dog pass to the chins? Just curious.

 

[staceylwolf]

I know other chin owners have dogs...is this normal behavior and will they begin to relax a bit??

I have two dogs, one 12 pounds and one that's 200 pounds. From the day I brough my chins home they have loved the dogs. My big dog is eye level with the top part of the cage and when he walked up to the cage, Patch will run over to greet him. But then my little dog will chase her big brother away. She's decided it's her mission to keep all other animals away from the chins cage and protect them. The chins have never stressed at all having them around, and they both came from homes without dogs. I'd give it another day or two, how long will you have the dog?

 

[mishellyshel]

My dog often hops on the couch or goes right up their cage. They seem entertained by her. She is a barker and they dont even flinch. When they are in playtime in the bathroom with me, she is sniffin at the door and my older one is right there sniffin back.

i dont think tabitha was going to let her dog play with them, i think she was concerned cause they werent acting normal since the dog was there.

if its only a week, i would wait it out and take care of the dog like you commited and then give your chinnies extra attention when the puppy is gone. that is just what i would do. every situation is different and that may not work for you.

 

[MyFuzzies]

Thanks for the feedback everyone! The chins seem to be a little more relaxed today...they're coming down on the lower levels of their cage as Reggie sits and watches with his head cocked sideways trying to figure them out LOL. My little Gideon has no fear of the dog, of course! He sits on a ledge right at eye level with the dog and they sniff each other...but knowing my Gideon, I honestly think he could take the dog head on in a fight :laughitup:

I'm greatful that Reggie is not a big barker as I haven't heard him bark once, only whine because he wants to play with the chins...silly boy. He actually plopped down on the floor in front of the cages earlier for a little nap...it was very cute. There's been no other signs of stress on the chins as in runny poo, not eating or any other odd behavior other than being more cautious of Reggie's presence.

The original plan was for Reggie to be here for about 10 days, but I got a phone call this morning from his owner asking if I could keep him longer than originally planned. Hmmm, I'm wondering if Reggie is going to become a "permanent" member of my family...I can be gullable at times LOL. He is a very good dog with a big heart and so far I have no regrets opening my door to him.

Thanks again for all the feedback!!