More than the learning capacity of your dog, it’s the approach toward the dog that matters. Chihuahuas are intelligent and can learn quick but are also very stubborn. Therefore, it’s important to have the right approach toward them while training.

Be as positive as possible when you train your pup. A happy and positive face with happy words will make your chihuahua more eager to learn. Scolding and punishment can have a negative impact on your pet and it might not even learn anything.

Training and rewards go hand in hand. Every time there is a little accomplishment, reward your pet with treats for good behavior. As you proceed with the training, give them different types of rewards for different types of accomplishments and keep praising them with words like “good boy/girl” or “good dog,” etc. and pet them. This way, they will know how to behave to get praises from you.

Your training will probably have two parts: obedience training and potty training. Obedience training should last not more than 15 minutes every day. But you must train them every day till they are well trained. Many owners focus on potty training alone and let go of obedience. While most domestic animals, especially male dogs, tend to take the alpha male role in the house and often go out of hand. Obedience training is important to keep your pet under control so it never harms anybody.

When you are obedience training your little chihuahua, take him or her to a distraction free zone in the house or outside. But the place shouldn’t have any disturbances as that can distract the pup. Then you are in a quiet room or area, stand right in front of the pup and take out the treat and hold it right in front of its nose. The small will get you his attention and you can take move the treat toward its tail and say “sit.” Its body will automatically acquire the sitting position as the treat goes behind them. Continue this till they understand and associate the word “sit” with the command and treats. Once trained, reward them with treats and lots of praise and petting.

Start potty training when it is young. Look for a place where you want your pup to always to whenever it wants to poop or urinate. Use words like “No” or “bad boy/girl” every time they do their business in places that’s not assigned for that job. Never hit or spank them. Just show your disapproval. Take your pup outside when you see the traits. Again, never forget to reward and praise them whenever they do something right.

Chihuahuas are not just the cutest and adorable, but they are also the smallest dog breeds in the world. When it comes to taking care of chihuahuas, you need to take care of these three things: feeding, grooming, and health.

Chihuahuas are indoor animals and require lot of care because of their delicate built. There are few things to remember about caring for chihuahuas if your pup is very young then keep them away from very young children or children who cannot hold the young chihuahuas properly. Mishandling the pups can cause them physical damage.
When chihuahuas are teething, keep a safe distance between their mouth and your eyes to keep your eyes safe.

Young chihuahuas, when they are between 4 to 6 months of age, are most prone to hypoglycemia. There is a sudden and rapid drop in their sugar level that can get dangerous if not treated right away. Delay in the treatment can lead to coma and eventually death. Since it happens fast and there is a chance of missing the warning signs, it’s advisable to take the pup to the vet regularly till he reaches the out of danger age.

To keep your chihuahua pup safe and healthy, take them on a walk daily. Start the walk once all the puppy shots are given. A 2030-minute walk is sufficient every day. Keep your pup from jumping from heights. Jumping from a height on more than 2 feet should be prohibited for the pup as it can lead to serious injuries to the pup. Chihuahuas are tiny animals. Instead of a collar, put a harness on them. They have a tiny and delicate trachea and a collar can harm that. Harness can be found for less than $10 in some online stores.

When you are planning to bathe your pup the first time, do it after 68 weeks. A kitchen sink is ideal for little chis as you have a better grasp on them and water can be easily controlled. Water shouldn’t be too cold or hot for the pup. Keep the temperature moderate so the pup won’t feel uncomfortable. Use canine shampoo and conditioner only. Getting blinded by the TV commercial on pet food is something to look out for. Stick to real food, less processed, and treats that don’t seem to be colored artificially.

Apart from food and grooming, dental care should be given equal importance. You may visit the vet and get to know more about the dental hygiene of you little chi.