There are plenty of Chihuahuas in competitive sports, shows, and in movies, showing that they absolutely can be trained to advanced levels.
There are also many owners and trainers who struggle with basic behavioral problems with their dogs.
These little dogs have a reputation among some for being feisty, snappy, difficult to potty train, and loud.
So, which is the reality?
Both, in fact.
That’s because individuals differ significantly from one another within the breed. Let’s look a bit more at this question:
Are Chihuahuas Hard to Train?
The Chihuahua Club of Americadescribes this breed as having a terrier-like temperament.
Small terriers were originally bred to fearlessly dive into animal burrows while hunting, so having a “feisty” and combative personality is understandable.
Chihuahuas are also very similar to terriers in that they have a big bark and are not afraid to use it.
In fact, one of the most common questions from upset owners is how to train a Chihuahua to stop barking when they are home alone.
Chihuahuas were not bred for hunting, though, but for companionship.
Lap Dogs and Companion Pets
Therefore, most expect the breed to be more loving and gentler lap-loving dogs.
One side-effect of being bred as devoted companions, is a tendency for guarding and resource-guarding aggression.
Curbing this behavior is the second most frequently asked question about chihuahua training.
One study revealed that chihuahuas were in the top of aggression-prone breeds, being capable of attacking strangers and members of their own family.
That’s why they aren’t recommended for households with small children.
The third biggest question about how to train a chihuahua deals with potty training.
How to train a Chihuahua to pee outdoors
Owners who have either bought a puppy that came from poor housing circumstances, or owners who have adopted older chihuahuas tend to have difficulty in this area.
Once a chihuahua has established poor toilet training routines – urinating or defecating in the house or on their own bed, for example – it is quite difficult to re-train them to potty outside.
That’s why we’re going into detail today on how to train your Chihuahua puppy right from the beginning.
Our Chihuahua training tips will help you avoid some of these common frustrations with the breed.
How to Train A Chihuahua Using Positive Reinforcement
We are always proponents of positive training methods, and chihuahua training is no exception.
Positive reinforcement uses rewards to encourage “good” behaviors.
For example, if you want to teach your dog to sit, you reward her when she sits.
The goal is for your dog to repeat behaviors that earn her rewards, like treats or affection.
Rewards can include food, special treats, praise and petting, playing with a favorite toy, etc.
Just be aware that since Chihuahuas are such small dogs, treats need to be especially small and used sparsely, so as to not cause obesity!
So, as you embark on your Chihuahua training, we recommend learning the basics of positive reinforcement techniques, or hiring a local trainer who does.
How to Train a Chihuahua Puppy
The first two components of your Chihuahua puppy training should be thorough socialization and potty training to avoid the top complaints of Chihuahua behavior.
Socialization doesn’t just mean taking your puppy on play dates with other pups.
Socialization actually refers to exposure to a wide range of situations and individuals.
For such tiny pooches, it’s important for your Chihuahua to be regularly introduced to larger dogs that are very gentle so as to make a lasting impression on your pup that big doesn’t mean scary.
This goes for being around lots of different people, including children.
While your pup is still impressionable and inquisitive, introduce her to friends, neighbors, and strangers.
Introduce her to children with careful instruction to stay quiet, move slowly, and pet gently.
Handling them with care
Children have a natural inability to regulate their grip until they are 7 years old, so don’t allow small children to hold your puppy or they could end up grabbing her tightly and scaring or hurting her.
Being handled by other people is key in socializing your puppy.
Your dog should be properly socialized to gentle and careful handling, teeth brushing, touching ears and paws and tail.
This will make trips to the vet and groomer much easier.
Plus, since these dogs are so small even as adults, it’s likely they will be carried around and passed from person to person.
How to train a Chihuahua using a daily routine
Instead, start establishing a daily routine right away.
Yours could look something like this:
Wake up – go to designated potty area for relief
Playtime
Breakfast
Potty break
Play on his own while Mama gets ready for work/school
Last morning potty break
Into the crate or restricted play area while Mama’s at work/school
Mid-day potty break
5 minutes of playing outside then back inside
Mama’s home from work/school – you guessed it – POTTY BREAK!
Playtime & training
Dinner
Play alone/chew toy
Potty break
Bedtime
The first few days with your new pup, set a timer to take puppy out to the designated potty spot every 2 hours, and reward any relief in the right spot with praise and play.
People often over-estimate these tiny pups’ abilities to “hold it” for extended periods of time.
Your puppy’s bladder and abdominal muscles will strengthen to “hold it” longer and longer over the first 6-8 months.
Most people rush the process, which is a mistake for tiny breeds.
Additionally, always offer a potty break after your pup wakes up (even from a short nap), eats, drinks, or has a heavy bout of playtime.
These activities typically trigger an urge to go potty.
Chihuahua Toilet Training Limitations
By 10-12 weeks, with a good routine it’s reasonable to think your puppy can “hold it” for about 3-4 hours during the day or 5-6 hours overnight.
Yes, that means if you work a typical 8-10 hour shift, you’ll need to come home or have a pet sitter pop by around lunchtime for a potty break.
It also means your pup will probably still be whining around 2-3am for a potty break too.
Some adult Chihuahuas will never physically be able to “hold it” longer than 6 hours.
So if you work a traditional 8+ hour shift outside of the home, you’ll need to make plans for a dog walker or to bring your dog to work with you.
If you need more detailed help with potty training or have any issues, see trainer Pippa Mattinson’s How to Potty Train A Puppy
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