Why Your Chihuahua Barks:
Your Chihuahua is Protecting You
One reason your Chihuahua barks may be because they have no idea that they are a toy dog and feel that they can protect you from anything they feel is a danger. To a small dog, there are a lot of things may seem like a possible danger to them, they are only 1-6 pounds! A loud noise for example. Do not be angry at your Chihuahua for barking at a an unexpected noise like a car motor or lightening. There are ways to show him that all is okay and there is no reason to be afraid of the noise or feel they have to be in protection mode. Chihuahuas make very good watchdogs and your Chihuahua bark to alert you to anything out of the ordinary . Chihuahuas are very aware of their surroundings, noises and other people . Believing they are much larger than they are, a Chihuahua will bark to protect the people in their family. As with any dog, you may wish to understand the different reasons why your dog barks and then you can begin to take steps to stop the barking.
Self Protection:
Another reason why a Chihuahua may bark is self protection. A Chihuahua may feel that their belongings are in danger. A Chihuahua may protect their toys and food bowls; believing that someone larger may take them away. It will be your job to make your Chihuahua feel safe and secure that no one is going to take their food and toys. Put their dog dish in a quiet corner and do not bother your dog while they eat. Do not allow people to rush around the dog or yell while the dog is eating. If your Chihuahua sees or hears loud commotions while eating, they may feel they are in a rush. Each meal should be a quiet event.
Boredom:
If a dog gets bored, he will either sleep or bark. Chihuahuas may bark incessantly if they are not socialized at a young age to play with children and other dogs and if they are not supplied with a variety of interesting dog toys. Giving your Chihuahua lots of different toys is not spoiling them. The best way to stop Chihuahua barking is to have a whole bunch of great toys. You should try to search around for dog toys that are interactive and fun. You should give your Chihuahua more than a plain chewing toy. Your Chihuahua is like a small child. He or she needs stimulation from exercise, playing. learning and exploring.
Excitement:
You may find your Chihuahua goes a bit crazy when you come home. Dogs will get overly excited when you arrive home and this can lead to intense barking and even accidental urination. Even a Chihuahua that is house trained may show excitement urination when you arrive home. It usually happens with puppies and your Chihuahua is not probably not even aware that he is urinating. As your puppy gets older and develops a stronger bladder control, the problem will usually disappear.
When You Come Home:
Sometimes, barking is worst right as you get ready to enter through the door. The best way to fix this is to stop your Chihuahua from becoming overly excited; This can be done by exposing your dog to the event that excites him, over and over until it no longer excites him.
When you get home, it will be difficult, but ignore him for several minutes. Don't even look at him. Then leave again for a few minutes, return and ignore, leave, return and ignore. After a while, you will see that your dog is not only unexcited, but is actually getting bored with the whole thing. When your dog has calmed down and is no longer excited when you come in, then very quietly and softly say hello. If any signs of excitement appear, leave right away and repeat the coming-and-going routine.
Fix Their Boredom:
Giving your Chihuahua a toy will not be seen as rewarding their barking behavior. Chihuahuas are active little dogs; they need stimulation and to release energy. If you only give your Chihuahua simple toys, you will soon find out that they bore easily. A Chihuahua needs fun and interesting toys to keep them happy. If you can, it is a good idea to give a Chihuahua a new toy about once a month and think variety: toys that make noise, toys that are interactive, colorful toys (yes, dogs can see colors, forget the old information you may have heard!).
Night Time Barking:
Your Chihuahua, as with any dog, must learn that barking for your attention does not get your attention! Say the word "Quiet" , once or twice in a normal tone and then completely ignore him. It may be hard to do in the beginning, but in the long run it will produce a better relationship and bond between you and your Chihuahua, trust us. Make sure your Chihuahua has plenty of water, a treat or two and some toys that he can reach if he refuses to sleep. After ignoring his attention-getting behavior for a wee or two, he will learn to do what you do: he will sleep when you do. Ignoring dogs we love is not always easy, but if done for training methods, it is temporary and will lead to a long life together with a dog that behaves.
