How to Train a Chihuahua Puppy in 6 Steps

Chihuahua owners may face a few challenges when it comes to training this energetic dog breed.

1. 1. They require a lot of attention. Every dog breed needs attention, but Chihuahuas can become especially anxious when they don’t get enough, leading them to become clingy and possessive. They may bark, bite, or nip at you if they don’t receive the attention they crave from their chosen person. Provide your Chihuahua with plenty of mental and physical stimulation during the dog training process to help focus their attention on learning.
2. 2. Their small size requires special equipment. Chihuahuas have petite bodies and necks, so they need equipment that fits, or else they’ll wriggle out of it. Use a lightweight collar or harness made with cotton or nylon instead of a choke collar, which can cause discomfort.
3. 3. They are prone to destructive chewing. Dogs of any breed can struggle with separation anxiety, boredom, frustration, or depression, which can manifest in destructive chewing. Solve this problem by dog-proofing your home, providing your pooch with plenty of chew toys, and ensuring they get plenty of exercise.

Whether you’re puppy training a young Chihuahua or trying to correct behavioral problems in an older dog, consider these training tips:

1. 1. Be patient and diligent. Training a stubborn and independent Chihuahua takes time and diligence. Effective dog training relies on repetition, so expect to repeat every step several times. Aim for short fifteen-minute training sessions to encourage information retention and take lots of breaks.
2. 2. Have their favorite treats on hand. Offer your Chihuahua a dog treat or piece of kibble as a reward for a job well done. Many dogs are driven by food, so a little snack encourages them to keep behaving correctly.
3. 3. Know the breed’s characteristics. Chihuahuas are intelligent and independent dogs, but they are also stubborn and naturally dominant, making it imperative for you to establish yourself as a leader. Like many dog breeds, they also want to please their owner.
4. 4. Use their favorite toys. Chihuahuas love playtime, and rewarding them with their favorite toy is a way to show them that they’re doing the right thing. Playtime is a form of positive reinforcement and encourages your dog to keep up the good work.

Training your Chihuahua will facilitate healthy interactions between other people and your pup. Follow this guide to train your Chihuahua properly.

1. 1. Housetrain your pup. Housetraining is the process of teaching your dog where to go to the bathroom, and it should be the first thing you work on with your pup. Try crate training, which uses small steps to teach a dog to view a crate or cage as a comfortable, safe place. Small dogs naturally avoid soiling their dens: Crating teaches them to hold it until they can relieve themselves outside and encourages the development of bladder control. When you see your puppy use the bathroom outside, offer them praise and a treat reward to affirm the behavior. Place puppy pads around the house to clean up any indoor potty breaks. Pee pads neutralize odors, so they won’t smell as bad as a litter box.
2. 2. Socialize your Chihuahua. Take your Chihuahua to public places like parks, restaurant patios, or street corners to get them used to the presence of other dogs and people. Failing to socialize dogs properly—especially small, anxious ones like Chihuahuas—can lead to fearful behavior, sound sensitivity, and reactivity.
3. 3. Adhere to a regular feeding schedule. Like all dog breeds, small dogs will often want to dictate their eating schedules. Unfortunately, small dog breeds are prone to obesity if they’re allowed to overeat. A routine feeding schedule is crucial to establishing yourself as the pack leader and keeping your Chihuahua healthy. Once they recognize you as the pack leader, they will allow you to determine their feeding schedule without resistance.
4. 4. Teach them basic commands. When teaching your pup new tricks, use short commands and say them with force, which will help them differentiate directions from regular speech. Start with the basic commands like “sit,” “stop,” and “heel.” Reward your pup with treats and plenty of praise when they perform a command correctly.
5. 5. Curb excessive barking. Like many small breeds, Chihuahuas bark because of distractions like squirrels, larger dogs, or people at the door. Barking isn’t necessarily bad behavior, but you can curb an excessive barking habit by distracting your dog or changing their environment. Desensitize your Chihuahua to the sound of barking by playing videos or audio tracks of dogs barking.
6. 6. Work with a dog trainer. While you can teach basic dog commands at home, a professional dog trainer can provide extra guidance. A trainer will observe your canine’s unique behavior and give you advice on how to proceed with obedience training, working to curb anxiety and behavioral problems, and fostering a healthy, happy puppy.

Your dream of having a dog who understands words like “sit,” “stay,” “down,” and—crucially— “no” is just a MasterClass Annual Membership away. The only things you’ll need to train up a well-behaved pup are your laptop, a big bag of treats, and our exclusive instructional videos from superstar animal trainer Brandon McMillan.