Your Chihuahua may be tiny, but he has intelligence, personality and loyalty to spare. In fact, Chihuahuas are often referred to as "little dogs with big-dog personalities" because of their general fearlessness and adventurous natures. It is vitally important that you teach your Chihuahua the "come" command, also known as the "recall." Not only is it convenient to have a dog that returns on command, but his observance of this basic command could save his life. And life, in general will be better for him because dogs with good recall obedience get more freedom, and the fun of exploring the world off-leash. When teaching the recall, it's important to orchestrate training so that your Chihuahua succeeds every time. The worst thing you can do is allow him to ignore you when called, or--almost as bad--to wander back to you at his leisure. A true recall involves a prompt, immediate return, even in the face of distractions or temptations. With repetition and positive reinforcement, your Chihuahua can master the "come" command.
Things You'll Need
- Bite-size dog treats
- Harness
- Thin, long leash
Instructions
Give the "Come!" command whenever your Chihuahua is running towards you, whether he is approaching you in anticipation of a treat, to greet you, or simply heading in your general direction. When you see him approaching, say "Come!" as a verbal cue. You can also give him a visual cue by bringing one hand in towards your body, or opening both arms wide. When he reaches you, give him a treat you've concealed in your pocket for a time like this, and praise him with the words "Good come!" or "Good here!"
Crouch about five feet from your Chihuahua, waving a treat. Make sure it is something your dog likes. To increase the odds of success, you should do this indoors, where there are fewer distractions. In a happy, upbeat voice, say your dog's name, and then "Come." He will probably already be bounding towards you. Give him the treat, and say "Good come!"
Repeat this exercise many times throughout the day to reinforce the positive behavior. At this time you can also start calling your Chihuahua when you are in the next room, preparing to feed him. Make as much noise as possible opening the can or rustling the bag. He will probably make a beeline for you; call him as you hear him approach. Praise him and give him the food when he reaches you.
Ask a helper (this should be someone your Chihuahua likes) to sit about 20 feet away, holding the dog. Call the dog by name and say "Come!" as the helper releases him. When he reaches you, give him the reward and praise. Have the helper call your Chihuahua in the same way--waving a treat that she has until that moment concealed in her pocket--and rewarding and praising your dog when he returns to her.
Put a leash on your Chihuahua and take him outside. Call him, using a happy voice, and walk backwards. Reward him when he comes to you. Because there will now be distractions--interesting smells in the air and noises your Chihuahua would like to investigate--don't be discouraged if he hesitates or falters a bit at this point. Repetition is the key.
Repeat this exercise several times--every time you walk your Chihuahua--until he responds with alacrity, willingly approaching you as you walk backwards.
Clip a long, thin leash on your Chihuahua's harness, and take him somewhere that is outdoors but confined, such as a fenced area. Let him trot a distance away, then happily call him. If he comes, reward him exuberantly with praise and treats. If he is distracted and postpones coming, tug gently on the leash to remind him. Never haul him in by the line; it is simply there as a cue, as well as to prevent your Chihuahua from running away.
Take your Chihuahua to the same confined area you have been working in, and unclip the leash. Let him get a distance away, and call him. Reward him if he comes. If he doesn't, clip the leash back on and continue working with him.
Continue "upping the stakes" by slowly introducing various distractions--such as other dogs and people--as well as increasing the recall distance, but don't ask for more than you feel your Chihuahua will do.
You will know your Chihuahua is truly trained to recall when he abandons that fascinating mutual sniffing ceremony with another dog to report back promptly to you, his proud owner.