Chihuahua Training

Chihuahuas are actually one of the most common breeds in the United States.  Chihuahuas are great companion dogs, but they are also one of the more aggressive breeds out there and can be very stubborn.  Many Chihuahua owners fail to train their dogs properly, thinking that since the dogs are so small and cute they won't cause much trouble.  Chihuahua training is important though especially because of how aggressive they can be.

The Importance of Chihuahua Training

Chihuahuas are bred to be companion dogs, which means they are happy to be at your side all the time.  While that is one of the reasons that many people choose Chihuahuas, it's this attachment behavior that can cause dominance and aggression problems, especially if your Chihuahua is not properly socialized with other dogs or people.

Lack of Chihuahua training can lead to many problematic behavior such as aggression toward other dogs, fear of strangers, snippy with children, and anxious with noises.  Luckily though all of these problem behaviors can be dealt with through proper Chihuahua training.

Proper Chihuahua Training

A Chihuahua will try to take control of your house.  If you let it, it will quickly try to become the pack leader.  You need to make sure, right from the beginning, that you are asserting yourself as the pack leader

Establish your boundaries with your Chihuahua right from the beginning.  The following tips will help you maintain your Alpha Dog Status.

You determine when to feed your Chihuahua.  You set the feeding times, not your dog.

When you walk your Chihuahua make sure you are in control.  Don't let your dog pull at the leash or choose direction.  In Chihuahua training leash control is incredibly important.  Don't neglect this aspect of your training.  You should walk your Chihuahua twice a day, or more if you find your dog still has to much energy.

Set boundaries with your furniture.  Don't let your Chihuahua jump on the furniture as it chooses.  You need to determine what furniture is ok for the dog to be on and what furniture is off limits, and there should be furniture that is off limits.  Your Chihuahua needs to know that you are in control and that you are setting the limits.  Never give in to whining or barking.

Only give attention to your Chihuahua when it is calm and relaxed.  Never reward anxious, excited behavior with affection.

Remember you need to be in the Alpha Dog position.  It's the only way Chihuahua training will work.

Mental Stimulation

Few people go to dog parks and play fetch with a Chihuahua, but they do need the mental stimulation and exercise.  If you aren't giving your dog mental stimulation through training and tasks like fetch, you leave room for anxiety problems to creep in.  Your Chihuahua should learn basic commands like "quiet", "sit", "stay", "fetch", and others.

Most of the bad temperament issues that Chihuahua owners face can be resolved through proper Chihuahua training.  Keep your position as Alpha Dog and give lots of exercise and mental stimulation.

Please feel free to ask questions or leave comments with more helpful tips.