If you’re reading this page, then I have no doubt that you’ve got a few questions about potty training a chihuahua puppy.
Now, the fact that chihuahuas are so small can make them challenging to potty train. In fact, it’s not uncommon for them to slip off and do their business unnoticed, sometimes in the most inconvenient of places!
Couple this with the fact that chihuahuas are very sensitive, and you will understand that potty training your new pup will require lots of effort on your part.
But here’s the thing…
A huge part of adapting your Chihuahua to domesticated life in your home is setting the ground rules. While at the same time building familiarity with designated areas where your pup is allowed to go to the toilet.
And while it might take you a while to get things right, you need to remember that it’s a learning process.
This means things like losing your patience…
…Showing your frustration
And (god forbid) shouting at your Chi will ultimately get you nowhere in the long run and might even damage your pup’s confidence.
Instead, you need to focus your energy on reinforcing any positive behavior and encouraging your Chihuahua to learn over a period of time.
Which is why in today’s blog post, I’m going to sharing some of my top tips and techniques to get you fully up to speed when it comes to potty training your pup.
Better still, I’ll make damn near sure that by the time your done reading, you’ll be equipped with the in-depth knowledge to get your desired results as quickly as possible…
…And all without the mess or stress that goes with it!
Oh, and just a quick FYI…
Potty training a Chihuahua puppy takes time, energy, and, more importantly, consistency. And being the quick, boundless balls of energy that they are, this goes double for Chihuahua’s.
So before you do anything else (and to make potty training ten times easier than it normally would), I’d highly recommend checking out Potty Training Made Easy by Dan Abdelnoor over at The Online Dog Trainer. (see video below)
In a nutshell, this comprehensive, no BS course (which is also free) will give you a solid foundation for setting your pup up for potty training the right way.
Paired with the fact that it’ll save countless hours of frustration cleaning up unwanted messes from your nice clean floor. I have no doubt the tips and tools outlined will serve you well on your potty training journey.
Anyway, here’s the link to take a look: Potty Training Made Easy – The Quick & Easy Way To Potty Training ANY Puppy
(video will open in a new window)
Are Chihuahua’s Hard To Potty Train?
Honestly… It depends.
Chihuahuas are adorable little dogs and make the perfect companion if you’re looking for a relatively low-maintenance dog that is super friendly and loving.
However, if you’ve recently welcomed a chihuahua into your home for the first time, you might be learning fast that they’re a little bit tricky to train.
And while there are multiple reasons for this, it’s by no means impossible.
So let’s take a look at some of the more common reasons Chihuahuas can be a handful when it comes to getting them potty trained.
They’re small
One of the defining characteristics of chihuahuas is their diminutive size.
While this makes them incredibly cute, the fact that they’re smaller than many other breeds of dogs means they might need to go to the toilet more often.
This can be difficult when conducting potty training, as taking your pup outside regularly is time-consuming.
What’s more, because of their size, Chihuahuas can be incredibly crafty and can sneak into territory that others simply can reach.
Which, in turn, can often lead them to seek out alternative spots in the home to do their business without you noticing.
So keeping an eye on your Chihuahua is essential, so they don’t go picking out their own safe haven to do their dastardly deed.
They’re easily frightened
Because of their alert personalities, Chihuahuas can often be spooked by loud noises and are easily frightened. This sensitivity makes them incredibly caring and loving pets, but it also means they’re quite on edge.
This means you need to be extremely patient with them when they’re potty training.
This means that raising your voice or losing your temper with them is a big no-no (as it should be anyway).
Because not only will they lose confidence and trust. But it will also negatively impact any progress you’ve made and set you back in your potty training schedule.
They find it difficult to focus
Another drawback of potty training a Chihuahua is that they are typically quick and alert. Which means they find it difficult to maintain focus for prolonged periods of time.
As you’d expect, this makes training them a little bit tricky at times, as focus and attention are all part of the game when it comes to potty training your Chi.
They don’t like cold weather
Chihuahuas are native to Mexico and are accustomed to hot climates. If you live in a cold country and expect your Chihuahua to do their business outside in the snow, the chances are it’s not going to work out so well for you!
So if you’re potty training your Chihuahua in the winter, just be mindful of the fact that they don’t like cold weather.
So if the snow is falling or there’s a bitter chill in the air, a winter coat is ideal, as well as keeping outdoor potty training sessions brief.
In worst cases, you may even want to consider using something like DoggieLawn, a small patch of artificial grass designed specifically for indoors.
It’s a great alternative if outdoor training isn’t an option, and better still, it completely eliminates unwanted odors that you’d usually have to deal with.
You can take a look at how it works here: DoggieLawn – Your Dog’s Backyard In A Box
What is the best age to start potty training A Chihuahua?
Although there’s some conflicting information out there about when it’s best to begin potty training your puppy. The truth is that you should start as soon as reasonably possible.
As a general rule of thumb, most puppies respond well to potty training from eight weeks old. As their bodies have usually developed enough to maintain some degree of control over their bladder and bowel movements.
Again, if you’re looking for a helping hand or some additional support when it comes to potty training, make sure you take a look at the Potty Training Made Easy Course.
This is where you can learn how to set the foundation for potty training success and save time, money, and frustration dealing with indoor messes.
Potty Training A Chihuahua Puppy – The Quick & Easy Way
In no particular order, let’s take a look at some of the easiest things you can start implementing when it comes to potty training your pup.
You don’t necessarily need to follow them in order. And you might find that some of them work wonders for your pup, while others don’t.
But whatever the case, I hope they serve you well when it comes to potty training your Chihuahua.
1. Pick a designated spot and stick to it
Routine and habit are hugely important when it comes to potty training.
So before you do anything else, pick a specific area for your Chihuahua to do their business and stick to it.
Changing things up during potty training will only confuse your pup, so make sure you pick a location that suits you both.
Bear in mind that chihuahuas don’t like the cold and don’t enjoy the outdoors as much as other dogs. So it’s best to pick an area that isn’t too far away from the back door.
Again, if outdoor training isn’t an option (or if it’s winter), go with the DoggieLawn and set it up in a specific room or area of the house.
2. Familiarise your Chihuahua with the designated potty area
It’s not enough to pick a potty area and expect your Chihuahua to instinctively know where they are expected to go to the toilet. You need to be patient and take them to the area so they can become familiar with it.
If you’re training them to go outdoors, it’s helpful to take them out on their leash and let them wander around the designated toilet area.
Even if they don’t need to go, they can sniff the area and get to know that this is where you want them to do their business.
When they do go to the toilet in the designated area. Make sure you reward them with positive praise and/or a treat, so they start to develop positive associations with going in that particular spot.
It’s important to remember that your Chihuahua isn’t automatically going to know where they are supposed to go, so consistency is highly important if you want them to develop good habits.
But give it time, and eventually, the pieces will start to fall into place.
3. Keep potty training sessions short
It’s unfair to expect your Chihuahua to remain outside for a long period of time while you wait for them to go to the toilet. Even if it isn’t overly cold outside, don’t forget Chihuahua’s generally have a short attention span and can get easily distracted.
Once your puppy is showing signs they need to go (sniffing the floor, pacing, etc.), take them to their designated area, and spend a couple of minutes waiting for them to go.
If the magic doesn’t happen, don’t get frustrated. Just lead them back inside and keep a close eye on them.
Although it might take a few more trips to the yard for them to get in the swing of it. Eventually, they’ll get the message and do what needs to be done in a timely manner.
Related Post: How To Toilet Train A Puppy In 7 Days – The Quick & Easy Way
4. Dial down the excitement
When it comes to getting the most out of your pup, it’s usually best if they’re not too overly excited, as it can make it difficult for them to follow your instructions.
So when it’s time to go to the toilet, keep in mind to remove any triggers that send your pup into overdrive.
For instance, if you know a particular toy or a specific activity sets them off, it’s best to avoid these shortly before any training commences as it will just serve as an unwelcome distraction when you’re trying to train them to go to the toilet.
5. Reward good behavior
As is the case with any puppy training, rewarding good behavior is a given if you want to get anywhere fast. So whenever your Chi goes to the toilet in the designated area, don’t forget to reward them with a treat and praise.
Again, this stems back to the developing positive associations that I was talking about earlier.
Because without it, they won’t acknowledge that they’ve done something right and won’t necessarily repeat the behavior when the time comes.
6. Don’t be afraid to use crate training or other methods
If you’re not getting anywhere fast, you might want to consider indoor potty methods like the DoggieLawn.
Because chihuahuas don’t like the cold, these simple alternatives can be a great starting point when it comes to potty training.
Alternatively, you could try crate training, as dogs instinctively don’t go to the toilet where they sleep.
Furthermore, crate training your pup can also be a safe haven where your puppy can go to just chill and relax. Leaving them far more attentive and ready for potty training when the time comes.
Now, hopefully, some (or all) of the tips and tricks highlighted above should give you a great foundation to work from.
However, I understand that every pup is different. While some puppies will take to potty training like a duck to water, others may feel a little lost and confused during the process.
So if you’re struggling to hit the ground running and want a battle-tested, sure-fire way to get your Chihuahua fully up to speed with the potty training process. I’d highly recommend taking a sneak peek at the Potty Training Made Easy Course.
It’s fast, it’s effective, and it’ll take all of the guesswork out of the whole thing. So make sure you take a look when you get the chance.
Related Post: How Long Does It Take To Crate Train A Puppy?
Wrapping Things Up
At the end of the day, potty training your Chihuahua comes with its challenges and, like most things, requires time and patience on your part.
Just be mindful of a chihuahua’s characteristics that make potty training a little more difficult than it might be with other breeds. And try really hard not to lose your patience when your pup makes any mistakes.
If you follow the advice above, chances are that over time, your Chihuahua WILL learn where it is and isn’t appropriate to go to the toilet.
And eventually, you’ll be able to eradicate any little accidents that might occur in the early stages of potty training.
