Instructions
Avoid activity with the Chihuahua that sends a mixed message such as rough housing or placing your hands near the dogs mouth regularly.
Keep your hands off-limits as a chew toy. Puppies will bite because it feels good, but do not encourage them to mouth your hand, give them an alternative. When the puppy begins to bite on your hand pull it away and use your word for no, then give them the item you want them to bite instead.
Limit tug of war or play that encourages biting such a waving a toy in front of the Chihuahua and indicating the dog should snatch it from your hands. All activity involving your hands with the dog should be calculated and not include giving the dog an invitation to bite at something you are holding.
Indicate that the behavior is not acceptable. Your dog may have established control in your relationship and needs to be reprogrammed that you are in charge. If the Chihuahua play bites withdraw your hand immediately and give your command for "No" loudly and firmly. If the behavior continues withdraw from play, and possibly even isolate the dog depending on the severity of the insistence on the dog to play bite. Make it clear play is acceptable, but not play biting.
Refrain from rewarding play biting behavior and learn to recognize it when it occurs. The biting may not just be your hand but also the leash, a toy or other item you are holding. If the Chihuahua grabs at something in your hand such as the leash or toy and you have not indicated the dog should do so, correct them immediately and take the item away. If they retain control of the item it reinforces that play biting is a way for them to gain a reward, because they have gained the item they wanted.
Practice training and have patience. Continued work with your dog, consistency and making sure you correct unacceptable behavior each time it occurs are key to ending unwanted play biting in your Chihuahua.
How to Break a Chihuahua From Play Biting
Dogs use their mouths in place of hands and often play bite, and Chihuahuas are especially guilty of this activity. Play biting is a normal behavior between dogs and part of their social activity. Play biting however can indicate to the dog that biting behavior is acceptable, which may advance to actual biting at some point if the Chihuahua becomes distressed. Deter this behavior as early as possible for the best results. Have patience and use the proper techniques and your Chihuahua will begin to understand you do not allow biting of any kind.