How to Get Your Chihuahua to Come When Called

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Dogs typically only come when they want to, and chihuahuas are no exception. It doesn’t matter whether you ask them nicely or not; they won’t move an inch unless they have good reason to. Or unless you train them!

Yes, it is possible to train your chi (or any canine for that matter) to come running to your arms whenever you call. Keep on reading to find out how!

Call Them By Name

First off, you need to make sure your little tail-wagger knows what his or her name is. Name recognition is essential when training dogs, and it helps a lot when you’re building your relationship with your chihuahua.

You can use it to catch their attention, encouraging them to run to you whenever you call them. Using their names can also help you stop your chi from doing anything wrong, like throwing a tantrum whenever you’re grooming them with dog clippers as well as keep them calm during uncomfortable situations.

Use Simple Words

Teaching your chihuahua a few commands when training them can go a long way, especially when exercising their recall skills.

For best results, though, it’s best if you stick with necessary words. That way, it will be easier for your pet to remember.

Start with “Come” and “Here.” Yes, these are still two of the most used words when teaching dogs to go to you when called, but it still works. Just change it up if your chi gets tired of it.

Give Them Treats

As mentioned earlier, dogs won’t come unless they have good reason to. So better give them one by dishing out rewards they might like.

This usually comes in the form of snacks and toys. You can use these goodies when teaching your chihuahua recall basics. With these treats, they’ll be able to remember their names and those simple words you’re trying to instill on them better since they’ll associate it with the prizes you have in store for them.

Maintain Positive Tone

Another trick you need to learn when teaching your chihuahua recall is using a happy, cheerful tone when talking to them. Remember that your pet would remember words better if hearing them makes them feel good.

So as much as possible, keep your voice nice-sounding. Don’t scold them if they fail, and don’t shout at them if they get it wrong. Otherwise, you’ll spoil your chi’s fun, and you might have trouble teaching him or her afterward.

Try Some Exercises

Once you get your chihuahua to remember their name as well as recall a few simple words, try putting their skills to the test by having them engage in some exercises and games. For starters, try these out:

1. Set your chihuahua on one spot, back away 7 to 10 feet from that spot, and call him or her. Once the little tyke finishes walking up to you, praise them and reward them with a treat. Use the words you’ve been teaching your pet to interrupt them in case they get distracted. Repeat the process until your dog comes to you on their own.
2. Have at least five people (including you) sit in a circle with your chihuahua in the middle. Then send the dog back and forth among you by calling their name at intervals. Make sure you maintain a positive tone and a snack in hand.

Minimize Distractions

Lastly, you need to remove anything in the room that might distract your little chi during training. Teaching recall skills to your pet is hard enough as it is; you need to make sure your canine’s attention is fixed as much as possible on you.

So unless it’s part of the program, get rid of those items in the room that your chihuahua is familiar with.

Moving Forward

Recall is among the most important skills you can teach your chihuahua. It not only helps your chi stay focused and sharp but, in some cases it can save his or her life. So better take some time to train your pet right.

Author’s Bio:

Deinah Storm is a pet lover from the US that’s had cats and dogs all her life. When she’s not walking the dogs with her family, she spends time writing informational and interesting blogs about pets to share with pet lover communities.