Chihuahua Training: 7 Tips on How to Turn Your Tiny Terror into a Well-Behaved Companion

Alright, let’s be real—chihuahuas have big attitudes in tiny bodies. They strut around like they own the place (because, let’s be honest, they do), and training them? Well, it can feel like trying to teach a toddler with a very strong opinion.

But don’t worry—I got you! Whether your chihuahua is a stubborn little gremlin or a total sweetheart, training is possible (and necessary) to keep them happy, safe, and well-mannered. So grab some treats, a little patience, and let’s talk about how to train your chihuahua without losing your mind.

 

1. Start Early (But It’s Never Too Late!)

If you’ve got a chihuahua puppy, congrats! This is the best time to start training. But if your chi is a little older and has already developed some bad habits (cough—barking at everything—cough), don’t stress. Chihuahuas are smart and can learn at any age—it just might take a little extra time to break those stubborn habits.

 

2. Socialization: Show Them the World

Chihuahuas can be sassy and a little too full of themselves if they aren’t properly socialized. Introduce them to new people, places, and other dogs early on to help them feel confident and prevent fear-based aggression.

• Take them on short walks in new areas

• Let them meet friendly dogs (big and small)

• Expose them to different sounds (doorbells, vacuums, people talking)

The goal? A chihuahua that doesn’t lose their mind every time they see a stranger or hear a loud noise.

 

3. House Training: Tiny Dog, Tiny Bladder

Listen, chihuahuas have itty-bitty bladders, so accidents will happen. But consistency is key!

• Take them out (or to a pee pad) frequently—after meals, naps, playtime, and first thing in the morning.

• Reward them immediately after they go potty outside—treats, praise, happy dances, whatever works!

• Don’t punish accidents. Just clean up and move on. They’ll get there with time!

Pro tip: Some chihuahua owners swear by litter box training or using indoor grass pads—especially if you live in an apartment or a place with cold winters (because let’s be real, chihuahuas hate being cold).

 

4. The Barking Problem: Teach the “Quiet” Command

Chihuahuas love to bark—it’s part of their charm. But excessive barking? Not so cute.

To teach the “quiet” command:

1. Let them bark (for now).

2. Say “quiet” in a calm but firm voice.

3. Hold up a treat—they’ll stop barking to sniff it.

4. As soon as they stop, reward them and say “quiet” again.

5. Repeat until they start connecting “quiet” with stopping barking.

It takes time, but consistency works! Also, make sure they’re not barking out of boredom—chihuahuas need mental stimulation, too.

 

5. Basic Commands: Keep It Simple

Your chihuahua doesn’t need to learn backflips (though that would be impressive), but basic commands like sit, stay, come, and leave it are super important for safety and good behavior.

• Use small, tasty treats (chihuahuas have tiny mouths!)

• Keep training sessions short—5-10 minutes is plenty.

• Be patient! Chihuahuas are smart but also stubborn—they’ll learn when they decide it’s worth their time.

 

6. Leash Training: No More Tiny Terrors on Walks

Chihuahuas tend to think they’re the boss of walks, but they need to learn proper leash manners.

• Use a harness, not a collar—their little necks are delicate!

• Reward calm walking—if they pull or bark, stop walking until they chill out.

• Practice in a quiet area first before tackling busy streets or parks.

Over time, your chihuahua will learn that pulling = no fun, and calm walking = all the adventures.

 

7. Don’t Let Them Develop “Small Dog Syndrome”

Chihuahuas know they’re small, but that doesn’t mean they should get away with bad behavior just because they’re tiny and cute. Things like growling, snapping, or refusing to listen should be corrected—just like you would with a bigger dog.

• Set boundaries.

• Don’t carry them all the time (let them walk!).

• Reward good behavior, not tantrums.

A well-trained chihuahua is a happy chihuahua.

 

Final Thoughts: Be Patient & Have Fun!

Training a chihuahua takes patience, consistency, and a good sense of humor. Some days they’ll be little angels, and other days… well, they’ll test your limits. But stick with it! The effort you put in now will pay off big time when you have a well-behaved, confident, and happy little pup.

So, what’s the trickiest thing about training your chihuahua? Drop a comment—I’d love to hear your stories (and maybe share some tips)!

 

Looking for more information on chihuahua ownership? 

Check out this blog post about Chihuahua Foods to Avoid