How to Train Your Chihuahua Dog to Come When Called

'Come' is one of the first commands any dog should be taught. It is considered one of the four commands every dog, no matter the breed, should know before you try to teach them any other tricks. It is one of most important commands you can teach your dog. Being able to come on command could stop your dog from running out in the traffic and getting hit by a car.

Teaching your pup to come when you call him can be a bit more challenging than many other commands. It is more in your pup's nature to want to run and play, chase down scents, and generally have a good time than it is to come back to you just because you are calling him. While it might take you a little extra time, be patient and before you know it, your pup will come running whenever you call his name. 

You can never start training your Chihuahua too early or teach him new tricks too late. But, when it comes to the four basic commands, the earlier you start working with your pup, the faster he will learn. While learning this command is of the utmost importance, you can also be working on the other three: 'sit', 'stay', and 'down'.

The desired end result of this training is for your dog to instantly stop what he is doing and come directly to you when you call his name and add the command word like, "Weenie, come!" Obeying you could save your pup's life, but you need to make sure he associates the command with something fun or tasty. 

Since 'come' is one of the earliest commands your pup will be learning, the only prerequisite is that he is old enough to wear a collar and leash. The rest is all up to how much time and effort you are willing to put into training your pup. Chihuahuas are extremely intelligent dogs and are always willing to please. For this training you will need a few supplies:

• Collar: A comfortable soft collar--you should never need to use any type of "training collar" on your pup.
  
• Leash: A standard walking leash, do not use a retractable leash for training purposes.
  
• Assistant: Training your pup to come may be easier with a little help.
  
• Treats: You need to have a healthy supply of these to use as rewards.
  
• Time: Work in several short training sessions per day over the course of a few weeks. Long sessions only make the training harder.
  
• Patience: Working with a pup to train him a new command takes plenty of patience.
  

Training a puppy new skills and commands requires a ton of patience. And remember your pup will respond far better to positive reinforcement. You should never scold or punish your pup for getting it wrong, this will only make him harder to train.