According to Dogbreedinfo.com, chihuahuas can be a very difficult breed to train. However, they are highly intelligent, and will learn quickly if you are persistent. When training a chihuahua to fetch a toy, it is important that you are both diligent and patient. Many puppies will not learn how to fetch right away, so you will have to repeat the training process multiple times in order for your chihuahua to learn the trick. Training a chihuahua to fetch is very easy if you are willing to practice with them over time.
Things You'll Need
- Small squeaky toy
- Training treats
Instructions
Position yourself at the front of a hallway, facing down the hallway. The hallway will act as your training space while teaching your chihuahua to fetch.
Place your chihuahua in front of you. Squeak the toy several times to get their attention, and gently play with them to get them excited.
Throw the toy down the hallway. Your chihuahua will likely chase after it. Position your body within the hallway entrance so that your chihuahua is blocked from exiting.
Gently command your chihuahua to return the toy to you. You may need to encourage him several times before he will bring the toy back. Since he is blocked in the hallway and can not run off elsewhere with it, it should only take a few gentle commands before he brings the toy back.
Reward your chihuahua with a training treat once he has successfully fetched the toy. Praise him with terms like "good dog." This will teach him that fetching the toy is good behavior that should be repeated.
Repeat steps 1-5 until your chihuahua has successfully learned to fetch a toy. Slowly integrate training treats out of the training process until he is able to complete the trick without a food reward.