How to Housebreak Your Chihuahua
Teacup and small breeds tend to be more difficult to housebreak than larger breeds. It is harder for them to distinguish the boundaries of their “den” (which they won’t soil) because of their small size. To them, an average house is massive and small dogs instinctively like to establish small living spaces. The task is essentially to teach them the boundary lines of the den. Once any dog understands this, they won’t soil inside those lines. Housebreaking can take anywhere from two weeks to four months, if you are consistent with the training. There are three universal methods for housetraining:
Umbilical cord method: This is a great method for very small breeds. You simply put a leash on your dog’s collar and either hang on to it or attach it to yourself somehow. This prevents your dog from wandering around without supervision and yet gives you the freedom to move around. It is important to keep a close eye on your Chihuahua and notice signs that he or she needs to use the bathroom. Look for a sudden increase in sniffing at the ground, as that is usually a sign that they are looking for an appropriate spot to relieve themselves. Puppies have very small bladders, so be sure to visit the backyard every two to three hours, or about 20 minutes after eating or drinking anything. Consistent visits outside and ample praise after EVERY time that your Chihuahua pees or poops outside will very quickly result in housebreaking.
Gate Method: this method gives you a little more freedon, but still requires that you pay plenty of attention to your Chihuahua and make frequent visits outside. The idea is to just block off certain rooms of your house, usually carpeted rooms, so they are not given any opportunity to soil the floor and establish a scent there. Remember that Chihuahuas are extremely social and will need lots of physical attention from the person to whom they are bonded. Do not leave them alone in a large space for long periods of time, as they can become anxious and feel abandoned.
Crate method: Most people think it cruel to put a dog inside a crate, but small dogs actually enjoy having a confined space to retreat to for a sense of safety. Crate training also prepares your dog to be a better traveling companion and also teaches him/her to tolerate a dog kennel (should you ever need to use one). Make sure to pick a crate that gives your Chihuahua room to stand, turn around and rest comfortably. If your dog refuses to go into the crate, dont worry, it’s probably just because it is a strange object to them. Leave the door open with food nearby and gradually your Chihuahua will become comfortable with it and venture inside. An important note: Never take your dog out of the crate if it is barking! That will only encourage your Chihuahua to bark for attention. When you do let your dog out, immediately walk him/her outside (or show them to the litter box).
Put some genuine time and effort into training your Chihauhua. Patience and consistency will pay off for you, and your dog will be a happy ,friendly and well trained friend.
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