How to Crate-Train a One-Year-Old Chihuahua

Place your Chihuahua's crate in a quiet corner of your home. Chihuahuas can be a nervous breed, and the less commotion around his crate the happier he will be. Your dog's crate will be his own personal space; make it peaceful and somewhat secluded to give him a feeling of privacy. Place his bed inside the crate along with his favorite toys to make him feel at home.

Open the crate door and sit on the floor with your dog, petting her and talking to her to keep her quiet. Give her the crate command and gently set her inside, offering her a treat once she is in the crate. Close the door and give your Chihuahua another treat to show her that closing her in the crate will not hurt her.

Allow your Chihuahua to exit the crate by opening the door and calling him toward you, praising him for staying calm. Repeat the crate command and put him back in the crate, this time allowing him to sit in the crate for approximately 30 seconds before letting him come out. Many Chihuahuas are very food motivated and will eagerly obey your commands in exchange for a treat or two, so be sure to reward him as soon as he relaxes inside the crate.

Extend the amount of time you leave your Chihuahua in her crate by 30 seconds per training session until she lies in her crate for five minutes without making a fuss. Work with your dog during two or three sessions per day so that she doesn't get bored by longer, infrequent sessions. Stay sitting near her crate to reassure her in case she becomes upset. Older Chihuahuas are able to hold their bladder and bowel movements for a few hours at a time, so there is no need to worry about letting her out every few minutes to potty.

Move out of sight once the Chihuahua stays calm for that five-minute period. Stand up and slowly walk away from your dog, moving around the corner so you are out of sight but can still hear the dog. Begin by standing out of sight while the dog lies calmly for one minute, adding a minute onto the "out of sight" time during each session. Chihuahuas can become very attached to their owners; if he starts barking, step into his view but do not move toward the crate, as he will think that crying means you will let him out.

Take a short trip away from your home once your dog stays quiet in her crate for 15 minutes with you out of sight. Give her the command to get in her crate and close the door, leaving without making a fuss. Return to your home and walk to the crate, giving your dog a treat before opening the door and letting her out. Lengthen the period of time you stay out until your dog is comfortable resting in her crate for three or four hours while you are away.