The appearance of a dog in a family always brings not only a sea of positive emotions, but also certain troubles. Therefore, it is very important to know how to train a Chihuahua if you decide to have a representative of this breed.
Why train a dog
Some people are seriously perplexed when it comes to training a Chihuahua. After all, this is a tiny dog that can’t attack, which means the team “Fas!” It will be completely useless. Yes, and from the team “To me!”, At first glance, there is little benefit - even a child can safely take an adult dog in his arms and carry it away.
However, it is precisely during training between the owner and the dog that a particularly strong bond is built. In addition, the pet becomes more disciplined, calm. It is also important that the dog, who knows at least the basics of training, gives the owners much less problems. So, relations with him will bring much more joy and happiness.
For example, the number of empty barks is sharply reduced - the dog casts his voice only in case of real danger or when he receives the appropriate command. She ceases to beg for food from the table, which for many decorative breeds is a real scourge - no one can resist the eternally hungry look of a pet asking for another piece of goodies. Finally, the pet begins to obediently obey the owner - at home and on a walk, which allows not only to reduce the number of difficulties, but also to provide the dog with greater safety.
Of course, it is best to go to special clubs with a four-legged friend. But not everyone has such an opportunity. Therefore, we will tell you how to train a chihuahua at home. At the same time, we will figure out at what age it is best to start training.
What age to start
The main problem of inexperienced breeders is that they constantly postpone training. Indeed, it seems to them that the tiny dog remains a puppy and it is too early to start training. And this is a serious omission. Everyone knows that training a puppy in new teams is much easier than an adult dog. Therefore, delaying this important process is definitely not worth it.
Chihuahua puppies are usually taken to the house at the age of 2-3 months. And if you are wondering when and how to train a Chihuahua puppy at home, then there is no more suitable time. Of course, the young dog will not be able to learn all the commands, but the simplest ones are completely.
Training should begin so that the pet remembers his name. It's quite simple - the main thing is to decide on a nickname. In some families, a problem arises when parents want to give the dog one name and the children another. Of course, such cases lead to the fact that the pet gets confused, nervous, becomes more shy and aggressive.
The nickname should be short and sonorous, pronounced clearly, loudly enough. When playing with a dog, giving food, or just coming home, immediately call your four-legged friend by name. Usually puppies remember it for 3-5 days, which is the first step in the formation of affection, greatly facilitating further training.
Common training mistakes
Before telling how to train a chihuahua at home, you should tell about the most common mistakes that can make training less effective, delivering a lot of unpleasant moments to both the owner and the pet.
Waiting for instant results. Upon learning that the Chihuahuas are pretty smart dogs, the breeders are sure that they will grab all the teams instantly. Of course, you should not expect such a result. Unquestioning execution of any team is the result of hard work. In the best case, the simplest will be mastered after a few days of training. So if the dog does not immediately demonstrate the wonders of cleverness or is mistaken in the execution of commands, do not give up, deciding that the dog can not be trained.
Also, do not start training immediately after a hearty lunch. On the one hand, a tightly stuffed belly tends to rest more than to play with the owner - this is how Chihuahua puppies perceive training. On the other hand, the correct execution of a team should be rewarded with praise and a little treat. And the dog will definitely not work for food when the abdomen is already full. Yes, and overeating will not lead to anything good.
No need to unnecessarily delay the training. The first should not be longer than 10-15 minutes. Over time, adding a few minutes a day, bring this figure to half an hour. For starters - the repetition of what has already been studied, and then - the development of a new one. If the lesson lasts more than half an hour in a row, then the pet’s interest will be lost, and most people will begin to perceive the training as a boring and dull routine, rather than a fun pastime in the company of a reliable friend.
Some useful tips
Immediately remember that training is important, and therefore it is not worth putting off or postponing it. It’s better, on the contrary, to do wherever possible. After all, you can not only train a Chihuahua dog at home, but in a park, in the yard and in any other place. As experience shows, it is better to conduct 3 trainings of 10 minutes each than one for 30 - a training dog gives more pleasure, which means it will grasp everything on the fly. In addition, training in different places allows you to achieve faster and more confident execution of commands.
But the excessive noise, whether it be strangers with whom the owner is talking, a working TV or a ringing phone, is the real enemy. Training is a matter for two, strangers are not needed here.
Never forget praise. For the good performance of the command, the dog should receive a reward (some goodies) and encouraging words - then diligence will be associated with the dog only with positive feelings.
Sit
One of the main teams, which must be mastered first. Fortunately, it is simple, and many experienced breeders who are asked how to train a Chihuahua puppy are advised to start with it.
Put the dog in front of you and sit down so that she sees you well. After that, give the team, combining it with the team, for example: "Bobik, sit!" and pull the collar back. The dog involuntarily sits down to relieve pressure on the collar. If she stubborn, you can help with the second hand, a little pressure on the back closer to the tail. As soon as the dog sits down, immediately praise: "Well done, Bobik, a good dog!" and give me a treat. After several repetitions, the dog will execute the order itself, without physical impact.
Over time, the team can be accompanied by its appropriate gesture - a demonstration of the edge of a vertically placed palm. Then gradually the pet will get used to execute the command in one gesture - without a voice prompt.
Give paw
Another simple command.
First, tell the dog to sit. Then hold a treat in your left hand so that the dog smells. Give the command: "Bobby, give me a paw!" and take your right paw, lifting it slightly. You should not tug or push - act affectionately, with love. When the dog stops breaking loose and freezes, give it a treat. Repeat several times within 2-4 days, and the smart person will understand what needs to be done in order to receive refreshments and encouragement from the owner.
Phew!
This team is more complex, but vital. After all, the dog should not pick up anything on the street, taking food only from the owner's hands.
Ask a friend to put food on the ground so that the dog does not see this. Walking with him, make sure that he sees or smells the goodies. But when the dog tries to grab the food, pull it by the leash and say "Bobby, fu!" (or “Don't!” if you prefer this command). The voice should be strict, loud and distinct.
Of course, the dog will not like it. But be adamant. Repeat the procedure 3-5 times in a row. When the dog stops resisting and twitching, praise it, give another treat.
To me
Another very important and at the same time simple command - it is studied in the first days of training.
Put on a pet a collar with a leash. Say: "Bobby, come to me!" and gently pull it towards you. You do not need to pull or pull strongly - act carefully, but adamantly. When the pet is near - give a treat, praise.
Very quickly, the dog understands - when the owner says "To me," he has something tasty. Thanks to this, the team is carried out especially willingly, without any difficulties. Over time, you can refuse a treat, but still it’s sometimes worth giving it, just to pamper your beloved four-legged pet.
Conclusion
On this our article comes to an end. Now you know how to train a chihuahua, and easily train your dog with at least the simplest commands. Of course, this is only the beginning - a surprisingly interesting world of training opens up before you, bringing together the dog and the owner. Go all this way together!