A good obedience class to coach your Chihuahua is always useful. However, you don’t have to go to obedience classes. Many classes are particularly for handling gigantic, out-of-control dogs and may emphasize force techniques to try and rule and calm these dogs. These methods aren’t good for Chihuahuas or any dog in fact. If you run into instructors and classes like this, you are better off training your Chihuahua on your own or with other small-dog owners.
Old-fashioned force-training strategies are ineffective and no fun for your dog either. Chihuahuas reply best to amendable training and only the gentlest of systems.
Some axioms to bear in mind:
Guide, don’t force. Chihuahuas want to please you. Your job is to show them what pleases you. If you force a Chihuahua you could bring out that scandalous Chi dour streak.
Punishment doesn’t work. Chihuahuas seldom require anything except a mild correction.
Accentuate the positive. Reward your dog for behaviors that please you.
Satisfied endings: Keep sessions short and fun, no longer than 10 to 15 mins. Begin and end each training session with something your dog can do well.
Chihuahuas are clever. Simply because your Chihuahua lives a life of leisure does not necessarily imply she will not learn tricks. Chihuahuas don’t hunt, herd or guard so they don’t have a chance to show off like some of the other breeds. Obedience and agility trials give Chihuahuas a chance to show what they can do. But you do not have to challenge in the competitions to enjoy training your Chihuahua. Training should be a good time for you both. Chihuahuas need to have a sort of schooling.
Clicker training works really well for Chihuahuas. In clicker training you teach the dog that a “click” sound signals a coming reward. A clicker signal is employed as it is fast, conspicuous, and something the dog otherwise doesn’t encounter in day to day life. Once the dog associates the click with an upcoming reward, you wait for the dog to do the behavior you need her to do. The instant she is doing hence you click to tell the dog her behavior merits a reward.
Learn more about dog nipping and dog barking at night today.