How to Potty Train a Chihauhau

Chiuahuas are alert, loyal pets that offer owners love and protection, according to Dogster.com. Potty training any puppy can be difficult, but the chihuahua has added obstacles. Chihuahuas are small, even as full grown dogs, but, as puppies, their size and energetic curiosity make it difficult to confine them to training areas, explains The Chihuahua Guide website. Therefore, start potty training as early as possible, but keep in mind that chihuahua puppy bladders are not fully developed and smaller than most other puppies, forcing them to urinate more frequently.

Things You'll Need

  • Dog crate
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Instructions

    • 1

      Purchase a crate that is not too large. Puppies won't pee where they sleep, but if the crate is too big, a puppy may pee on one side and sleep on the other, defeating the purpose of the crate.

    • 2

      Put your puppy in the crate at night, for naps and when you are gone. Never use the crate as a place of punishment or your chihuahua may not want to go in there.

    • 3

      Take your chihuahua out to potty as soon as it wakes up. This is for mornings, naps or midnight awakenings. Puppies will go soon after waking up, so this is a great time to teach it where to go.

    • 4

      Praise your puppy with phrases like, "Good dog," or "Good potty." Use a happy tone and pet your puppy after it has done well.

    • 5

      Give regular potty breaks throughout the day, as often as every hour. Regularly take your chihuahua out after every meal. Shortly after eating, puppies will often poop.

    • 6

      Say, "No," very clearly and loudly when you catch your puppy having an accident. Move it to a safe potty spot outside and praise it when goes potty in the right area.

    • 7

      Clean up accidents that you find, but did not witness, without a major ordeal. Your puppy may be playing with a toy when you find an accident, and yelling at it will be confusing. It may think its being bad for playing with the toy or some other activity. If you don't catch your dog in the act, don't reprimand.

    • 8

      Limit water intake at night. If it isn't very hot, you can remove the water dish one to two hours prior to putting your puppy in the crate. This can increase the time it takes between bedtime and the first nighttime wake up.