Preparing to Housebreak Your Chihuahua

A Chihuahua is actually more easy to housetrain than other types of breeds.  In general, the Chihuahua aims to please,  whether for housebreaking, obeying commands or performing tricks.  The most important element to sucessful in this endeavor is to be consistent.  You must repeat your training method until your Chihuahua learns.

If you wait only a week and change the method you use, and then repeat this habit of changing things, your Chihuahua will just end up as one confused little dog!

Your Chihuahua has no idea he is supposed to go outside (or in a litter box) to eliminate.  It is your job to show your dog.  




 

Limits & Age

You may begin training when your Chihuahua is between 8 and 12 weeks old. At this young age, it will take a bit of time, nothing will happen overnight!

Have reasonable expectations, take your Chihuahua outside a lot and reward them for their successes. 

Chihuahua training should be done by following these rules: A Chihuahua puppy can hold it's needs one hour per month of age, up to six hours maximum.  Example: A  3 month puppy can hold it's needs for about 3 hours. A full grown Chihuahua dog can hold on for up to 8 hours.

It is recommended that you take your dog outside or lead them to their litter box:
1. Immediately after being let out of a crate or pen or gated area 
2. When he/she wakes up from nap or sleep
3. 10  to 15 minutes after your pet eats

3 Ways to Train

Umbilical cord method: 

This is a great method for toy breed dogs such as the Chihuahua.  You can have your freedom of moving around, your Chihuahua can have their freedom to play and you can both be near each other.  This will allow you to spend time with your Chihuahua but also, importantly, allow you to train your Chihuahua to go outside or in a litter box for their needs. You  will simply attach a leash to it's collar and thread a belt through the loop on the dog leash and wear the belt on your waist.  This prevents your dog from wandering around and lets you do as you please.  Be careful of walking around too fast!

Gate Method:

The Gate Method may work for you, but you will need to keep checking on your Chihuahua. This is not always so easy if you are traveling from room to room. This method calls for you to place your Chihuahua in one room and block the exit with a baby gate. The idea is to just block off certain rooms of your house, this will allow your Chihuahua to be able to walk freely but will they will not be able to go far from your sight. 

Crate method: 

Do not think of dog crates as some kind of "jail" for your Chihuahua  . Chihuahua training via the crate method may surprise you.  Most dogs actually enjoy having it's own "room" and it gives them a place to go for a sense of safety. Chihuahuas are fragile dogs and like the feeling of feeling safe.  When doing this,  it will also train your dog to be a better traveling companion and also teach him/her to tolerate a dog kennel (should you ever need to use one).  Make sure to pick a crate that give your Chihuahua room to stand, turn around and rest comfortably.
 
If your dog refuses to go into the crate there are some things you can do.  You can begin by leaving the door open, making sure that it is not possible for it to close accidentally on your pet.  You can also put it's dog food closer and closer to the back of the crate each day, beginning with the food right outside the crate door. 

Once your dog is used to it's crate with the door open, try closing the door but not locking it.  You will slowly get  to the stage when you can lock the door.  Increase the time inside the crate slowly each day.  A very important tip is never take your dog out of the crate if they are barking like crazy!  That will only encourage your Chihuahua that barking gets them what they wish for.  When you do let your dog out, immediately walk him/her outside (or show them to the litter box).    Taking some time and patience will pay off for you, and your dog will be a happy, well trained friend.

Helpful Hints

What do you do if your Chihuahua insists on eliminating in 1 spot?  And it is not the spot you want!  If your Chihuahua is having a lot of training accidents, make sure there is not a medical issue.  If so, there is still help for house training a stubborn dog. Your Chihuahua can be trained to go potty in any area you choose, within a matter of a week or two, no matter how stubborn they seem. 

You must decide where you wish for her to go. Be sure to have a dog leash that is about 8 feet long. When your Chihuahua needs to go to the bathroom, put her on the leash and bring her to the area you chose. Stand in the middle of the area, allowing her to walk around within the length of the leash. Give plenty of time to find "just the perfect spot". Try to stay patient, as some dogs take a very long time to find what feels like the perfect spot for them, do not mistake this for not needed to go.  You may think your dog is just roaming around when if fact he or she is in preparation for the elimination. Give them freedom to choose any place within that area. Reward your Chihuahua with happy, excited words once they "go".