How Do I Get My Chihuahua Puppy to Stop Barking When I Leave?

It is normal for puppies to bark when you leave the house--or even the room. But this can quickly escalate into nuisance barking, and the problem is worsened by the fact that when you do return, your Chihuahua puppy may think--quite logically--that it was the barking that summoned you back. Fortunately, there are some basic techniques you can use to ease your puppy's separation anxiety, to help it comfortably tolerate your absence and to demonstrate to it that your return does not depend on its barking.

Things You'll Need

  • Bite-size puppy treats
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Instructions

    • 1

      Teach your Chihuahua puppy obedience commands such as "sit," "stay" and "down," using plenty of treats, praise and encouragement. According to the Stop Dog From Barking website, your puppy can begin learning simple commands at 8 weeks old. Keep the training sessions short and upbeat, and never scold your puppy if it seems slow to catch on. The act of teaching your puppy obedience commands helps reinforce your position as a firm but gentle leader, which helps create a calmer, more relaxed puppy. In addition, the puppy may not be as likely to "talk back" to you by barking when you leave.

    • 2

      Leave the room calmly when your puppy barks at you in a bid for your attention. If you do this consistently, the undesirable barking behavior will extinguish itself. If you immediately give in, return and comfort the puppy, you will be giving "intermittent reinforcement," or teaching the puppy that barking is a good way to get you to return--the exact opposite of the desired lesson.

    • 3

      Teach your Chihuahua puppy the "speak" command. This may seem counterintuitive, but if you teach the puppy to "speak," it may make teaching the "No speak!" or "No bark!" command easier.

    • 4

      Repeat the same phrase to your Chihuahua puppy consistently every time you leave the house, such as "I'll be back," "Be a good dog," or "Watch the house." The content doesn't matter as much as the fact that the phrase is the same every time. Use a calm, matter-of-fact tone.

    • 5

      Wait outside the door and listen. The minute your Chihuahua puppy begins to bark, open the door, and say "No bark!" in a stern voice. Reward intervals of silence by opening the door and calmly and approvingly saying, "Good dog." Don't be too effusive, or you risk getting the puppy overly worked up.

    • 6

      Stay outside the front door for longer and longer intervals, continuing to tell the puppy "No bark" if it barks and continuing to praise it quietly if it stays silent.

    • 7

      Keep your entrances low-key when you return home after being away for a few hours. Wait a few minutes before greeting your Chihuahua puppy, and don't make a big fuss over it. Although it may be hard to make yourself do this, greeting your puppy in a matter-of-fact way will reduce the emotionalism of reunions, and--by extension--of goodbyes.

    • 8

      Consult your veterinarian for guidance if your Chihuahua puppy continues to bark wildly for prolonged periods of time in spite of your efforts. She may prescribe a temporary calming medication that will help with training.