We are currently looking to rehome our chihuahua mix that we received last October from another person. We were all led to believe he would do well in our home, but sadly he is a dog that needs to be the only pet. He is extremely friendly and social when away from home, but at home he is not comfortable with other animals in his space 24/7. He has been fine when other dogs come over or when he has play dates, but he struggles to fully relax and decompress with another dog constantly around. He is a loving and sweet 7 year old boy who is fixed and up to date on all vaccinations. We have his medical records available and he will be coming with absolutely everything we own for him including food, crate, treats, jackets, carseat, etc. He is wonderful with children always and is social and friendly to dogs when he is able to take a break between interactions. He just is not compatible with living with another dog full time, which we have an established dog prior to taking him that he is now going after.
Pet's Name:
Omar
Dog: Primary Breed:
Chihuahua
Primary Breed (if not in list):
Mix
Birthdate (an estimate is okay):
07/2018
Age Category:
Senior
Where did you get your pet?:
Online
Was this pet ever in a shelter, rescue, or foster program? If yes, please provide details.:
No
Adoption Day (when did you adopt your pet? An estimate is okay.):
October 2025
Gender:
Male
Size (at full-grown):
Small
Approximate adult weight in pounds (number only):
12
Primary Color:
Cream
What are your pet's favorite toys and activities?:
He loves sniffing everything in sight and taking long naps beside his humans. He doesn't show much interest in toys, but has enjoyed homemade puzzles for meals (food in boxes he can tear, wrapped in towels, etc)
Has your dog received any formal obedience training?:
No
What commands does your dog know?:
He knows sit and leave it only.
How does your dog react to being left alone for short periods?:
He is perfectly fine and content in his cage.
Are there any specific triggers that cause your dog anxiety or stress?:
Constant exposure to other free-roaming animals and tall people with masks/hoods hiding their face he will bark at. He is typically extremely calm, happy, and quiet outside of those situations.
Is there a daily routine that works well for your dog (feeding, walking, sleep)?:
No need for a strict routine for anything besides potty breaks. He came to us untrained and does love to mark, so the first few weeks he had a belly band until he stopped marking and he is on a potty schedule of every 2-3 hours. He will not go while left alone in his crate for longer than that, but will if he is roaming and out.
Medical History and Care:
Vaccinations up to date
Spayed or Neutered
House/Litter-Trained
Microchipped
Special Diet
Special Needs
Never Vetted
Unknown
Does your pet have any history of health issues or medical conditions that potential adopters should be aware of?:
Clean bill of health including recent extensive blood panel done. The only medical concern he might have is eventually needing a dental.
Has your dog ever been diagnosed with or treated for any of the following? (Please check all that apply, even if your dog has fully recovered. This helps us provide the best support for future families.):
Allergies (environmental or food-related)
Anaplasmosis (tick-borne)
Anxiety Issues
Arthritis or Joint Pain
Canine Distemper
Chronic Ear Infections
Dental Disease
Ehrlichiosis (tick-borne)
Heartworm
Influenza
Kennel Cough
Leptospirosis
Lipomas, Cysts, or Other Lumps/Bumps
Lyme Disease
Parvovirus
Seizures
Skin Conditions
Vaccine Reactions
Other
Additional notes about your dog’s health history::
He has had UTIs
Has your dog ever shown any challenging behaviors, such as biting a person or another pet? If so, please share some context.:
Resource guarding with food especially, and it only takes place inside our apartment. He did well with another dog when living in a large house with a yard he could spend all day in, but that dog did not particularly like him so he stayed away. Our dog is extremely friendly and rather submissive, which we fear has fed into his guarding as now he likes being the only dog in the room at any given time.
How often does your dog require grooming (e.g., bathing, brushing, trimming)? :
We usually bathe once a month. He gets allergy friendly medicated shampoo and oatmeal conditioner. He is great for his nails, ears, and teeth being brushed and only gets a bit nervous with high velocity dryers- but he still stands still and dries wonderfully. He does sometimes need anal glands expressed and will show that by scooting. He also does sometimes need a sanitary shave below his tail and a small trim to the fur on his snout to keep it out of his eyes.
Does your dog have a dental care routine (e.g., brushing, chews, professional cleanings)?:
He gets dental powder in his food daily and weekly teeth brushing. He will need a professional dental cleaning in the future.
Personality:
Playful
Constant Companion
High Energy
Medium Energy
Low Energy
Stubborn
Timid
Needs Training
Friendly to Strangers
Good with Other Dogs
Good with Young Children
Good with Cats
Bonded Pair
Requires A Fenced Yard
Crate Trained
Purebred
How is your dog with other dogs?:
Friendly: Generally gets along well with other dogs.
How is your dog with cats?:
Not sure: Haven't had enough interaction to determine.
What's the most endearing thing about your dog?:
He is so content to just lay with you. His favorite thing is to bury himself underneath the comforter at night with my special needs seven year old. He absolutely adores kids.
What criteria are important to you when considering an adoptive family or home for your pet?:
He needs to be the only pet and expect an adjustment for potty training. He came to us not potty trained at all, so he does occasionally have an accident and will be sent with belly bands to help with his marking the first few weeks
Is there anything else you'd like your pet's new family to know?:
His history is limited but suspected he came from abuse and life in a cage. He had feces and urine caked into his butt when abandoned with who he got him from, and he shows strong behaviors indicating he had food and water withheld from him. The easiest way to win his trust is to give him a treat, and as soon as he gets that he immediately is warmed up.
Why are you rehoming your pet (primary reason)?:
Incompatible with Other Pets
Details about rehoming reason (if needed):
Because our established dog is very submissive and non confrontational, he has taken every opportunity to chase him out of the room to assure that he is the only pet. He would clearly be much happier in a home where he gets all the attention and has a place to potty outside that other dogs can't get to.
If applicable, do you have the legal right or necessary permission from the breeder or rescue organization to rehome this pet? :
Not Applicable
Yes
How long will you be able to keep your pet before you may need to consider surrendering him or her to a rescue?:
Two weeks
Would you consider a long-distance adoption?:
Yes
No
Maybe
City, State:
Wheaton, IL
Zip Code:
60189
How did you hear about us?:
Rescue/Shelter
Service Level:
Courtesy Listing: Self-Managed (Free)