Are Chihuahuas Easy to Train?

Last Updated on August 26, 2021

Chihuahuas are ranked the 11th most popular dog! And it’s no wonder with their tiny cuddly size – they make the ideal indoor dog. But are Chihuahuas easy to train? They are cute and easy to carry around. But they can be one of the more aggressive dog breeds so it’s important to start training your Chihuahua early on to prevent anything bad from happening.

The simple answer is yes. Chihuahuas can be trained just like any other dog. Some dogs are more motivated than others, but if you put in the work, you can easily train your Chihuahua. With a long lifespan compared to some other breeds, you will want a well-trained dog as your companion.

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Are Chihuahuas Easy to Train?

Chihuahuas are bred to be constantly at your side. They are your companion and want to do everything with you. They often choose one member of the family to be “their person”.

However, it’s important to start training when they are young. This helps prevent them from bad behaviors such as aggression, barking, and resource guarding.

Many times people think these behaviors are funny or cute coming from such a small dog but they can lead to biting or attacks which are not at all a good thing.

Chihuahuas are People Pleasers

Chihuahuas will pick one person in the family to become attached to. They want to please that person which really helps when training.

It’s best to use training methods that promote positive reinforcement. They respond best to this type of training because of their need to please.

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Chihuahuas are Food-Motivated

Like most dogs, Chihuahuas respond very well to food incentives. Find a favorite treat and use it when teaching or giving positive reinforcement. A low-calorie chewy treat like this one might be a good option.

Be aware of how many treats you are giving a Chihuahua, it’s easy for these little dogs to pack on the pounds. An overweight Chihuahua is prone to other health issues like joint problems and more.

Chihuahuas Can Suffer From Small Dog Syndrome

Most Chihuahuas suffer from small dog syndrome. This means that they think they are bigger or more important than they really are.

This small dog syndrome is what causes a lot of the problems with Chihuahuas. Here are some things you can do to prevent your dog from getting this way.

Don’t carry them around all the time in a bag or purse.
Don’t allow the dog to dictate when they eat or get treats.
Let your dog know that you are the pack leader from day one.
Do not give your dog any attention when they are behaving with extremely high energy when you come home. Wait until they are in a calm state of mind.
When you walk your dog never let them pull you in a certain direction. You decide where you walk and how fast.

Chihuahuas Need Socialization

It’s very important to socialize your dog at a young age and to continue to socialize them as they get older.

Socialization doesn’t just mean playing with other dogs. That is important with Chihuahuas but they also need to be socialized to situations, such as people and places.

Going to a small dog play park is a great idea to let your dog play with other dogs and get used to being around them. However, make sure you know your dog and your surroundings. Not all dogs and owners feel safe and act appropriately at dog parks.

Taking your dog to an outdoor cafe or outdoor shopping area is also great to get them used to people and different places.

Or find a dog-friendly store and make a habit of taking your pup there for short trips. This gets them used to noises, people, children, and so much more.

Chihuahuas tend to be afraid of what they don’t know so this socialization is great to keep them from being scared.

Summary: Are Chihuahuas easy to train?

Chihuahuas can be stubborn little dogs that like to think they are bigger or more important than they are. But if you start at an early age and train them using positive reinforcement they can be a well-behaved member of your family.

And, with smaller dogs, it’s often easier just to pick them up to stop a behavior instead of actually training them. No judgment here – I’m a small dog owner and do the same thing without even thinking.

But with the help of a professional trainer, puppy classes, or some other type of training, you can prevent or correct bad behaviors. You’ll teach them positive behaviors and end up with a happy, well-trained dog. And we all know this leads to a happy owner!

It’s also important to start at a young age and continue this training as the dog gets older. It’s easy for a Chihuahua to “forget” their training and get into bad habits.

The Chihuahua can become a beloved member of a family, all you need is a little training and patience.

Are Chihuahuas Easy to Train?