Chihuahua puppy training is a challenge partly because the puppies are so small. Being very gentle with your puppy is a must because the puppies are frail and often easily frightened. But with patience and persistence, you can usually make quick progress toward your training goals. You do have training goals, right?

Socialization

Chihuahua puppy care includes proper socialization. Socialization best occurs before the puppy is 3 months old. Avoid frightening and painful experiences. Try some of the following.

* Invite friends to meet your Chihuahua.

* Carry your puppy to places where there are groups of people.

* Take your pup for car rides.

* Introduce your puppy to being bathed, brushed and inspected.

* Let your puppy experience anything and everything you wish them to become comfortable around.

Behavior Training

Gentle training is a must for Chihuahua puppy training if you expect to have a well balanced adult dog. Discipline must be done with kindness and patience, never by slapping, hitting and kicking. Rough training is uncalled for with any dog, but especially for very small dogs. Reward the behavior you seek with high praise and limited treats.

Start early to guide your puppy's behavior rather that waiting until you're working with an adult. A dog's behavior can be changed at any age. But it's far easier to guide behavior in a small puppy than to correct adult behavior. And don't even think about letting negative behavior go unaddressed. That's a sure road to frustration for you and your pet.

What About Chihuahua Potty Training?

House training a Chihuahua dog is a must. Of course a dog that isn't house trained makes a mess. But the mess isn't the real problem. If you don't quickly train your dog, your puppy will end up at another home. Hardly anyone can take the frustration of a constant mess. That's why proper house training is so important.

A common method for house training a Chihuahua puppy is the crate method. Puppies won't usually soil their sleeping area. You can confine the puppy is a crate and then very frequently remove the puppy to the area for waste elimination. I the puppy has an accident, quickly carry them to the proper place. A few days of this close supervision will probably teach the desired behavior. Remember though that accidents will happen so be patient and consistent.

Barking And Whining

First try to determine the reason for the barking and whining? Is the puppy uncomfortable? Why? Is there a good reason? Is the puppy too full of energy? How about more exercise? Or is the racket just blackmail? Part of Chihuahua care is teaching your puppy to handle isolation and separation. Dogs can't get everything they want any more than people can.

Puppies need time with people to feel secure. But don't accept uncontrolled barking that irritates all the humans within hearing distance of this dog.

Biting, Mouthing Chewing

Puppies bite and chew on body parts and clothes. That's just part of being a puppy. But early on, this painful and destructive behavior must stop. Puppy biting and chewing that turns into adult dog biting and chewing is no laughing matter.

Much biting will be controlled if the dog has a chance to play with other puppies. Absent interaction with other dogs, you become the teacher. You can try pained expression of your displeasure with a loud "OUCH". Express the pain but not in an angry manner. Maybe you can leave the room for a short time.

Chihuahua training should begin early and always remember to be gentle and patient with your little puppy. Consistent discipline over a period of time will train your Chihuahua puppy to be the well-balanced pet you want.