#dogtrainingtips

Honestly, the hardest part of getting a new puppy is the constant floor scrubbing. If you’re tired of the endless carpet surprises and feeling a bit overwhelmed, this is for you.

No stress, no punishments—just a simple, gentle 7-day routine that actually makes sense for busy dog parents. It’s a total game-changer for a cleaner home and a happier pup.

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Thinking about bringing home a Chihuahua—or just curious about what makes these pint-sized pups so iconic? This guide breaks down everything you need to know, from their bark-to-size ratio to their diva-level drama. Skim the sections below to find out if this sassy little companion is the right fit for your life.

Chihuahua Size

Chihuahuas typically weigh between 2–6 pounds and stand about 5–8 inches tall. They're pocket-sized powerhouses—small enough to fit in your tote, but bold enough to think they own the sidewalk.

Long-Haired vs. Short-Haired Chihuahuas

There are two coat types: short-haired (aka smooth coat) and long-haired. Short-haired Chihuahuas have sleek, low-maintenance fur, while long-haired ones sport a fluffier, more glamorous look. Personality-wise, there’s no major difference—but grooming needs do vary, and some people swear long-haired Chis are a little more chill.

Chihuahua Personality

Feisty, loyal, and hilariously dramatic. Chihuahuas are known for their big-dog attitude in a tiny frame. They bond deeply with their humans and often pick one favorite person to obsess over.

Chihuahua Training

Smart but stubborn. They can learn commands quickly, but only if they feel like it. Positive reinforcement and consistency are key—skip the harsh tones, they’ll just sass you back.

Good with Kids?

Depends on the kid. Chihuahuas don’t love rough handling, so gentle, respectful children are a better match. Supervision is a must—they’re fragile and won’t tolerate being treated like a toy.

Chihuahua Exercise Needs

Low to moderate. A few short walks and some indoor playtime will do the trick. They’re sprinters, not marathoners—but don’t underestimate their zoomies.

Chihuahua as a Guard Dog

Emotionally? Yes. Logistically? Not really. They’ll bark like they’re defending Fort Knox, but their bite is more bark than bite. Great for alerting, not so much for actual protection.

Chihuahua Diet

Small portions, high quality. They burn calories fast but can also gain weight easily. Look for small-breed formulas and avoid table scraps—those eyes will beg, but stay strong.

Chihuahua Care & Grooming

Minimal brushing for short-haired; weekly brushing for long-haired. Bathing every few weeks is fine. Keep nails trimmed and ears clean. Bonus: they don’t shed much, so your couch is safe.

Chihuahua Barking

Oh, they bark. At strangers, squirrels, shadows, and sometimes nothing at all. Training can help reduce excessive barking, but it’s part of their charm (or chaos, depending on your mood).

Good Family Pet?

Yes—for the right family. They thrive in homes where they’re treated with respect and given lots of attention. Not ideal for chaotic households or homes with toddlers who grab.

Good with Strangers?

Suspicious by default. They’ll warm up eventually, but expect some side-eye and barking first. Socialization from a young age helps mellow their stranger-danger instincts.

Good with Other Dogs?

It depends on the vibe. Chihuahuas often have a “main character” complex and may try to boss around dogs ten times their size. With proper socialization from a young age, they can get along well with other dogs—especially if the other dog is calm and respectful. But don’t expect instant friendship. Supervised introductions and slow bonding are key. Bonus tip: they tend to do better with other small breeds who speak their language (aka: dramatic yapping and zoomies).

✅ Quick Tips for Chihuahua + Dog Harmony

Start slow: Introduce in neutral territory, not your living room throne.

Watch body language: Tail up and ears perked = curious. Growling or stiff posture = back off.

Size matters: Avoid rough play with large dogs unless they’re gentle giants.

Respect the drama: Chihuahuas may bark or posture—don’t punish, redirect calmly.

Positive reinforcement: Treats for calm behavior around other dogs work wonders.

Safe space: Give your Chihuahua a retreat zone where they can decompress solo.

Common Health Problems

Dental issues, luxating patella (knee problems), heart disease, and hypoglycemia. Regular vet checkups and good nutrition go a long way in keeping them healthy.

Chihuahua Lifespan

These little legends live long—often 14–17 years, sometimes even into their 20s. Great for long-term companionship, but be ready for senior care as they age.

Chihuahua Apartment Compatibility

Perfect for small spaces. They don’t need a yard, just a cozy nook and some lap time. Bonus: they make excellent emotional support animals for apartment dwellers.

Travel Friendliness

They’re travel-sized and airline-friendly. Most carriers and airlines allow them in-cabin, and they adapt well if introduced to travel early. Just keep their anxiety in check with familiar items.

Intelligence

They’re clever, emotionally intuitive, and occasionally manipulative. They’ll learn your routines, moods, and how to get what they want. Outsmarting them takes strategy.

Chihuahua Rescue & Adoption

Rescue dogs come from a variety of backgrounds—some may have been abandoned, others surrendered, and many may have lived through trauma or neglect. No matter their story, when a rescue dog enters your home, it marks the beginning of a new chapter for them and for you. However, adjusting to this new life takes time, patience, and intentional care. Here’s how you can earn the trust of a rescue dog and help them feel comfortable in their new home.

1. Understanding the Importance of Patience

Every rescue dog is unique—while some might settle quickly, others may take weeks or even months to feel at ease. It’s important to remember that building trust takes time. Your new dog may be unsure of people, frightened by certain objects, or even confused by simple things like a doorbell.

Tip: Give your dog space to explore the home and come to you at their own pace. Avoid forcing affection, and instead let them initiate interactions.

2. Create a Safe Space

Your new rescue dog needs a quiet, comfortable space that is all theirs. This could be a cozy dog bed in a corner or a crate with the door left open. Dogs need a place where they can retreat and feel safe if they become overwhelmed.

Ideas for Creating a Safe Space:

Use a crate lined with soft blankets and keep it open for them to enter freely.

Choose a low-traffic area of the house for their bed, away from noise and activity.

Add familiar toys, treats, or scents (like a blanket from the shelter) to provide comfort.

3. Establish Routine and Consistency

Dogs thrive on routine, and establishing one will help your rescue dog feel more secure. Consistent feeding times, potty breaks, walks, and bedtime routines help your dog understand what to expect, reducing anxiety.

How to Create a Routine:

Feed your dog at the same times every day.

Walk and play sessions should follow a predictable schedule.

Use the same commands and cues for training to avoid confusion.

4. Use Positive Reinforcement

Training is essential for rescue dogs, but the key to success is positive reinforcement. This means rewarding good behavior with treats, toys, or praise, rather than punishing unwanted behavior.

Training Tips:

Reward calm behaviors like sitting quietly or coming when called.

Use a gentle tone to communicate with your dog and encourage them.

Be patient with accidents—use them as teaching moments rather than reasons for punishment.

5. Build Trust with Calm, Gentle Interactions

Many rescue dogs may be wary of people, especially if they’ve experienced neglect or abuse. Building trust requires gentle, calm interactions that show the dog they are safe. Avoid sudden movements or loud noises that might startle them.

How to Build Trust:

Sit on the floor at their level and let them approach you.

Offer treats from your hand to create positive associations.

Speak softly and avoid prolonged eye contact, which some dogs may find intimidating.

6. Give Them Time to Decompress

Rescue dogs often experience stress from their previous environment. When they come to a new home, they need time to decompress. During this period, it’s important to avoid overwhelming them with too much attention, visitors, or new experiences.

Decompression Guidelines:

Limit the number of people or animals they meet in the first few weeks.

Keep walks short and in calm, familiar areas until they build confidence.

Allow them to explore the house and yard at their own pace.

7. Encourage Bonding Through Activities

Bonding with your rescue dog will strengthen your relationship and help them feel more secure. Activities like walks, games, or even grooming sessions can foster trust and connection.

Bonding Activities:

Go on daily walks to explore new areas together.

Play simple games like fetch or hide-and-seek with toys.

If they are comfortable, groom them gently to build positive touch associations.

8. Pay Attention to Body Language

Rescue dogs may not be able to tell you how they feel, but their body language speaks volumes. Understanding what your dog’s signals mean can help you respond appropriately and avoid stress triggers.

Common Signs to Watch For:

Tail tucked, ears flattened: Fear or discomfort.

Yawning or lip licking: Stress or anxiety.

Relaxed body, wagging tail: Comfort and happiness.

9. Introduce New People and Pets Slowly

If you have other pets or expect visitors, it’s important to introduce them to your new rescue dog gradually. A slow introduction prevents overwhelm and helps your dog adjust at their own pace.

Introduction Tips:

Start with leashed introductions to other pets.

Let visitors offer treats and allow the dog to come to them.

Supervise interactions and be ready to step in if the dog seems stressed.

10. Celebrate Small Wins

Progress with a rescue dog can be slow, but every small victory counts. Celebrate milestones like the first time your dog wags their tail, eats comfortably, or comes to you for affection. Recognizing these moments builds confidence in your dog and strengthens your bond.

Final Thoughts

Bringing a rescue dog into your home is a beautiful, life-changing experience for both you and the dog. Though the process may come with challenges, the rewards of earning their trust and seeing them thrive are priceless. With patience, love, and consistent care, your rescue dog will come to understand that they are finally safe and truly home.

By following these steps, you’ll not only make your rescue dog feel comfortable but also build a lasting, trusting relationship that will bring joy to both of your lives for years to come.

Do you advocate for your dog???

You wouldn't allow a stranger to approach your child, reach into the pram and pull them out for a cuddle. You'd intercede! Do your dog the same courtesy, and advocate for them.

Is your dog anxious about or scared of strangers? If so, when people ask to pat your dog say NO! You don't need to worry about offending that person, and you don't need to give a reason unless you want to. Be polite, but be firm, and your dog will learn that you are willing to step up on their behalf. 

Which means they don’t need to react.

Is your dog worried about other dogs? Make sure you react to the approach of other dogs and owners before they can allow their "friendly" dog to get in your dog’s face or in their space. It is not the right of that person who "just wants to socialise their dog" to override what you believe is best for your dog. Again, your dog needs to see that they have a strong leader who will step up on their behalf and not allow the other dog into their comfort zone. 

Which means they don’t need to react

When you think about exercising your dog you probably think about activities like walks, trails, hikes, and games of fetch, but it may come as a surprise to discover that your dog needs brain exercise as well.

Working a dog’s mind is just as important as working the body, and brain games are a great way to do it. And the best part about playing brain games for dogs? Tapping into your dog’s unique cognitive abilities is important enrichment that is easy to do!

What is Brain Training for Dogs?

While standard obedience school can be considered brain training for dogs, true brain training engages your dog’s mind in a slightly different way. The dog training exercises in standard obedience training have a specific goal: your dog learns foundation behaviors like walking politely on a leash, holding a stay, or coming when called.

With brain training the goal is to encourage your dog to think creatively, problem solve, and have fun. Steve Dale, certified animal behavior consultant, pet radio host, and co-editor of Decoding Your Dog (authored by members of the American College of Veterinary Behaviorists), suggests that brain training has numerous benefits, including:

Alleviating boredom.

Giving the opportunity to engage in breed-specific behaviors, like digging or searching for resources.

Providing an outlet for anxiety.

Helping to slow the cognitive changes associated with aging.

In addition to behavioral benefits like preventing inappropriate behaviors and keeping your senior sharp, brain training is a fun way to strengthen the bond with your dog. If you’re playing the right kinds of brain training games with your dog, you both should be having fun!

Fun Brain Games for Dogs to Try at Home

While there are many commercially available games for dogs, you can DIY cognition activities as well. Try the following simple dog brain training activities with your pup.

Play Hide the Toy

Teaching your dog to look for a hidden toy taps into their natural scenting ability and it is a fantastic way to burn through excess energy inside the house or out. To begin teaching it, place your dog in a “stay” or have a helper gently hold him. Let him watch you place a toy in an obvious spot a few feet away, like on the edge of a chair, then tell your dog to “find it” in an excited voice and encourage him to grab the toy.

Play together with the toy for a few minutes, then hide the toy in a new obvious spot and repeat the process.

After a few repetitions your dog will start to figure out what “find it” means, at which point you put him in a different room and do a “blind find” by hiding the toy where he can’t see it. Because this game makes your dog rely only on his sense of smell, he’ll be happily worn out at the end of a few rounds!

Make an Indoor Dig Pit

Many dogs love to dig but don’t get enough opportunity to do so. Creating a safe spot to engage in this instinctual behavior is a simple way to address that urge and give your pup’s brain a workout at the same time.

To make a dig pit simply use a box with low sides or a plastic storage container and fill it with dog-safe materials like rags cut into strips or cardboard paper towel rolls and bathroom tissue rolls cut into a variety of lengths. Make sure to select filler material that your dog won’t want to eat!

Then scatter treats or part of your dog’s daily meal ration inside and mix up the filler, or if your dog is toy-driven, hide balls and toys inside. Many toy-driven dogs will enjoy play breaks with you when they uncover them.

Teach Your Dog to Spin

A great way to work your dog’s brain is introducing trick training, which is low-pressure fun-for-fun’s-sake training. “Spin” is one of the easiest (and cutest!) tricks to teach and it doesn’t take long for pups to master it.

To begin the process, place a small treat in front of your dog’s nose so that he has four paws on the ground and doesn’t have to jump up to smell it. Trace a halo-like circle in the air above your dog’s nose so that he follows the treat lure slowly. Then, give your dog the goody once he’s completed the circle. Dogs that are reluctant to follow the lure might need to get the treat at the midpoint as well as at the completion.

Repeat the process, making the luring motion quicker with each repetition.

When your dog is happily moving in a circle keep the treat in your pocket and make the circle gesture more subtle with each repetition, rewarding after each attempt. Continue until you can twirl a single finger above your dog’s head as if stirring a drink. When your dog is responding to the subtle hand signal you can add a verbal cue like “spin” by saying the word right before you begin to make the gesture.

Teach Your Dog to Focus

A fun brain game that also has real world applications is teaching your dog a “watch” cue to capture eye contact. Not only is this skill fun to practice, it has many real world applications, like helping to refocus anxious dogs by getting them to look at you instead of potential stressors.

It helps to use a clicker to teach this behavior since the initial steps move quickly. To begin simply toss a treat on the ground near your dog and after she eats it and looks up at you hoping for another one, click her for her attention then then throw another treat. Repeat this process, always using the clicker to mark the moment your dog turns to look at you.

Next, ask for your dog to do more. Wait to click until your dog looks up at your eyes, then toss the treat. Extend the length of time your dog holds your gaze by waiting a few seconds before you click and treat. Start naming the behavior by saying “watch” right as your dog swings her eyes up to meet yours.

Practice the behavior in different parts of your house and outside to help generalize it, then try using it in a real-world scenario like during a walk.

Other Ways to Support Your Dog’s Brain Health

Healthy brain function comes from a healthy lifestyle, and diet is a big part of the equation. Feeding your pup a premium dog food with real meats as the primary ingredients and no filler or additives contributes to overall wellness from the inside out.

Additionally, puzzle toys for dogs that keep dogs busy make for great brain boosters when you don’t have time to play with them. Hiding treats in the toys and encouraging dogs to solve the puzzle and find the reward will help boost brainpower.

You can also help to support your dog’s brain health with veterinarian formulated supplements that use natural ingredients to promote cognitive wellness.

Keeping your dog’s mind active, engaged and supported will help to ensure a happy and healthy dog well into his golden years!

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