The Chihuahua is intelligent, energetic and lively in nature. It is a petite dog but it has a strong character. It can control the master and the home; that is why training him is very important. It is also important to build a bond with him and gain his loyalty. But, you will need a lot of patience and creativity to train a Chihuahua. If you are not very alert, it will manipulate you instead.
The Chihuahua loves physical activities and those that stimulate their brain. Given the proper handling and encouragement, Chihuahua training is easy since it involves both of these activities. Clicker training is the best way to start because the clicker signal is fast, noticeable and uncommon. With the clicker you can teach that the sound signals a reward. Once he starts associating the click with a reward, you can teach him other things.
Chihuahua training is most successful when you are gentle but firm. Do not use a choke collar; use a flat buckle collar instead. Give your dog daily exercise but avoid making him jump from high places. At home, first train him where to pee and then go on to teach the simple commands of sit, down, stay and come while exerting gentle pressure on his rump to show him what you expect. This will take some time but you will soon succeed. Remember the golden rule to praise profusely when appropriate; avoid shouting or hitting; it will do more harm than good.
When your Chihuahua is ready to go out, first take him to quieter places with less distractions. Gradually, you may take him to new places with exciting sights, sounds and smells. Sooner or later you will have to crate train your dog, so the sooner the better. Make sure you remain in sight of your Chihuahua while training him to stay in the crate. To begin with, leave him in the crate for a very short period, and go on increasing the time span slowly everyday. Don’t leave him in the crate for very long periods even after he is accustomed to it. It is not kind, though your Chihuahua’s crate is a valuable tool for assigning a place for him which he belongs to and where he feels safe.
Dee Schrock is the webmaster of dog-breed-picture.com. For more information about the Chihuahua dog breed, get your free report http://www.dog-breed-picture.com/free-dog-breed-reports.html – See also the Chihuahua Training Guide http://www.dog-breed-picture.com/chihuahua-training.html
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