How to Potty Train a 3-Year-Old Toy Chihuahua

Toy Chihuahuas can make wonderful pets, just as long as the owners have the patience and time to give these dogs the constant love and care that they need. While these lovable pooches enjoy the mental stimulation provided by human teaching, house training can provide some unique challenges. Toy breeds, and Toy Chihuahuas in particular, require more constant, one-on-one attention than the average dog when it comes to potty training, and training a three-year-old presents additional challenges, as older dogs can struggle to learn new routines.

Things You'll Need

  • Small dog crate
  • Dog treats
  • Newspaper
  • Litter box
  • Organic litter filler
  • Dog stain remover and deodorizer
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Instructions

    • 1

      Choose an area where your Toy should relieve himself. You can use a yard, an arrangement of newspapers or even a litter box. If using a litter box, fill it with shredded newspaper, wood chips or another organic product. Your Toy may try to eat conventional litter, which can kill him. Set up the potty area anywhere around your home, but keep it away from his food and sleeping areas.

    • 2

      Take him to his potty area every two hours. It may seem like a lot for an adult dog, but a Toy Chihuahua has a very tiny bladder and a very high metabolism, which amounts to frequent urination. You will also want to take her to the designated spot immediately after meal times and before bed.

    • 3

      Praise him when he uses his litter box or other potty area correctly. Reward him with dog treats and remind him that he has done well. Chihuahuas thrive on their owners' approval, so this simple approach will prove more effective than any other training technique.

    • 4

      Clean up any accidents right away. Spray a dog stain remover and deodorizer and scrub firmly with a cloth or paper towels. You may then want to apply an additional deodorizer to eliminate any remaining odor, as Chihuahuas will often return to the same spots where they have previously relieved themselves. Eliminating the odor can reduce this likelihood.

    • 5

      Place your Toy Chihuahua in a small dog crate during the night. Dogs are naturally den animals, so your Toy will not feel imprisoned just as long as you release him first thing in the morning and never use the crate as a punishment. Most importantly, a dog will typically not defecate where he sleeps, so the crate can eliminate the potential for nighttime accidents.

    • 6

      Continue the routine until your dog begins using her potty area without your assistance. For an adult dog, this will require some patience. If you remain consistent and unyielding, your Toy Chihuahua will become fully housebroken in a matter of weeks.