How to Keep a Chihuahua From Fighting

Chihuahua's are an extremely lively dog breed. They are adventurous and enjoy love and affection.They are also very agile, cheerful, and brave. However, without proper training and leadership from their masters, they can become extremely strong willed. Chihuahua are also very smart and can learn quickly. It is recommended to socialize the dog early and often and provide it with lots of positive reinforcement. Make sure that you do not let your chihuahua think it is the pack leader of the household. When this occurs, it may begin to display dominance and aggressive behavior to humans and other dogs. It is best to train a chihuahua from an early age.

Instructions

    • 1

      Train your dog in basic obedience. Even though they are small, chihuahuas can have a big personality when they become adults. Basic dog training to sit, heel, stay, lay down and come will establish you as pack leader and make it easier for you to control your dog.

    • 2

      Walk the dog frequently. Small dogs are often walked less due to their size. Most people believe that since chihuahuas are small, they receive plenty of exercise just running around the house. Walking your dog is more than exercise; when you take your dog for a walk, you are providing them mental stimulation and also demonstrating that you are the pack leader. Do not let your dog walk ahead of you; the pack leader wants to be in front. Keep your dog by your side and don't give it a long leash.

    • 3

      Provide your chihuahua rewards for good behavior, but don't go overboard. Rewards can be praise or food. Dogs need to rewarded for doing the correct behavior, but your chihuahua should need to earn your praise and affection. Don't pet your dog constantly for doing nothing or treat it like a baby or small child. This can lead to dominance in the dog.

    • 4

      Win each and every confrontation you have with your dog. This does not mean you need to be aggressive towards your pet. Use firm verbal corrections for bad behavior. Give the dog a time out in its crate if it is acting up. If a dog learns how it can win, it will repeat the behavior over and over again, again leading to more dominant behavior.

    • 5

      Neuter male dogs. Neutering a male dog will reduce aggressive behavior, especially if done before the dog reaches sexual maturity.