Chihuahuas may be tiny, but their personalities are huge—bold, expressive, and sometimes a little stubborn. Training a Chihuahua requires patience, gentleness, and consistency, but the reward is a well-behaved, confident companion who loves to please.

Whether you're raising a Chihuahua puppy or adopting an adult dog, this detailed guide covers everything you need to build a strong bond and teach your Chihuahua essential obedience and manners.

1. Start Training Early

Chihuahuas learn best from a young age, ideally around 8–12 weeks old. At this stage, they’re curious, eager to explore, and open to learning new behaviors.

Early Training Should Include:

• Their name recognition

• Simple commands like sit, come, stay

• Gentle handling and daily routines

• Exposure to new sounds, people, and environments

Early training builds confidence and prevents future behavioral problems.

2. Use Positive Reinforcement

Chihuahuas respond extremely well to reward-based training.

Effective Rewards:

• Soft treats

• Praise (“Good job!”)

• Gentle petting

• Playtime with favorite toys

Avoid:

• Yelling

• Harsh corrections

• Physical punishment

Positive reinforcement makes training enjoyable and helps your Chihuahua learn faster.

3. Be Patient With House Training

Because of their small size, Chihuahuas have tiny bladders and may require more frequent potty breaks.

House-Training Tips:

• Take your Chihuahua out after meals, naps, and playtime

• Stick to a consistent routine

• Praise enthusiastically after successful potty outside

• Clean accidents immediately to remove scent

• Use puppy pads during early stages if needed

Tip: Never punish accidents—this creates fear and confusion.

4. Teach Basic Obedience Commands

Basic commands make everyday life easier and improve safety.

Must-Know Commands:

• Sit

• Stay

• Come

• Down

• Leave it

• Heel (for walking on a leash)

Training sessions should be short and engaging—5 to 10 minutes once or twice daily.

5. Socialize Your Chihuahua Early

Chihuahuas can become fearful or reactive without proper socialization.

Expose Them To:

• Other dogs

• New people

• Children (supervised)

• Car rides

• Parks and outdoor spaces

• Household noises (vacuum, TV, etc.)

Always make socialization positive and calm. Reward confidence!

6. Stop Barking and Reactivity Early

Chihuahuas are naturally alert and sometimes bark excessively.

To Reduce Excessive Barking:

• Teach the quiet command

• Redirect attention to toys

• Avoid reinforcing barking by giving attention

• Keep curtains closed if they bark at outside noises

• Provide mental stimulation (puzzle toys, training games)

Consistency is key—never yell back; it only excites them more.

7. Leash Training Is Important

Even small dogs need proper leash manners.

Leash Training Tips:

• Start indoors using a lightweight harness

• Reward calm walking beside you

• Take short walks to avoid overwhelming them

• Avoid retractable leashes (they teach pulling)

Tip: Always use a harness, not a collar, to protect their fragile trachea.

8. Crate Training Helps With Safety and Travel

Crate training provides a safe space and helps with house training.

Benefits of Crate Training:

• Helps prevent separation anxiety

• Makes vet trips and travel easier

• Prevents destructive behavior

Tips:

• Make the crate cozy with blankets

• Leave the door open at first

• Reward your Chihuahua for entering the crate

• Never use it as punishment

9. Prevent Small-Dog Syndrome

Chihuahuas are often treated like babies, which can lead to unwanted behavior such as:

• Aggression

• Demanding behavior

• Jealousy

• Excessive barking

Avoid These Common Mistakes:

• Carrying your Chihuahua everywhere

• Allowing jumping on people

• Letting them guard food or toys

• Encouraging fear-based behavior (“poor baby”)

Treat your Chihuahua like a dog—not a fragile toy—and they will behave like one.

10. Be Consistent With Rules

Consistency is the foundation of good training.

Establish Household Rules:

• Can they get on the furniture?

• Where do they sleep?

• Are table scraps allowed?

• Who walks and feeds them?

Make sure all family members follow the same rules—this prevents confusion.

11. Keep Training Fun and Short

Chihuahuas have short attention spans. Long sessions will frustrate them.

Training Should Be:

• Short

• Positive

• Rewarding

• Repetitive—but not boring

End every session with a success.

12. Know When to Seek Professional Help

If your Chihuahua struggles with:

• Aggression

• Fear

• Excessive barking

• Anxiety

…a professional trainer or behaviorist can help.
Choose someone who uses positive reinforcement methods.

Conclusion

Training a Chihuahua takes patience, love, and consistency—but this tiny breed is incredibly intelligent and eager to bond with their owners. With the right approach, your Chihuahua can become a polite, confident, well-behaved companion who brings joy to your home every day.

Whether you’re teaching basic commands, crate training, or improving social skills, remember: Chihuahuas learn best when they feel safe, loved, and rewarded.