How to Train My Miniature Chihuahua

Chihuahuas are graceful, alert and very small dogs. These dogs were originally bred for the upper classes of Chihuahua, Mexico, where they were lap dogs and part of religious rites. Miniature chihuahuas are a specialization of this breed, and are both smaller and more fragile. Although these dogs are smart, and therefore easy to train, they are also sensitive and delicate, and require careful training. Start your house training with some basic obedience commands.

Things You'll Need

  • Crate
  • Blankets
  • Toys
  • Leash
  • Collar
  • Puppy pads
  • Treats
Show More

Instructions

    • 1

      Buy your chihuahua a crate, to both give him a den and to use as a basis for house training. Because miniature chihuahuas do not grow to large sizes, buy a crate that will fit the chihuahua in his adulthood. Fill the crate with blankets for the puppy to nest in, and keep the puppy in the crate when you're away or busy, or when he's sleeping. This gives you a certain amount of control over what the puppy does when he's in the house or unsupervised.

    • 2

      Take the puppy out to go to the bathroom as soon as he eats, wakes up or asks to come out of his crate. Take the puppy outside or train him to use puppy pads in the house. With small dogs like miniature chihuahuas, it's safer to start training inside and give them a chance to grow a little; they are likely to meet large dogs on outside walks and may become frightened. Put the puppy on the puppy pad and keep him there until he goes to the bathroom. Praise him extensively when he's done his job, and give him a treat.

    • 3

      Take the puppy to the puppy pads or outside consistently. When you're house-training a puppy, he should have the opportunity to go to the bathroom at least once an hour, and always when he first gets up or eats. Put him in the crate when you can't supervise him to keep him from having accidents in the house. Continue with your training until the puppy has learned to ask to go outside or go to the pads himself. Always reward him with positive feedback and treats when you see him going to the bathroom in the right place.

    • 4

      Train your miniature chihuahua to sit by holding your hand above his head and giving him the verbal command to "sit." Press very gently on his hips to encourage him to sit down, and give him a treat when he does. Repeat this process until he's sitting down with only the hand and verbal signals. Reward him every time he does what you ask.

    • 5

      Continue this training by teaching the puppy to lay down from the sitting position. Point to the floor in front of him and tell him to "lay down." Gently pull his legs forward until he is laying on the ground and then give him a treat. Repeat this until he's doing the trick on his own.

    • 6

      Teach your puppy to come by moving away from him, pointing to the ground in front of you and telling him to "come." When he gets to you, feed him a treat. Then move away and repeat. Continue until he's consistently responding to you with the right actions.