If you’re considering getting a Chihuahua, you may have heard that they are notoriously difficult to train. While this is partly true, it’s important to understand that with patience and consistency, you can successfully train your Chihuahua.
Chihuahuas are small dogs with big personalities, which can make training a bit of a challenge. They can be stubborn and independent, and may not always respond to traditional training methods. However, they are also intelligent and quick learners, so with the right approach, you can teach your Chihuahua to behave appropriately.
Positive reinforcement techniques, such as rewarding good behavior with treats and praise, are often the most effective way to train a Chihuahua. It’s also important to establish yourself as the pack leader and set clear boundaries from the start. By being consistent and patient, you can help your Chihuahua become a well-behaved and obedient companion.
Table of Contents
The Easiest Things to Train a Chihuahua On
Training a Chihuahua can be challenging, but some things are easier to train them on than others. Here are some of the easiest things to train your Chihuahua on:
- Potty Training: While it may take some time, Chihuahuas can be potty trained with consistency and patience. Take them outside frequently, and reward them with treats and praise when they go potty outside.
- Sit: Teaching your Chihuahua to sit is a great first command to start with. Hold a treat above their head and slowly move it back, which will cause them to sit down. Repeat this command and reward them each time they sit.
- Crate Training: Crate training can be an effective way to keep your Chihuahua safe and secure when you’re not home. Start by placing treats and toys in the crate and leave the door open. Once they’re comfortable going in and out, gradually increase the amount of time they spend in the crate.
Remember to keep training sessions short and positive, and always use positive reinforcement. With patience and consistency, your Chihuahua can learn a variety of commands and behaviors.
Sources: Spire Pet
The Hardest Tricks and Skills to Train a Chihuahua
Training a Chihuahua can be challenging, but with patience and consistency, you can teach them a variety of tricks and skills. However, some tricks and skills may be more difficult than others.
Here are some of the hardest tricks and skills to train a Chihuahua:
- Walking on a Leash: Chihuahuas tend to pull on the leash, and it can be challenging to teach them to walk calmly beside you. Start by using a harness instead of a collar and gradually introduce them to walking on a leash.
- Staying Calm: Chihuahuas can be high-strung and easily excitable, making it difficult for them to stay calm in certain situations. Teach them to relax by using calming techniques, such as deep breathing exercises or massage.
- Obedience Training: Chihuahuas can be stubborn and independent, making obedience training a challenge. Use positive reinforcement techniques, such as treats and praise, to encourage good behavior.
- Socialization: Chihuahuas can be wary of strangers and other dogs, making socialization an important skill to teach them. Start by introducing them to new people and dogs in a controlled environment, and reward them for good behavior.
Sources: – The Happy Puppy Site – The Halo Pets
Training a Chihuahua Yourself vs Hiring a Trainer vs Joining a Program
Training a Chihuahua can be a challenging task, but it is also a rewarding experience. There are different options available when it comes to training your Chihuahua, including training them yourself, hiring a professional trainer, or joining a training program.
Each option has its pros and cons, and you should choose the one that best suits your needs and preferences.
DIY
If you decide to train your Chihuahua yourself, you will need to be patient and consistent. You will also need to have the necessary knowledge and skills to train your dog effectively. There are many resources available online and in books that can help you with this task.
You will need to dedicate time every day to training your Chihuahua, and you will need to be consistent with your commands and rewards.
Hiring a Pro
Hiring a professional trainer is another option to consider. A professional trainer has the necessary experience and skills to train your Chihuahua effectively.
They can also provide you with personalized advice and support throughout the training process. However, hiring a professional trainer can be expensive, and you will need to find a trainer that you trust and feel comfortable working with.
Join a Training Program (e.g. Petco, Petsmart)
Joining a training program is another option to consider. There are many training programs available that cater to different needs and preferences.
Some programs are designed for specific breeds, while others are designed for specific behavior issues.
Joining a training program can be beneficial because you will be working with a group of people who are also training their dogs. You will also have access to professional trainers who can provide you with personalized advice and support.
In conclusion, training a Chihuahua requires patience, consistency, and dedication. Whether you decide to train your Chihuahua yourself, hire a professional trainer, or join a training program, make sure that you choose the option that best suits your needs and preferences.
Remember to be patient and consistent with your training, and always reward your dog for good behavior.
Training Chihuahuas
Potty Training
Potty training your Chihuahua can be a challenge, but it is possible with patience and consistency. Establish a routine for taking your Chihuahua outside and reward them when they go potty in the right place. Avoid using pee pads as they can confuse your Chihuahua and make it harder to train them to go outside.
Socialization
Socializing your Chihuahua is important to prevent behavioral issues. Expose your Chihuahua to different people, animals, and environments early on to help them become comfortable and well-adjusted. Attend puppy classes and consider working with a professional trainer to help socialize your Chihuahua.
Obedience Training
Obedience training is essential for your Chihuahua’s safety and well-being. Use positive reinforcement techniques, such as treats and praise, to train your Chihuahua to follow basic commands such as sit, stay, and come. Keep training sessions short and consistent to prevent your Chihuahua from becoming bored or overwhelmed.
Behavioral Issues
Chihuahuas can be prone to behavioral issues such as barking, aggression, and separation anxiety. Address these issues early on by working with a professional trainer or behaviorist. Avoid using punishment or physical force, as this can make the problem worse. Instead, use positive reinforcement techniques to encourage good behavior.
Sources: – The Halo Pets – PawTracks
Tips for Training Chihuahuas
Positive Reinforcement
Training a Chihuahua requires patience and consistency. One of the most effective training methods is positive reinforcement. This involves rewarding your Chihuahua for good behavior rather than punishing them for bad behavior. Rewards can include treats, praise, and playtime. When your Chihuahua performs a desired behavior, immediately reward them with a treat and praise. This will help them associate the behavior with a positive outcome and encourage them to repeat it in the future.
Consistency
Chihuahuas thrive on routine and consistency. Set a regular schedule for feeding, exercise, and training sessions. Consistency will help your Chihuahua learn faster and make training more effective. Use the same commands and cues each time you train. This will help your Chihuahua understand what is expected of them and reduce confusion.
Patience
Training a Chihuahua can be challenging, but it is important to remain patient. Chihuahuas can be stubborn and may take longer to learn certain behaviors. Avoid becoming frustrated or angry, as this can make training more difficult. Instead, take a break and try again later. Remember to always reward good behavior and stay positive.
Sources: – The Happy Puppy Site – How to Train Your Dog – I Love Chihuahua
Conclusion
Training a Chihuahua can be challenging, but it is not impossible. With patience, consistency, and positive reinforcement, you can teach your Chihuahua basic obedience commands and house training.
It is important to understand that Chihuahuas have unique personality and may take longer to train than other breeds. They can be stubborn and difficult to motivate, but with the right approach, you can overcome these challenges.
One effective way to train your Chihuahua is to attend a training class with a professional dog trainer. This can provide you with the tools and knowledge you need to train your Chihuahua effectively.
Remember to keep training sessions short and fun, and always reward your Chihuahua for good behavior. With time and dedication, you can train your Chihuahua to be a well-behaved and obedient companion.
Sources: The Halo Pets, I Love My Chi
FAQ
What is the easiest way to train a Chihuahua?
Training your Chihuahua is a matter of patience, love, and lots of treats. While these little dogs are stubborn, they do love their snacks, so you need to make sure when you are teaching them something new to be generous with the rewards.
Just be sure to use low-calorie snacks – you don’t want to make your furry overweight teaching them to fetch!
Will my Chihuahua ever be potty trained?
Yes, your Chihuahua will eventually learn, but you need to keep a close eye on them. As they are so tiny, it can be hard to catch them squatting down, so you need to watch them like a hawk at all times. Also, consider their age.
For every month that your Chihuahua has been alive, they can wait for a potty break for about an hour. If you have a puppy, then you need to adjust the schedule accordingly to ensure that they are going out frequently enough to avoid accidents.
How long does it take to train a Chihuahua?
In most cases, with a careful eye and a consistent schedule, you can potty train a Chihuahua in about 3 to 4 weeks.
Keep in mind that until they are about 6 months old, they need to go out frequently. At 6 months, every 6 hours is their normal ‘potty break’ schedule, but until then you’ll need to go out much more frequently.
For every month of age, your dog can ‘hold it’ for about an hour, so make sure that your scheduled visits outside reflect this.
Why are Chihuahuas so hard to house train?
Chihuahuas are notoriously stubborn but the biggest difficulty when house training them is catching the in the act. These little guys and gals quickly squat down, and do their business, and by the time you’ve noticed it’s much too late.
Keep a close eye to watch for this and encourage your dog to go outside into the yard instead. If you catch them enough times then they will learn, just be patient with the process as it can take a while with these stubborn little dogs. Also, a treat whenever they successfully go outside can speed things up!
My name is Ken and I’m one of the staff writers at Petloverguy.com. I’ve cared for pets most of my life starting with hamsters, turtles, and snakes. Then moving up to parakeets, guinea pigs, and even ducks.
I currently live with two yorkies and a chihuahua mix.
