Why Are Chihuahuas So Hard To House Train

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Whether you are a new Chihuahua parent or experienced with the breed, those of us who share our houses with Chis often discover that these dogs are DIFFICULT to house train.

However, it’s not a problem! Chihuahuas aren’t that difficult to potty train when proper techniques are used.

Do not let your small furry friend fool you! Chis are capable of learning how to go potty on a puppy pad or outside easily and quickly. Although small, Chihuahuas have a strong character that can make house training difficult.

The secret to success is not using an extremely harsh way when training your Chihuahua where you want them to use the toilet. Plus, ensure you are consistent!

Ensure that your dog understands you and is listening to you when the time comes to housebreak.

How to House Train a Chihuahua

The gravest error you can make in house training a Chi is to pull your Chihuahua over to an accident and punish him. Doing this does nothing to speed up his training; it just teaches him not to come when you call him. In the case of pulling him over to the mess, he’s not likely to let you get him by the collar again.

The only time a gentle verbal correction is permissible in house training is if you catch your Chi in the act of urinating in the incorrect area. If you see this happening, you’re permitted to say “No!” which should help to surprise your dog and stop what he is doing. After that, with definitely no malice or anger, please pick up the Chi and place him in the correct elimination area. When he relieves herself here, give your command, reward him with praise and treat.

Physical or Harsh corrections do not have a place in house training! The Chi is a breed that wants to please his parent. It would help if you taught him what you wish to do consistently and followed a positive house training program. He’ll learn much faster without any damage to the human-dog bond.

Your ideal approach is to go over to the mess and clean it up silently. If you are having difficulties keeping your cool, and your Chihuahua is curious, place him gently in his crate to complete your cleanup work. While you’re cleaning, try to identify what mistake you may have made in his training.

How to Get Your Chihuahua to Listen

There are many considerations special to this breed that you must keep in mind throughout the house training process.

Willing to please and very motivated, Chihuahuas do not react well to punishment or scolding; they can become afraid of potty training when you’re too offensive. Likewise, it would help to use a different tone of voice when working with your dog on house training or other severe behaviors.

Using your “play voice” will only confuse the Chi, so talk directly and clearly, but not growl or yell.

To make sure your dog is listening to you, start by ensuring he knows his name. Does he understand you when you call him? If not, he may not be aware of his name yet.

A “simple” process to train a puppy his name is by saying his name and then lightly touching him on their side to take his attention. Once your puppy makes eye contact, give him a reward followed by “good.”

Keep training daily until it is clear that he knows his name. You can use this technique when passing on to other commands, including training him where to go potty.

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How to Train a Chihuahua Puppy

The first two parts of your Chihuahua puppy training must be potty training and thorough socialization to prevent your Chi from misbehaving.

Socialization does not simply mean taking your CHi on playdates with other dogs.

Socialization refers to exposure to a variety of conditions and individuals.

For such small dogs, your Chihuahua needs to be constantly introduced to big dogs that are trained to make a lasting impression on your Chi that big does not mean scary.

This goes for being around many different people, including kids.

While your Chi is still curious and impressionable, introduce him to strangers, neighbors, and friends.

Introduce him to kids with particular directions to stay calm, move slowly, and pet lightly.

Handling Your Chihuahua Puppy With Care

Kids have a natural inability to control their grasp until they are seven years of age, so don’t let small children hold your Chi, or they might end up grabbing him tightly and hurting or scaring him.

Being handled by other people is essential in socializing your Chihuahua.

Your canine needs to be well socialized to careful and gentle handling, touching paws and tail and paws.

This will make trips to the groomer and vet a lot easier.

Also, because these puppies are so tiny as adults, you will probably pass them from one person to another.

Your Chi mustn’t fear being handled, or he might end up biting someone’s face.

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Puppy Training 101: Tips for House Training Your New Puppy (An Easy How-To Guide)

How to Potty Train Your Chihuahua

If you want your Chihuahua puppy to go potty outside, you should create a schedule. Housebreaking, in theory, doesn’t seem like it should be that hard, but it can be highly challenging if you don’t take the time to create a plan of action and figure out how and when you are going to start teaching him to use the potty outside.

You want to set your dog up for success, do not implement unrealistic expectations for your Chi. Start with a basic schedule and work from there!

Puppy Potty Training Schedule

Create a potty training schedule for your Chihuahua puppy around your household routines. You will want to set regular times to take your puppy outside, like first thing in the morning, anytime you have been away after he eats and before bed.

Constantly use the same word for it, like “go potty,” and use that word regularly when you take him out.

If you see any signs that your puppy needs to “go potty” or if the Chi suddenly disappears to the other area, follow him and put him outside before he can have an accident on the floor.

Depending on your pup’s age, you need to take him outside or to a chosen area in your home regularly during the day.

You also need to take your Chi out at other specific times throughout the day based on their meal schedule and other activities.

For example, take him out immediately in the morning when he wakes up, 15 minutes after mealtime, 20 minutes before you leave home for the day, and any time the Chi wakes up from a long nap. Finally, let your puppy out at least 30 mins before bedtime.

Keep this schedule, and you will find that training your Chihuahua will be much easier. If you notice your dog, make the potty motion inside before you have the chance to put them outside, then clap your hands to distract them and put them outside as soon as possible.

How to Avoid Potty Training Accidents

Correct supervision is essential for house training. Keep a close eye on them to ensure they don’t sneak off and do their business when you aren’t watching. Watch your Chihuahua for signs he needs to go potty. Whining, circling, Sniffing around their butt, pawing at the door, and barking are all signs he may have to go.

As soon as you see this behavior put him outside immediately; This will help avoid undesirable accidents.

When you can not be with him while he is being trained, ensure to keep him in a closed-off area that isn’t carpeted like a playpen, bathroom, kitchen, or even a crate. Place a potty pad in the room with him just in case.

Consistency and patience are vital to house training your Chihuahua, and if you’re firm but not frightening and provide your dog with an appropriate potty place, your puppy will be house trained in no time.

Throughout the house training process, he will be some mishaps, so be gotten ready for these. Always clean the area well with water and a moderate detergent and use an enzyme spray.

Have all of these essential handy to keep the learning process moving forward effectively and quickly. You shouldn’t punish your Chi for these accidents while housebreaking because it can hinder his training process.

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How to Leave Your Chihuahua Home Alone

It would help if you considered crate training to teach your Chi to be comfortable being home alone, so he doesn’t bark all day.

Learning how to train a chihuahua to be comfortable in his crate will decrease his chances of barking due to separation anxiety.

A crate will provide a comfortable, relaxing area for your Chihuahua puppy while you’re gone. For a complete guide to crate training a puppy, use this guide (Puppy Crate Training 101).