In anticipation of the [kwlink ]Beverly Hills Chihuahua[/kwlink] 2 DVD and Blu-ray release on February 1, we have some fun parenting tips from Papi to share with you – plus, a sneak peek and a film clip below.
Papi’s Parenting Tips
Papi faces fatherhood in Beverly Hills Chihuahua 2 – and it’s his toughest challenge yet! How does the doggy dad handle life with his pups? Well, he follows his very own set of parenting tips…
TIP ONE: ASK AWAY…
Papi says: “This dad business is harder than I thought. I should’ve read the manual – or at least some books! Don’t be scared to ask your friends and family for help or advice. After all, that’s what they’re here for. Oh, and invest in some parenting books. Every snippet of advice helps.”
TIP TWO: FOLLOW YOUR HEART…
Papi says: “Any mutt can have puppies, but it takes a real dog to be a father and that’s why my top piece of advice is simple: follow your heart. Fatherhood is more nerve-wracking than a trip to the vet, but you learn as you go along. Keep your chin up and your ears open – and embrace parenthood with an open heart.”
TIP THREE: PLAY AWAY…
Papi says: “It’s important to get active as a family, so put some time aside for outdoor activities and off-leash fun. Head to the beach, pool, garden or dog park with your litter – and play away. Get active, everyone!”
TIP FOUR: PAINT A PERFECT PUP PICTURE!
Papi says: “Art activates the creative part of the brain. Well, that’s what my friend Delgado tells me. Non-toxic paints for toddlers are great.”
TIP FIVE: PLAN SOME STORY TIME…
Papi says: “I’m always telling the puppies stories. It sometimes gets me into trouble with Chloe, but it’s a wonderful way to get the youngsters thinking. My family is descended from an ancient line of proud warriors and my little ones learn about their history when I tell them tales about our Aztec roots. Everyone loves a story – especially the pups.”
TIP SIX: FOOD FOR THOUGHT…
Papi says: “Get your children interested in healthy foods from an early age by offering them colorful and healthy chow like fresh fruit and vegetables. We prefer dog food, but you get the picture. Holy guacamole!”
TIP SEVEN: MORNING MAYHEM…
Papi says: “Does your kennel get messy in the morning? Well, don’t start the day off on the wrong paw… Give your children breakfast in their pajamas. If they spill anything, they don’t have to change their clean school clothes. It’s paw-fect!”
Courtesy of Click Communications
TIP EIGHT: PREPARE FOR RAINY DAYS…
Papi says: “You can’t go to the dog park if it’s raining outside, but that doesn’t mean you can’t have a fun adventure. Why not have an indoor picnic? Place a blanket in an unusual corner of the house, sit down as a family and eat there. The tails will be wagging in no time!”
TIP NINE: SNACK ATTACK!
Papi says: “Do you live life on the run? Don’t worry! Always keep a healthy snack with you for the little ones in case of an emergency. No unhealthy fast food is needed if you keep some fruit or rice cakes with you at all times. Or a doggy treat, of course.”
TIP TEN: EAT BEFORE SHOPPING…
Papi says: “Never go grocery shopping on an empty stomach – and make sure your little one has eaten, too. A fed youngster will make a much better Chihuahua companion at the shops – and this will also save you heaps of money too.”
TIP ELEVEN: TAKE A BAG OF TRICKS…
Papi says: “Heading out for a family meal or a long journey? Pack a small bag of toys, travel-size games or coloring-in and dot-to-dot booklets along with crayons and pencils. Keep the puppies occupied and they won’t get bored and restless.”
TIP TWELVE: BUY AN APRON…
Papi says: “I love getting dirty, but my special señorita, Chloe, is not so keen. That’s why I think we should invest in a full-length apron that covers her from top to bottom. If one of the pups is sick or the food goes flying at meal times, at least she won’t have to change outfits or waste time cleaning up. Plus, nobody is in the doghouse!”
TIP THIRTEEN: COLOR-CODED CUTIES…
Papi says: “Got more than one youngster in your litter? We have different colored collars on our pups to help tell them apart easily. Associate a color with each of your little ones and dress them accordingly. It doesn’t have to be an entire outfit; just a colored accessory like a dummy or bottle top will do the trick.”
TIP FOURTEEN: WATCH SOME TV…
Papi says: “Movies and TV shows can be good conversation starters for a young family – and they often lead to fun family discussions. Pop on a DVD every once in a while and watch together as a family. Our top tip? Beverly Hills Chihuahua 2, of course!”
TIP FIFTEEN: HAVE FUN…
Papi says: “Take time out to enjoy the pups in your life. Throw a dance contest or a backyard race; set up random treasure hunts around the house; hold a teddy bear or doll party… Have fun with the little ones, enjoy yourself and get the whole gang’s tails wagging. That’s what family life is all about. Aye Chihuahua!”
