Tired of stepping in your Chihuahua’s steamy piles of poop? Learning how to potty train a Chihuahua can be frustrating, but it doesn’t have to be. You just need the right information and the right tools for fast results. But before I get into how to potty train your Chihuahua, you need to understand this breed. Chihuahuas are the only dogs that were bred specifically to provide companionship to their owners. They’re smart, playful and sometimes demanding, but are fiercely loyal and have an almost human way about them, making them one of the most unique and fun breeds to own.
Decide: Direct Method or Paper Training?
While small in stature, Chihuahuas require training in order to become well behaved members of your household. Regardless of whether you choose to paper train your Chihuahua or train him to use the potty outside, there are three simple steps you can take to make potty training easier and more enjoyable for both of you.
How to Potty Train a Chihuahua
Step One: Get and Use a Crate
When it comes to learning how to potty train a Chihuahua, there is no more useful tool than a crate. The crate should be just large enough for your Chihuahua to lay down in and turn around. Any larger and your dog may use one end of the crate as a toilet and the other as a place to sleep. It might be difficult to find a crate small enough, so you might want to consider using a carrier designed for cats.
Keep Him in Eye Sight at All Times
Your Chihuahua should be in his crate whenever you are unable to be with him. This will prevent him from using the bathroom anywhere in your home. The more times he uses the bathroom in the house, the harder it will be to break him of the habit. So, be diligent in your use of the crate when you cannot watch your dog.
Step Two: Know When to Use Positive Reinforcement and Correction
Anticipation is the key to how to potty train a Chihuahua. Take him to the appropriate potty spot after he wakes from a nap, after he eats or drinks and right after he begins to play. It is also very important that you begin to recognize visual clues that your Chihuahua is about to use the potty.
When He’s Sniffing and Circling…
Sniffing around on the floor, circling and acting anxious can all be signs that your Chihuahua is about to use the bathroom. Take him to his potty place as soon as he begins exhibiting signs of needing to go and praise him profusely for the right behaviors.
Catch Him in the Act
If you catch your Chihuahua in the act of relieving himself in an inappropriate place, it is not only appropriate to scold him, it will help reinforce that there are only a few places where using the bathroom is appropriate. Only when you catch your Chihuahua in the act is it OK to scold him for an accident.
Step Three: Clean Up Accidents
Chihuahuas will have accidents during potty training. How these accidents will affect your potty training efforts will depend on how you clean them up. Chihuahuas will potty in areas where they have used it before.
Use Enzymatic Cleaner for Accidents
If an accident isn’t cleaned up using an enzymatic cleaner to remove all traces of the smell, your Chihuahua will be encouraged to use that spot again, thwarting your best efforts to train him. Find a good quality enzyme cleaner and make sure that you immediately clean up any accidents to prevent recurrence.
Buy a Great House Training Guide
When it comes to learning how to potty train a Chihuahua, following these simple rules will help you get your Chihuahua potty trained quickly. However, if you need additional help, you can also refer to The Ultimate House Training Guide. This book will help you deal with special situations and difficult cases.
