It is a common misconception that small-breed dogs, like Chihuahuas, cannot be taught tricks.
There are countless Chihuahuas, Pomeranians, and Shih Tzus who are never taught even the most basic of manners, but not because these toy breeds cannot be taught.
Your Chihuahua can learn to Sit, Stay, and many other tricks just as well as a bigger dog, if you take the time to teach him.
KEEP IT FUN One of the keys to training your little friend any trick is keeping it fun! Unlike a working breed dog, such as a shepherd or cattle dog, Chi's do not have an innate drive to work.
If your training sessions feel like work to your little one, he may become too nervous to learn.
· Keep it light - Training sessions should be about spending quality time with your baby-dog, not about getting the next trick perfect.
· Praise often - Let your little one know how well he is trying with lots of love and happy words.
This will keep him wanting to try even harder! · Keep it short - Like small children, small dogs have a short attention span.
Keep training sessions short - about 10 minutes at a time.
You can have several sessions a day, but keep them short.
THE "SIT" The corner stone to all other tricks, the Sit is also a sign of a well-mannered dog.
By taking the time to teach your Chihuahua how to sit when asked, he will be well on his way to learning even more fun tricks.
1.
Have your Chihuahua's favorite treat in your pocket or in a treat pouch at your side and sit in front of him.
(soft treats are best for training) Show him a bit of treat held between your thumb and forefinger.
The raise the treat slightly in front of and above you're his little nose.
The treat should be just out of reach but not so high that he jumps up to snag it.
2.
Get your dog's attention by saying his name in a happy voice.
3.
Give the command, "Sit.
" Again, use a happy voice; a commanding tone may frighten your Chihuahua but a high-pitched voice may excite him too much.
Use a happy, light tone to keep it fun.
4.
Slowly arc the treat up and back, toward his tail.
If done slowly, this should lure him into a sitting position.
5.
The moment his little rump touches the ground, give him the treat and say "good sit!" Give him lots of praise and repeat the phrase several times.
PROBLEM SOLVING Some dogs try to jump up and grab the treat instead of sitting.
If your Chihuahua does this, turn your back on him and put the treat in your pocket.
This is a non-punishing way of letting him know he has done the wrong thing.
After a few moments, start again with Step 1.
If your little friend is still resisting sitting his tail down after a few attempts, try pressing gently on his rump at the same time that you arc the treat back.
Remember to ask him to "sit" in a calm, but clear voice and always give him his reward as soon as he sits, before he has a chance to pops back up.
Don't expect him to stay sitting for more than a brief moment at this stage.
PRACTICE MAKES PERFECT Repeat the steps several times throughout the day, keeping it fun and exciting for your special pup.
It won't be long before he drops his bum to the ground as soon as you say the word, "sit!" Once it is clear that your Chihuahua understands what the word means, you can begin to raise your expectations a little at a time.
Expect him to stat sitting for longer periods of time until eventually he holds the position until you release him.
AVOID THIS MISTAKE One of the most common mistakes made in dog training is giving the treat at the wrong time.
For example, if your little pooch sits like a good dog but stands before you give him the treat, do not give him the treat.
He needs to associate the treat with the correct action; in this case he needs to understand he gets the treat for sitting, not for standing back up.
Have fun, be patient, and enjoy this time with your precious Chihuahua!