Submitted by: Joshua McNiel(1,044) Log in to become a member of Joshua McNiel's Fan Club!
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!
Disclaimer: All information on this site is
provided for informational purposes only! By no means is any
information presented herein intended to substitute for the advice
provided to you by any health care or other professional or
organization.
