How to Train My Chihuahua: Tricks & Potty-Train

Chihuahuas are smart, active and extremely loyal. But they are not naturally sociable with other breeds and can be possessive of their owners. Socialization training is important if you intend to take them out in public. These dogs don't hunt, guard or herd like other breeds, but after you've taught them the usual commands of sit, stay and heel, you can take training further by teaching them tricks, such as greeting and kissing. Because of their diminutive size, this breed is an ideal choice for the elderly, housebound and apartment dwellers. It can also be potty-trained for living indoors.

Things You'll Need

  • Edible treats or rewards
  • Wet dog food
  • Newspapers
  • Baking soda
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Instructions

  1. Greeting and Kissing

    • 1

      Sit your chihuahau in front of you, pick up one of its paws and shake it gently using your chosen command word; in this case, use "hello."

    • 2

      Smile while you are doing this and show your dog you are pleased.

    • 3

      Say the command word again, but this time, just touch the chihuahau's paw. If the dog complies, praise and reward it with a treat. If your chihuahau doesn't respond, lift the paw and repeat the hand shake.

    • 4

      Repeat the process until your chihuahua understands what to do. Once the dog has mastered "hello," you can move onto "kisses."

    • 5

      Sit your dog in front of you again and put a small dab of wet dog food on the cheek of your face.

    • 6

      Say the command word, "Kisses" and allow your chihuahua to lick the treat off your face. When it does, repeat the command word and praise your dog.

    • 7

      Point to your face again and, without using the wet food this time, say, "kisses." Praise and reward your dog when he complies.

    Indoor Potty-Training with Newspaper

    • 8

      Choose a small, convenient room, such as the bathroom or laundry room, for paper-training to begin. The room should have an easily cleanable floor.

    • 9

      Lay down a thick layer of newspapers covering about one-third of the room. The papers should be thick enough to absorb about half a cup of water.

    • 10

      Put down some toys, food and water for your chihuahau on the opposite end of the room away from the paper. Dogs don't like to urinate or poop where they sleep, eat or play. This tactic will encourage your chihuahau to use the papered end of the room.

    • 11

      Bring the dog into the room and stay with it for a while. Choose a time when you think the chihuahau is likely to want to go potty. This should be shortly after eating, playing or waking up.

    • 12

      Observe the dog's behavior. If it starts to sniff the ground, circle or squat, you know it is about to go potty.

    • 13

      Interrupt the dog if it starts to potty on the non-papered part of the floor. Lift the dog onto the paper and use a command word, such as "let's go." Once you have chosen a command word, don't change it.

    • 14

      Praise the chihuahau enthusiastically as soon as it goes to the potty on the paper. Don't scold the dog if it goes in the wrong place. Clean up the mess. Sprinkle baking soda over a urine spot to help get rid of the odor.

    • 15

      Reduce the size of the papered area once your dog has learned to go potty in the designated spot.