Chihuahuas can be intelligent, loyal, affectionate little dogs. That's the good news. The bad news is that they can be notoriously difficult--but not impossible--to housebreak. Housebreaking a chihuahua, whether a puppy or adult, takes patience and a virtually unshakable, consistent routine. Crate training, according to the Humane Society of the United States, is an extremely effective method of housebreaking. With a crate and clear, gentle direction from you, your chihuahua can learn good toilet habits in no time.
Things You'll Need
- Dog crate
- Old sheets/towels
- Durable toys
- Dog treats
- Paper towels
- Pet odor remover
Instructions
The Crate
Purchase a dog crate that you are comfortable having in your home. Your chihuahua's crate is not meant to be tucked away in a spare room or back porch. Place it in the prominent place so when inside, your chihuahua will be able to see you and feel like he is part of your family.
Choose a crate that is just big enough for your chihuahua to stand up and turn around in. Dogs do not like to soil their "dens," so this will help her to learn how to hold it.
Make your chihuahua's crate a cozy, comfortable place that is pleasant for him. Line the bottom with old sheets or towels. Place one or two durable toys inside. Give your chihuahua a treat every time he is crated.
Place your chihuahua in her crate whenever you are away from home, or when you are too busy to watch her. Do this until she has learned to be clean in the house.
The Housebreaking
Choose a toilet area (backyard, "pee pee pad," newspaper, litter box). Pick one place where you want your chihuahua to eliminate and stick with it. Don't confuse him by waffling between the backyard and a litter box.
Give the toilet spot a name. Whether you call it "potty," "toilet" or "pee pee," pick a term that tells your chihuahua that it's time to use her toilet area.
Establish a regular feeding schedule and adhere to it as closely as possible. Regular feeding means regular elimination, and it will be easier to anticipate when your chihuahua needs to visit his toilet area.
Take your chihuahua to her toilet area first thing in the morning, after each meal, following exercise, after naps and right before bed. Keep in mind that puppies under 12 weeks of age have little to no control, and puppies under six months need to eliminate every two to four hours.
Keep your chihuahua with you. Until she can be trusted to be clean in the house, your chihuahua should not be allowed to roam from room to room unsupervised. In order to teach her, you must be able to catch her "in the act."
Praise him. Every time your chihuahua urinates or defecates in his toilet area, praise him and tell him what a good boy he is. Chihuahuas get very excited when commended.
Correct your chihuahua when he urinates or defecates in the house. Tell him "no" in a firm voice, but do not yell. Pick up or soak up his mistake, and take him (and the mistake) to his toilet area. Put it down, show it to him and praise him as if he did it there.
Clean it up. It's important to eradicate urine and fecal odors from your carpet so that your chihuahua won't be encouraged to return there to do it again. Use a product that is specifically formulated to remove pet odors and follow the manufacturer's directions carefully.