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Author:
C. Covington

            Chihuahuas can be a difficult breed at best. With the patience and attitude of a cranky two year old the owner of a Chihuahua pup can feel as though they are on a constant struggle uphill in an effort to train their pet; however, with the uncertainty of their temperament and the certainty of legal repercussions should their pet attack a human it is necessary for even the smallest dogs to receive the proper training to allow them to function in society.

            When planning a training program for your pet it is important that you first take into consideration your own experience with training. If you have trained many animals in the past and are able to confidently approach the matter then you should not encounter a problem. If you have not had a great deal of experience than it would be prudent to enlist the aid of a friend or relative that has. There are many professional “doggy boot camps” that are happy to work with your pet during the day while you are at work in much the same manner as a day care center would a child; they will monitor your pet’s growth, housebreak them and teach them the fundamentals of good behavior. All of the trainers for these companies are professionals and bring both their expertise and a genuine love for your pet into every training experience.

            If you have decided to train your pet yourself there are a few key items that should be noted when dealing with Chihuahuas. First and foremost, this is not a docile breed. If you become overexcited or tense they will pick up on your condition and respond in kind. When you are training a Chihuahua it is essential that you maintain a calm demeanor at all times, calling a halt to the exercises when you feel yourself being stretched beyond the boundaries of your comfort zone. It is better to halt a training session early than to lose your temper and cause a set back for both your dog and yourself.

            Bribery will get you everywhere. While praise and pats will please your pet the maximum results will be obtained through the use of food rewards; therefore, when scheduling training sessions it is important to take into account your pet’s feeding schedule. If they approach the session slightly hungry they will be willing to work for the promise of a treat; on the other hand, if their stomachs are full they will approach the session with a lack of interest that will lead to their deciding that they have finished a great deal earlier than you would wish them to.

            Remember that your dog wants to please you. Chihuahuas give their masters their unbending loyalty, and with that loyalty comes the desire to be appreciated. For this reason training sessions will be much more productive if gentle persuasion is used to convince a dog to do your bidding rather than the more conventional methods of force training. Chihuahuas do not respond well to being trapped in a corner, and using these training methods could carry unpleasant results.

            With the proper training any pet can become a joy to be around, and Chihuahuas are no exception. Remember, you and your dog are a team in this effort; by working together, training sessions can strengthen the bond you share and set the stage for a peaceful partnership.

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