Chihuahua barking. What a nuisance. Chihuahuas, like many small dogs, love to bark. Without any proper training, the chihuahua barking may become so excessive that it turns into a nuisance. Here are some effective tips stop excessive chihuahua barking.
Why Chihuahuas Bark
Chihuahua barking may be due to their dominant nature. Dogs, particularly small breeds, usually become bossy because their owners will pick them up and satisfy them whenever they bark. In other words, the chihuahua barking behavior is positively reinforced.
As most owners carry their chihuahuas around, they may develop separation anxiety and begin to bark excessively when they feel isolated and want more attention. Lack of physical and mental stimulation can also lead to chihuahua barking.
Basic Solutions
First and foremost, never yell at your chihuahua as that will give the dog the attention he’s seeking. Don’t try to stop chihuahua barking by offering the dog a treat or a toy as that will again encourage the behavior.
One good way to stop excessive barking is to exercise your Chihuahua regularly and teach him a few tricks and commands to relieve boredom.
Barking at Visitors
If the chihuahua barks whenever a visitor comes in, try teaching him a “sit” and “quiet” command to gain the dog’s focus. Desensitize your dog to visitors by rewarding him with a treat whenever he obeys your command to stop barking. This way, the chihuahua will associate the visitor with delicious food and begin to welcome their presence.
A good command word to stop chihuahua barking is “Quiet!” Say it in a low, but firm voice.
Barking for Attention
A lot of chihuahuas bark to gain attention from their owners. If the owner tries to appease the dog by offering him toys and food, the barking problem will persist.
The best way to solve this problem is by ignoring your chihuahua when he barks. The dog will get frustrated and tired after barking for a long while.
When the chihuahua calms down, you can show your affection and reward the dog with a treat. Be patient and don’t give in to your chihuahua’s relentless barking at the initial stage.
Barking at Passerbys
Your chihuahua may get irritated whenever the postman or the deliveryman arrives and starts barking non-stop.
Practice the “quiet” command and whenever the passerby appears at your door step, try to gain your dog’s focus by saying the command and rewarding his calm behavior with treats.
One of the best dog training books online is Secrets of a Professioinal Dog Trainer. With Secrets of a Professional Dog Trainer, you’ll learn the same techniques used by the professionals to stop your Chihuahua barking problems.
