Submitted by: Joshua McNiel

Chihuahuas are notorious for being hard to train. Unfortunately, those that try to train Chihuahuas usually aren’t trained in training dogs themselves! This makes the breed difficult only in rumor. When you start with a young puppy and exercise patience, you can definitely train your Chihuahua to be the best companion possible.

When training your Chihuahua, you must always use gentle correction methods. Never hit, slap or kick your puppy. This will only make things worse! Your Chihuahua is very sensitive and can become fearful if you use negative reinforcement. Chihuahuas who are afraid will become nippy and high-strung.

The first thing you need to do when you get your Chihuahua is to make sure you properly socialize your puppy. Proper socialization ensures that your Chihuahua isn’t needlessly high-strung or afraid of everything. You must start this training early. As soon as you get your puppy, begin walking him and taking him out with you daily. Also, let your puppy ride in your car as often as possible. This way, they will be used to traveling if needed. Invite people over your house and let them interact with your Chihuahua. Your puppy will get used to many different types of people.

Second, housetrain your Chihuahua puppy by taking him outside after every meal, and offering him praise when he “does his business” outside. When your Chihuahua has an accident indoors, quickly move him to the outdoors and praise him while outdoors. Also, use a crate when you leave the house with your Chihuahua. As cute as they are, your Chihuahua does not belong in your bed or on your furniture without your permission. Using a crate with your Chihuahua will reinforce your position as “alpha dog” of the pack. Also, your Chihuahua will have a “safe place” inside their crate.

Third, Chihuahuas are known as whiners. First make sure they are not hurt or sick when they begin whining. If they are whining purely for attention, don’t give in! Pay attention to your puppy when he isn’t whining. If you pay even the smallest amount of attention to them when they are whining or barking, this will reinforce this behavior and you’ll never stop them!

Finally, when your puppy begins to nip your hands, stop playing with him and walk away. This will reinforce that if they bite you, you will stop paying attention to them. If you continue playing after they’ve nipped you, they learn that their biting is okay. This can be very dangerous when they grow older and have more destructive power. After a minute or so, it’s okay to return playing with them as long as they don’t nip again.

Chihuahuas can be very persistent in their misbehavior. The best thing to remember is to always be patient with your puppy or new Chihuahua. If you need to, there’s nothing wrong with walking away from a naughty dog until you can properly correct them! But never hit, slap or kick your Chihuahua. Just one incident of abuse can destroy your Chihuahua’s sense of trust and safety. Good luck!

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