This is common question that most first-time chihuahua owners ask me. Before I answer your question, let me ask you a few

* Do you use cookies, collars, head halters or clickers to make your dog listen to your commands?

* Do you have to raise your voice every time you want your dog to listen to you?

* Does your dog always come or sit on command - anytime and anywhere you want him to?

* If your answers are mostly in the negative, its time you seriously reconsider your role as a sincere dog trainer and an ideal pet parent.

Get Your Chihuahua To Listen To You

Before you begin any training, you must first establish yourself as the "ALPHA". Your dog must know that you're the leader of the pack and it is YOU who is in charge.

Here is a list of simple DO's and DONT's that you must follow if you want to be the Alpha:

* Always go out or come in through the door first - remember you are the leader

* Always eat first - give your dog something to eat only after you've finished your meal

* Don't circle around your dog when he is lying on the floor - make your dog move out of your way instead

* Don't let your dog set the rules - pay attention to him when you think fit and not whenever he demands

* Don't permit your doggie to sleep with you in your bed - demarcate his sleeping area clearly

Once you successfully establish yourself as the Alpha, training your dog and making him listen will be a lot easier than you can imagine. Remember, if your dog does not learn to "listen", all your training effort will be in vain!

The second step is to teach your dog know his name.

Does your dog look at you whenever you call him by his name? This is the first and the most critical thing that you must teach your dog. If your dog doesn't respond to his name, you cannot have his attention for teaching him any other commands.

To make sure that your chihuahua recognizes his name, take a treat in your hand and hold it away from your body. Call your dog's name. He is most likely to look at the treat in your hand. Continue calling his name untill he turns and looks at your eyes. Give him the treat immediately. Repeat this exercise by holding the treat in the other hand. Once you're sure that your dog has learnt to recognize his name, just call his name and reward him for looking at you by petting or with a hug.

You must understand that chihuahuas respond far better to positive reinforcement than they do to coercion or force.