How to Train Your Chihuahua Dog to Not Be Scared

Home
Dog Training
How to Train Your Chihuahua Dog to Not Be Scared

Hard

2-8 Months

Behavior

Introduction

It’s no big secret that when you think of the Chihuahua as a breed of dog, the word “courage” may not exactly spring to your mind. They’re tiny and shaky, known for their ability to be the perfect lap warmer, and bounce between bold and noisy or being scared of everything that moves. Chihuahuas can be loving companions and the perfect pet, but when your dog fears strangers, other animals, or the outside world in general, it can be difficult to help them adjust.

Defining Tasks

Helping your Chihuahua overcome his fear may take some work, but it isn’t impossible. Plenty of patience and gentle guidance through these obstacles is usually what he needs to succeed. A Chihuahua that isn’t afraid is much more relaxed inside and outside of the home and less prone to stress that can affect their more fragile physical health. A less fearful Chihuahua is also easier to adjust to things like guests or new pets in the home, small children, and loud noises.

Getting a dog over their fears is often a time-consuming task and Chihuahuas especially may take longer than most dogs to show progress. It’s much easier to condition a puppy to these scary things than it is an adult, but most Chihuahuas will respond to training at any age with the right amount of persistence and care.

Getting Started

Adjusting dogs to fearful things often means that you’ll need something much more interesting than what scares them. This means getting some treats or a nice chew toy that your Chihuahua loves. Make sure your Chihuahua has somewhere he can go to relax before and after training like a crate in a quiet room. Try to work with him when you’re in a good mood. Your stress will likely wear off on your Chihuahua and make it much more difficult for him to calm down. Start your training in another quiet place and you can work your way up from there.

The Exposure Method

Effective

0 Votes

Step

Figure out triggers

There may be one or multiple things that your Chihuahua will react fearfully to. Try to determine how many of these things there are and what they are exactly. This will give you a better idea of how much work you’ll need to do with him.

Step

Focus on one fear at a time

Trying to tackle too many things at once can be overwhelming. Focus on one fear such as strangers, other dogs, or loud noises.

Step

Get your Chihuahua to relax

Before exposing him to anything, spend some time with your Chihuahua to get him relaxed and comfortable.

Step

Start the exposure

For sounds, try to imitate the sound very quietly or at a distance where your Chihuahua does not react. For strange people or animals, go somewhere where they can be seen far enough away that he is unaffected. Reward him with a treat whenever he ignores the stimulus or offer playtime with a toy.

Step

Turn up the exposure slowly

Make the sound gradually louder or bring the strange object, animal, or person a little closer. Reward when your dog continues to ignore it. If he shows visible signs of fear, distance him from the scary thing and try again.

Step

Repeat the process with each fear

Slowly expose your Chihuahua to each thing they fear while rewarding as you get closer and closer. Continue to do this if new fears ever emerge.

Step

Reinforce often

Even if your Chihuahua begins to adjust to certain fears, he may need a reminder from time to time that the object isn’t scary. Expose him to these things as often as you can to reinforce the training and keep him from becoming fearful all over again.

The Activity Method

Effective

0 Votes

Step

Choose a task your pup knows

Practicing obedience or learning tricks are both good activities for your Chihuahua to take part in.

Step

Find the source of the fear

If your Chihuahua fears more than one thing, you’ll want to be aware of all of them.

Step

Intercept

When the fearful thing happens, entice your Chihuahua’s attention away from that fear and onto you instead. You can use both treats and toys if you need extra help. Try to be more interesting than whatever is scaring her.

Step

Begin the activity

Start practicing obedience or any other related activity you choose to maintain your dog’s focus while the fearful thing is nearby.

Step

Have the activity available often

If you anticipate the fearful thing, be ready with the activity to distract your Chihuahua. The more often you engage in this activity with her, the more she’ll anticipate fun rather than fear.

The Avoidance Method

Effective

0 Votes

Step

Find a quiet place

Not all Chihuahuas can overcome certain fears. Having a quiet place for your Chihuahua to go to when he wants to distance himself from it is important, whether you put him there yourself or he decides to go there on his own.

Step

Make the space comfortable

Set out some soft blankets or a comfortable bed for your Chihuahua to lay in. Offer a favorite toy to chew on or a tasty snack that will last him a little while.

Step

Play soft music or white noise

Music or white noise can often help muffle sounds that may contribute to your Chihuahua’s fear.

Step

Consider an anxiety-reducing shirt

Some dogs feel secure with a bit of compression around their bodies and this may help your Chihuahua feel more comfortable. Do some research on the different types of anxiety-reducing wraps or shirts and determine if one may help your dog.

Step

Encourage your Chihuahua

Whenever a fearful thing or noise is present around your dog, place him in this quiet area or let him follow you to it. Close the door if necessary. He will learn to use this space to relax when he is overwhelmed.

Success Stories and Training Questions

Training Questions and Answers

Question

Norman

Chihuahua

9 Months

0 found helpful

Question

0 found helpful

Norman

Chihuahua

9 Months

How do I stop my puppy from barking like crazy and lunging on walks towards people walking past, joggers, bikes ect.

3 months, 1 week ago

Norman's Owner

Darlene Stott

Dog Trainer and Groomer

85 Dog owners recommended

Hello, I have an excellent guide that may help Norman on his walks. https://wagwalking.com/training/greet-other-dogs You will see the Passing Approach Method, which enables you to control Norman on the opposite side of the street, all the while teaching him to heel. The Heel command is a great way to get your dog to focus on you and not be concerned with other dogs or people in the vicinity. The Turns Method and the Treat Lure Method are both top-notch techniques. Take a look: https://wagwalking.com/training/train-a-poodle-to-heel. Bringing your puppy to group obedience classes is also the ideal way to get them used to people and other dogs. I always recommend it as a way to have a well-rounded dog who has confidence and is content. Good luck!

3 months, 1 week ago

Add a comment to Norman's experience

Was this experience helpful?

Question

Karen

Chihuahua

2 Years

0 found helpful

Question

0 found helpful

Karen

Chihuahua

2 Years

We just adopted Karen (we did not name her) and she is afraid of people. She tries to stay alone and when we come into the area she runs under the bed. We have tried treats and picking her up (even though she tries to run) and put her on our lap. Once on our lap she does well and seems to like it. Questions is we pick her up even though it causes stress? How do we build trust?

3 months, 1 week ago

Karen's Owner

Darlene Stott

Dog Trainer and Groomer

85 Dog owners recommended

Hello, it will take time for Karen to come around - she is still adjusting and getting used to you. Don't pick her up just yet. It's all about letting a scared dog have their space for a while when they first arrive, too. When she goes under the bed, sit on the floor and offer high value treats (liver snacks, pieces of plain boiled chicken, hot dogs). Leave the treat and walk away so that she does not feel threatened or that you are asking anything of her. Do this several times a day. After several days, when you see that she is anticipating the treat, still leave it for her but stay in the room at a distance. Keep doing this until Karen runs out for the treat willingly. She'll soon learn that you are a good person. When you do interact, pat her on the back, not the head (it is less threatening). Don't stand over her, get down to her level. Take her on lots of walks (several a day, they don't have to be long and make sure the walk is in a calm quiet area) and verbally praise her as you walk. Walking is a good way to bond. Don't expose her to strangers while on the walk until she is over the timidity. Lastly, once she gets used to you, start exposing her to friend's dogs as long as they are calm. Having canine friends will boost her confidence, too. All the best!

3 months, 1 week ago

Add a comment to Karen's experience

Was this experience helpful?