Crate Training for a Chihuahua Puppy

If you've ever owned a Chihuahua, you know how good these puppies can be at looking pitiful, with those big, expressive eyes that dominate the entire face. Perhaps that why, more than with any other dog, crate training a Chihuahua puppy takes a strong will and determination, and perhaps something to distract you from those sad, puppy eyes.

  1. Definition

    • A dog crate is a square or rectangular enclosure, often made of wire or metal. Crate training refers to training a puppy to remain confined to its crate for short periods of time. A puppy that has been crate trained will see its crate as is "den" and thus not resist being in it.

    Function

    • All puppies, even your tiny Chihuahua puppy, can be destructive if left to its own devices. Confining it to a crate while you are unable to watch him, such as while you sleep, can ensure that your rugs, shoes and furniture all remain in one piece. Additionally, crate training is a useful tool in teaching your Chihuahua puppy to go potty only at specified times, since puppies instinctively know not to go to the bathroom in the same place where they sleep.

    Tools

    • You will need little else than a crate for crate training your Chihuahua pup. However, choose your crate carefully. It should be large enough that your puppy can stretch out and sit up without its head touching the top. While your Chihuahua puppy may be significantly bigger once it matures, it will still be a small dog, so opt for a crate that will be big enough for it once it's all grown up. You will also want to place a comfortable blanket or cushioned dog bed inside the crate to make it feel more like home. To make it feel more den-like, many people also drape a sheet over the top of the crate.

    Training

    • The key to crate training is getting your Chihuahua puppy not only to be OK being in the crate, but also to see the crate as a positive thing. Place the crate in an area of the home where the puppy will not feel isolated, and place its food and water bowls inside the crate, so that it associates drinking and eating with the crate. When your puppy goes into the crate on its own, reward it with praise. You may also want to initially place some treats in the crate to get your puppy to explore it.

    Challenges

    • At first, your puppy may not want to be in its crate. It will look at you with those big, Chihuahua eyes and make sad little noises. At night, he may yelp, keeping you awake. Do not give in and do not try to comfort the puppy. Simply ignore the behavior. If you comfort the puppy, you are sending the signal that there is reason for the comforting. Ignoring it tells it that there's no reason for you to comfort your puppy, and thus no reason for it to whine.