Chihuahua puppies! What could be cuter? So cute and so tiny. How to housebreak a Chihuahua is a question you will soon ask yourself if you have a new puppy in the house. Let’s take a look at puppy potty training options and see how easy it can be. A little helpful fact to note, Chihuahua dogs really dislike going outside to do their business during anything but warm, sunny weather. And, they can be down right stubborn to go out if it’s raining. With this in mind, crate training or pen training will probably be the best way to start in training your new Chihuahua puppy.
Your puppy’s crate should be large enough for the adult dog to stand, sit and stretch out. We like this one
The key goal is to teach your new baby that you don’t mess where you sleep and eat. Ideally, you will place the crate in an area where you will be spending the most time. Remember, even though they are tiny, your Chihuahua is a pack animal, and he needs to feel part of your family activities. Place the crate in the kitchen or family room- he wants to be where you are, his pack. It may seem to be a lot of work, but in the long run, your dog will be well balanced and want to please YOU, his pack leader.
After making the crate comfy and warm, enclose the chiwawa in his crate for regular one-to-two-hour intervals. And, whenever he must be left alone, for up to three or four hours. Then, take him out to a designated outside spot, or “puppy training tray
If possible, at night the crate should go in your bedroom with you. Not only does this provide comfort to the puppy, it will teach your dog that the pack sleeps here, all night, quietly. And in the day we are active. If there is any fussing, you’re there to deal with it. It may seem mean if you are not used to this routine, however your chiwawa will come to really enjoy his quiet space in his “den” and will willingly go to it upon your request.
Pen training can be done, however it can be harder to train a chiwawa that has been kept in a playpen. This is due to the fact that they have already become accustomed to peeing and pooping in their living/sleeping quarters and it is a hard habit to break.
Try not to take your pup out of his crate when he is whining. This will teach him to do it more, as he has been rewarded for it. Wait until he stops fussing and is calm before you take him out. You can give him a special chew toy or treat just for when he is in the crate. And be sure to include a blanket for your chiwawai baby. They are always on the cold side and love to dig underneath to make a warm den for themselves. Be sure to give lots of praise when he’s inside his crate, lengthening the periods you leave him in.
Remember, just putting your dog into a crate does not house train a dog. To be successful, you want to prevent your puppy from making mistakes, and that means you must be consistent and attentive to your dog. Many people punish a dog for pooping in the house, and they never provide any positive praise when it goes outside. Please praise your baby well when he hits his target outside.
To prevent surprises, don’t let your puppy have the run of the house. He needs you to watch him 100% of the time, just as you would a new baby. If you must leave the room, even for a phone call, he goes with you. Just crate him or take him with you.
With consistency and patience your new Chihuahua puppy will be potty trained in no time. All the effort you provide in these first few weeks will provide rewards for years to come.