How to Retrain a Chihuahua to Use Puppy Pads at an Older Age

Chihuahuas are an intelligent, affectionate and loyal breed, and its diminutive size makes it an ideal dog for apartment dwellers. Limited access to the outdoors --- or mobility problems for either you or your Chihuahua --- sometimes makes it necessary to train your dog to relieve itself on disposable pads, also called puppy pads. If your older Chihuahua is ignoring the pads in favor of eliminating on the floor, it might need a refresher course. You can retrain your Chihuahua by employing the same positive reinforcement techniques used for housebreaking puppies.

Things You'll Need

  • Puppy housebreaking pads, available at pet supply stores
  • Baby gate (optional)
  • Housebreaking crate
  • Bite-sized commercial treats for small breeds
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Instructions

    • 1

      Take your older Chihuahua to the vet to make sure there is no physical problem that could cause the dog to have involuntary loss of bladder or bowel control. According to Vet Info, urinary tract infections, diabetes, neurological diseases and Cushing's disease can all cause incontinence.

    • 2

      Set up a baby gate to keep your Chihuahua in the same room as the puppy pads, or purchase a housebreaking crate to confine your chihuahua when you can't supervise it. Dog Breed Info advises using a laundry room or bathroom, set up with toys, water and food. Put the pads as far away from the food as you can, and cover at least one corner of the room with them.

    • 3

      Supervise your Chihuahua closely to avoid accidents when it is out of its confined area. Watch for sniffing and circling; if you observe this behavior, immediately lead or carry the dog to the puppy pads. If you catch the dog squatting or lifting a leg to begin urinating, clap your hands sharply and say "No!" in a stern voice. Quickly pick the dog up --- sometimes, the surprise will make it stop urinating --- and carry it to the pads.

    • 4

      Set the dog on the pads, saying "Do your business," or "Business here," in an encouraging tone of voice. It doesn't matter what you say, so long as you use the same phrase every time. Pet and praise your dog when it uses the pads, saying "Good dog! Good business!" and offer it a treat.

    • 5

      Confine your Chihuahua to a housebreaking crate at night --- as well as whenever you can't actively supervise it during the day --- if you don't have a confined area set up. Release the dog from the crate first thing in the morning, and lead or carry it to the pads. After feeding and playtime, give the Chihuahua an opportunity to do its business on the pads. Before putting the dog in the crate for the night, give it an opportunity to use the pads. Do not confine your Chihuahua in the crate for long periods; make sure you offer ample play and socialization time outside the crate. Consider having a friend come in at lunch hour to walk the dog if you work during the day.

    • 6

      Watch your Chihuahua during playtime for sign of progress, and reward it generously. Praise the dog if it stops what it is doing and begins to head toward the puppy pads.

    • 7

      Replace the pads as soon as you notice they are soiled. Many Chihuahuas dislike relieving themselves on top of old waste.

    • 8

      Extend your Chihuahua's time out of the crate or confined area as it begins to consistently use the pads on its own, and gradually allow it access to larger areas of the house. If an accident occurs and you didn't see it happen, resolve to be more vigilant next time and clean it up calmly, without scolding the dog.