| Chihuahuas are fun-loving, intelligent and affectionate | | | | Chihuahua is the plaything of a certain type of celebrity, |
| animals, but they can also be aggressive if not trained | | | | leading to a range of products designed to pamper |
| properly. Many owners feel that, because of its size, | | | | your pooch. Of course, it is perfectly natural to want to |
| the Chihuahua is all sweetness. However, spoiling a | | | | spoil your dog, but it is important that this does not |
| dog of any size can cause behavioral problems and a | | | | overshadow the dog's perception of its place in the |
| snappy Chihuahua can be just as difficult to manage | | | | hierarchy. Therefore, treats and rewards should only |
| as an aggressive Doberman. So, to ensure that your | | | | be given when your dog has done something to earn |
| little bundle of joy is happy and a pleasure to be | | | | them. |
| around, here are some training tips. | | | | 4. Socialize Your Chihuahua While he/she is Still Young |
| 1. Start Young | | | | Smaller dogs are known for a propensity towards |
| A Chihuahua can live until the ripe old age of 18, but the | | | | aggression with other people and animals. Therefore, it |
| first few months are the most important in terms of | | | | is important to ensure that your dog is socialized with |
| training. Obviously, as with any animal, or child for that | | | | people of all ages and other animals from an early |
| matter, dogs are most receptive to learning when they | | | | age. If you are having trouble with a dog that is |
| are young, this is also the best time to assert your | | | | aggressive towards visitors, it is a good idea to |
| dominance over your pet. In order to have a happy | | | | address this quickly. The best way to resolve the |
| dog, it needs to know that you are the boss. If your | | | | problem is to have visitors bring a treat for your dog. |
| dog does not perceive you to be the leader of the | | | | However, your Chihuahua should only receive the treat |
| pack, he, or she, can become very stressed. | | | | if he, or she, has obeyed your commands to sit and |
| Therefore, training your puppy to recognize you as the | | | | stay. Soon, you should be able to phase out the treats, |
| alpha member of the family should be the first step in | | | | because you don't want your dog to become |
| your dog's training. | | | | overweight. |
| 2. Be Prepared to Dedicate the Time to Teaching | | | | 5. Consistency |
| Your Puppy | | | | They key to a happy well-behaved dog is consistency |
| In the first few months of your puppy's life with you, it | | | | in its training. In other words, if you do not want your |
| is crucial that you can afford the time to housetrain | | | | dog to climb on your couch, from the very beginning |
| and obedience train him, or her. No dog will learn how | | | | do not allow him, or her, to do so. Many owners see a |
| to behave correctly on its own. Therefore, a little time | | | | new puppy as a novelty and will allow behavior that |
| and patience is needed on your part. As mentioned | | | | they later find unacceptable. This will only confuse your |
| above, the Chihuahua is a very intelligent breed, so, | | | | Chihuahua. So, make sure that you establish house |
| training should not be an arduous task and it is a | | | | rules and stick to them. |
| wonderful opportunity for you and your dog to forge a | | | | Chihuahuas are very popular pets and can make |
| bond that will last a lifetime. | | | | wonderful companions. Despite their small size, they |
| 3. Praise Good Behavior, but Don't Spoil Your | | | | have a very large character. To ensure that your dog |
| Chihuahua | | | | is as happy and healthy as possible, good training is |
| Obviously, when a dog obeys a command, it is | | | | imperative. If you have a Chihuahua with behavioral |
| important to offer lots of praise for the positive | | | | problems, you may wish to seek advice from your |
| behavior. However, some owners can find themselves | | | | local veterinarian or obedience school. |
| spoiling a Chihuahua. In part, this may be because the | | | | |