Chihuahua puppies! What could be cuter? They are so cute and so tiny. How can you possibly housebreak a dog that is this small? Let’s take a look at housebreaking your Chihuahua and see how easy it can be. A little helpful fact to note, chiwawa dogs greatly dislike going outside to do their business during anything but warm, sunny weather. And, they can be down right stubborn to go out to potty if it’s raining.
With crate training or pen training you’ll be housebreaking your Chihuahua the easy way.
Your puppy’s crate should be large enough for the adult dog to stand, sit and stretch out. For your new puppy, it might work best if you start out with a smaller crate. The key goal is to teach your new baby that you don’t mess where you sleep and eat. Ideally, you will place the crate in an area where you will be spending the most time.
Your chiwawa is a pack animal, and he needs to feel part of your family activities.
Place the crate in the kitchen or family room. There are wonderful, inexpensive crates and portable pens that are easy to move with you from room to room. It may seem to be a lot of work, but in the long run, your dog will be well balanced and want to please YOU, his pack leader.
After making the crate comfy, enclose the puppy in his crate at regular one-to-two-hour intervals, and whenever he must be left alone, for up to three or four hours. Then, take him out to a designated outside spot, or “potty pad” area, and say a word like “make” or “potty” and then wait.
When he does as you asked, praise him well!
If possible, at night the crate should go in your bedroom. Not only does this provide comfort to the puppy, it will teach your dog that the pack sleeps here, all night. And in the day we are active. If there is any fussing, you’re there to deal with it. It may seem mean if you are not used to this routine, however your puppy will come to really enjoy his quiet space in his “den” and will willingly go to it upon your request.
Pen training can be done, however it can be harder to train a chiwawa that has been kept in a playpen. This is due to the fact that they have already become accustomed to peeing and pooping in their living/sleeping quarters and it is a hard habit to break.
Try not to take your pup out of his crate when he is whining. This will teach him to do it more, as he has been rewarded for it. Wait until he stops fussing and is calm before you take him out. You can give him a special chew toy or treat just for when he is in the crate. And be sure to include a blanket for your chiwawai baby. They are always on the cold side and love to dig underneath to make a warm den for themselves.
Be sure to give lots of praise when he’s inside his crate, lengthening the periods you leave him in.
Remember, putting your dog into a crate does not of itself house train a dog. To be successful, you want to prevent your puppy from making mistakes, and that means you must be consistent and attentive to your dog. Many people punish a dog for pooping in the house, and they never provide any positive praise when it goes outside. Please praise your baby well when he hits his target outside.
To prevent surprises, don’t let your pup have the run of the house. He needs you to watch him 100% of the time, just as you would a new baby. If you must leave the room, even for a phone call, he goes with you. Just crate him or take him with you.
With consistency and patience your new Chiwawa baby will be potty trained in no time. All the effort you provide in these first few weeks will provide rewards for years to come.
