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7 Key Tips for Socializing Your Chihuahua

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Has your Chihuahua been socialized properly?
socializing Chihuahuas

While Chihuahuas are adorable, they often have a notorious reputation for being unsociable, high-strung, and difficult to train. Fortunately, with proper socialization and training, you can put an end to these behaviors and help your Chihuahua adopt a friendly personality that is free of fear of other people and animals. The following tips are designed to make socializing your Chihuahua a much easier process.

 

SOCIALIZATION SHOULD BEGIN AS EARLY AS POSSIBLE

Socialization is simply the act of introducing your dog to a vast array of different situations so that he or she will become comfortable with them. The sooner you begin introducing your Chihuahua to situations, people, and other animals, the easier it will be for him to adapt. In fact, you can start this process when he is as young as six weeks old. This significantly decreases the odds that he will be fearful of these types of situations as he gets older. Just be certain that his interactions are non-threatening to allow him to gain a sense of security that will follow throughout his life.

FOLLOW THE RULES OF SEVEN

​The Rules of Seven simply state that by the time your puppy is 7 weeks old (or as soon as you possibly can, he should have done the following things.

PLAYED WITH 7 TYPES OF TOYS, including fuzzy, soft, squeaky, fabric, ropes, and small and large balls.

• MET AND INTERACTED WITH 7 TYPES OF PEOPLE, including adults, kids, the elderly, someone walking with a walker or cane, and different races.

• WALKED ON 7 TYPES OF SURFACES, including gravel, grass, concrete, wood chips, dirt, carpet, hardwood floors, and vinyl.

• BEEN EXPOSED TO 7 GAMES/CHALLENGES, including climbing up and down steps, climbing over an obstacle, playing hide and seek, and running around a fenced in area.

• BEEN IN 7 PLACES, such as the car, front and backyard, dog park (skip this one until your pup has been fully vaccinated), kitchen, living room, vet’s office, and groomer.

• EATEN IN 7 PLACES, including kitchen, crate, outdoors, living room, and laundry room.

socialize your Chihuahua around kids

SUPERVISED SOCIALIZATION IN A CALM ENVIRONMENT IS CRUCIAL

This is particularly true in regards to children and large dogs. On an additional note, make sure you are calm going into the interaction. If your Chihuahua feels negative energy from you, he is likely to become nervous and upset, as well as identify the person, animal, or situation as one that is potentially threatening.

 

PAY ATTENTION TO THE SENSITIVE PARTS OF YOUR CHIHUAHUA’S BODY

socialize your puppy

All dogs are born protective of their teeth, rear, paws, and claws. However, if you start touching his mouth, paws, nails, and rear at a young age, he will become less territorial and begin to understand that this behavior is not threatening. This is particularly important if he will be around small children who are prone to make quick movements and touching a dog anywhere they can get their hand on them.

 

BE SURE TO PRAISE YOUR CHIHUAHUA

praise your chihuahua

 

When your Chihuahua takes a big step, be sure to praise his behavior, show him some affection, and even throw in a treat.

Socialization doesn’t happen overnight. It may takes months before your Chi is comfortable around many situations and places. ​With the right training and socialization, your Chihuahua can be happy and well balanced.

Have you tried something that has worked well in socializing your Chihuahua? Leave a comment and let me know.

 

Christine Carson

Thursday 7th of March 2024

I made a terrible mistake when I got Louie at nine weeks old due partly to health reasons I was going through anyway I did not socialize him at all it’s always been just him and I because my husband works so much. He is now seven this year and he absolutely hates other people and other dogs is it too late for Louie to be socialized now? We would like to rescue another dog but we’re afraid it just won’t work for him this boy lives like a king and is extremely spoiled ! He is a big mommas boy and is so protective of me. I love him so much I literally cry when I talk about him I can feel my heart it’s hard to explain we have such a close bond. If it’s too late then it’s something we’ll accept. Any advice would be greatly appreciated. Oh he won’t let anyone in the house if they’re a stranger to him so we have to put him in our bedroom.

Cathy Bendzunas

Thursday 7th of March 2024

It's not too late but it won't be easy. If you have a friend with a small dog, you can start the process by taking him for a walk with the friend and their dog to get him used to other dogs. Do it on a regular basis. You can also take him to a small dog park when he gets used to the friend's dog. Eventually you want to work up to having people and other dogs in your house but take your time.

Jane Freeman

Saturday 17th of February 2024

your pretty girl Lucy is a work of art. Her photos are beautiful!

Cathy Bendzunas

Saturday 17th of February 2024

Thanks Jane! I agree but I know I'm biased.

Eleanor

Friday 16th of February 2024

Bubbalouise loves other dogs,thanks to Petsmart puppy classes. She now has a great time with other dogs at the dog park now the weather has improved some days. Our socialization with people is going a lot more slowly.

Cathy Bendzunas

Friday 16th of February 2024

Yes early socialization helps so much! I'm glad you got her that training.

karen

Saturday 10th of February 2024

My Chi was anything but high strung. He was the most beautiful golden tan, big expressive eyes, and sooo darn loving/affectionate; friendly to ev one and all creatures!!! Had to give him to 2 little boys 2 and 4. He sleeps with the 2 yr old...sweet! He was very playful and kept jumping on my husband when he was taking a nap. He just wanted to play...ha. My husband is suffering from Dementia...I caLL AND CHECK UP ON HIM ON A REGULAR BASIS...I SO LOVED THAT PUPPY !!!

Cathy Bendzunas

Saturday 10th of February 2024

I'm glad he's doing so well and has kids to play with.

Susie

Saturday 9th of July 2022

We have a 7 month old chihuahua girl. We got her at 8 weeks and introduced her straight away to our three grandkids all under 5. Aswell as outings daily in the car shopping and parks, be it in our arms pre-vaccines. Now we have the most sociable furry girl, loves adults, kids, in particular toddlers. She plays in the paddling pool and even plays football of sorts! She is our 2nd chi we lost a 14yr old before her. We made the mistake before of being so anxious of her size pre-empting danger. We did not realise then our negative energy and being fearful of exposing her to all experiences at 8 weeks on, made her timid and nervous. She was a lovely girl, not aggressive but anxious with other dogs and strangers. My advice, is don't make our mistake don't be over protective, let them try everything - under supervision of course, and you'll help to nurture a more secure,friendly and loving furry companion

Cathy

Saturday 9th of July 2022

Good advice Susie!