If you are a proud owner of a Chihuahua, you know that these tiny dogs have big personalities. Despite their small size, they are full of energy and love to play. But what are their favorite things to do? In this article, we will explore the top activities that Chihuahuas enjoy and how you can keep your pet entertained and happy.
Chihuahuas are known for their feisty and playful nature. They love to run, jump, and play with their toys. One of their favorite activities is going for a walk with their owner. Even though they are small, they have exercise needs just like any other dog. Regular exercise is essential for their physical and mental well-being.
Another activity that Chihuahuas enjoy is playing with interactive toys. They love to chase and retrieve balls, play tug-of-war, and solve puzzles.
These activities not only provide mental stimulation but also help to strengthen the bond between you and your pet. So, if you want to keep your Chihuahua happy and healthy, it’s important to provide them with plenty of opportunities to play and have fun.
Table of Contents
- Exercise
- Socializing
- Relaxation
- Training
- Chihuahuas’ Favorite Things to Do: Conclusion
- FAQ
- Do chihuahuas like walking?
- Will your chihuahua enjoy a road trip?
- Can you give chihuahuas toys?
- What are some of the games you can play together?
- Do chihuahuas like being pets?
- Chihuahuas aren’t social dogs, is there a way to help them make friends?
- Can you make grooming a fun activity?
- Should you take your chihuahua to the pool?
- Can you teach your chihuahua tricks?
Exercise
Chihuahuas are small dogs with high energy levels, which means they need regular exercise to stay healthy and happy. Here are some fun activities you can do with your Chihuahua to keep them active and engaged.
Walking
Walking is one of the simplest and most effective ways to exercise your Chihuahua. According to The Chihuahua Shack, Chihuahuas need at least 30 minutes of exercise every day. Since they are small, it’s best to break the 30 minutes into two 15-minute walks. This will help your Chihuahua recover between walks while staying healthy and happy.
Playing Fetch
Playing fetch is another great way to exercise your Chihuahua. It’s a fun game that can be played both indoors and outdoors. According to I Love My Chi, Chihuahuas love to play fetch and it’s a great way to bond with your pet.
Agility Training
Agility training is a more advanced form of exercise that involves teaching your Chihuahua to navigate obstacles such as jumps, tunnels, and weave poles. It’s a great way to challenge your Chihuahua both physically and mentally. According to WebMD, agility training is a great way to keep your Chihuahua in shape and improve their overall health.
Socializing
Socializing your Chihuahua is crucial to prevent aggressive behavior and to help them become friendlier and more outgoing. Here are some tips for socializing with your Chihuahua:
Meeting other dogs
Supervised socialization leads to more natural interactions, and your Chihuahua will eventually warm up to other companions. The key is to ease them out of their comfort zone before making them encounter a new friend.
- Start by introducing your Chihuahua to dogs that are calm and friendly.
- Use positive reinforcement techniques, such as treats and praise, to encourage good behavior.
- Gradually increase the duration and frequency of the interactions.
- Always supervise the interactions to prevent any aggressive behavior.
Meeting new people
Chihuahuas can be wary of strangers, so it’s important to introduce them to new people in a positive way.
- Start by introducing your Chihuahua to people that are calm and friendly.
- Use positive reinforcement techniques, such as treats and praise, to encourage good behavior.
- Gradually increase the duration and frequency of the interactions.
- Always supervise the interactions to prevent any aggressive behavior.
Remember that socializing your Chihuahua is an ongoing process, and it’s important to continue exposing them to new situations and experiences throughout their life.
Sources: I Love My Chi, I Love Chihuahua, Animal Advice
Relaxation
Chihuahuas love to relax just as much as they love to play. Here are some of their favorite ways to unwind:
Cuddling
Chihuahuas are affectionate dogs, so they love to cuddle up with their favorite humans. They enjoy being close to you and feeling your warmth. Cuddling can also help reduce their anxiety and stress levels. So, don’t hesitate to give your Chihuahua some love and snuggle time.
Sleeping
Chihuahuas love to sleep, and they can sleep for up to 14 hours a day. They enjoy curling up in a cozy bed or on a soft blanket. Make sure your Chihuahua has a comfortable place to sleep, away from any distractions or noise. A good night’s sleep will help them stay healthy and happy.
Sunbathing
Chihuahuas love to bask in the sun. They enjoy soaking up the warmth and feeling the sun on their fur. However, make sure your Chihuahua doesn’t spend too much time in the sun, as they can easily overheat. Provide them with a shaded area to rest and plenty of water to drink.
Remember, relaxation is just as important for rolloversahua’s well-being as exercise and play. Make sure to give them plenty of opportunities to unwind and de-stress.
Sources: American Kennel Club
Training
House Training
One of the first things you’ll need to teach your Chihuahua is where to go potty. Consistency is key when it comes to house training. Take your Chihuahua outside regularly, especially after meals and naps. Praise your Chihuahua when it goes potty outside. If you catch your Chihuahua going potty inside, say “no” firmly and immediately take it outside. Use a crate or confinement area when you can’t supervise your Chihuahua to prevent accidents.
Obedience Training
Chihuahuas can be stubborn, so it’s important to establish yourself as the pack leader. Use positive reinforcement techniques, such as treats and praise, to train your Chihuahua. Keep training sessions short and fun. Teach basic commands such as sit, stay, come, and heel. Use a leash and collar to control your Chihuahua during walks and to reinforce obedience. Avoid using physical punishment or yelling, as this can damage the trust between you and your Chihuahua.
According to ChiChis And Me, make sure your Chihuahua gets plenty of physical and mental exercise every day. A tired Chihuahua is a well-behaved Chihuahua.
One of our specific Chihuahua training methods to walk politely on a leash is to put them on a table or bench and practice walking alongside them. Using a target at the end of a stick will also help you train her to stay by your side without back-breaking training sessions.
Chihuahuas’ Favorite Things to Do: Conclusion
In conclusion, Chihuahuas are active, playful, and loving dogs that enjoy spending time with their owners. They have a variety of favorite activities, including walks, playtime, and cuddling. It is important to note that each Chihuahua is unique and may have different preferences when it comes to activities.
When spending time with your Chihuahua, it is important to keep their personality and energy level in mind. Some Chihuahuas may enjoy swimming, while others may prefer to stay dry. Similarly, some Chihuahuas may enjoy playing fetch, while others may prefer to chase toys or play tug-of-war.
Remember to always supervise your Chihuahua during playtime and provide them with plenty of opportunities to exercise and socialize.
And don’t forget to give them plenty of love and affection, as Chihuahuas thrive on attention from their owners.
FAQ
Do chihuahuas like walking?
All dogs enjoy a walk with their owners. Chihuahuas may seem like an exception due to their tiny stature, but they look forward to a walk like any other breed!
This brings them a much-needed change in environment after being cooped up at home, so make sure to take them out for an occasional stroll. Keep them on a leash though, or they might leave you in an attempt to frolic!
Will your chihuahua enjoy a road trip?
Chihuahuas bring their positive energy wherever they go, and they love exploring new places! Allow your pet to acquaint itself with different environments. If you’re considering going on a trip with your chihuahua, don’t forget essentials that your dog might need, and any over-the-top medicine if they are prone to motion sickness. Make sure whatever hotel you go to is canine-friendly!
Can you give chihuahuas toys?
Chihuahuas are very fond of toys. However, you should consider buying soft toys for them, as they are much easier to move around for them than hard or plastic toys. Your chihuahua might want to play with you and the toy, so make sure to take out some time for that!
What are some of the games you can play together?
A game of fetch is an age-old activity for the owner and the chihuahua. You may use a ball or any toy that your dog prefers. For more interaction with the pup, tug of war can be played. Since chihuahuas are perceptive, they may also be enriched mentally by a game of hide and seek.
Such activities are not just good for stimulation but also bonding. Chihuahuas don’t readily bond with children though, so you must keep your child away from your dog if they are under ten years of age.
Do chihuahuas like being pets?
Attention is something that no dog can forego, and a chihuahua will always be up for some petting! Show your pet some love with physical affection, especially belly rubs. Other places to pet are under the chin and behind the tail. Try not to physically restrain them against their will though, or they might respond poorly and deny any further opportunities for petting.
Cuteness aside, chihuahuas aren’t known to be team players. They might get apprehensive about new people and situations, but they’re not completely averse to socialization! Supervised socialization leads to more natural interactions, and your chihuahua will eventually warm up to other companions. The key is to ease them out of their comfort zone before making them encounter a new friend.
Can you make grooming a fun activity?
Luckily for chihuahua owners, grooming their pets is not that difficult. However, it may become a chore rather than a cathartic activity for your dog. To make sure that the chihuahua does not get anxiety from personal grooming time, gently brush it and turn it into a physically soothing activity for your dog to enjoy. They’ll grow to like it!
Should you take your chihuahua to the pool?
Chihuahuas either adore swimming in the water or are completely averse to it. Due to higher energy levels, they enjoy the liberation that lapping in the water brings.
To prevent any insecurity or anxiety from the water body, make sure to gauge beforehand if your chihuahua likes the water or not. Take an extra step by helping them wade in the water, so they might get the experience without worry.
Can you teach your chihuahua tricks?
It is common knowledge that chihuahuas are intellectually capable and love doing mentally stimulating activities. To cater to this side of your pet, teach them different tricks. Shaking hands, roll overs, fetching on command, or just familiarizing them with their name are some of the things you can teach them. This validates the chihuahua and creates more positive interactions.
My name is Danny Jackson and I’m the CEO and Chief Editor behind Petloverguy.com. After spending a decade working with vets and private clients as an animal behavioral and nutritional specialist I co-founded Pet Lover Guy to help other pet parents learn how to interact with, and make the most of the time that they spend with their adopted and rescued best pet friends.
Working with Ella, our chihuahua rescue, we seek to help all dog and cat lovers have the happiest life possible.