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Preventing Your Chihuahua From Becoming Bored And Destructive

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Chihuahuas are one of the most popular breeds of dog in the U.S. They have been bred to keep people company and they pack in a lot of personality for such a small package.

Just like many other dogs, chihuahuas can become destructive and noisy if they’re bored. They need plenty of daily exercise, regular mental stimulation in the form of toys and training, and lots of company to prevent boredom and keep them happy and content.

A tired dog is a well-behaved dog

sleeping chi huahua

It’s a well-known saying and for good reason. A tired chihuahua will be a better behaved pooch who is less likely to bark, chew, and will generally be less destructive. Despite their small size, chihuahuas need 20-30 minutes of exercise a day at least, but many can go for longer if you let them.

Chihuahuas will enjoy going to a park or open space where they can run around off the lead and explore, but it’s important to remember that they’re often very cautious of new people and other dogs so they should be closely monitored on walks.

Socializing them with other animals and strangers from a young age can help chihuahuas to feel comfortable with strangers, making it easier to let them run around freely at the park for lots of exercise.

I would looke for a dog park that has separate sections for big dogs and little dogs just as a safety precaution.

Provide mental stimulation

chihuahua jumping fence

Chihuahuas can perform well in agility and obedience trials just as much as larger dogs. This should be done by making it fun for them to keep them interested and more likely to respond to you.

Treats and lots of praise will work well. Harsh, negative reinforcement should be avoided as chihuahuas don’t generally respond well to it.

Additionally, most chihuahuas enjoy playing with toys, both with their humans and alone. It’s important to provide lots of different toys for them so that they don’t get bored with the same ones.

Subscription boxes for dogs is a great way to ensure they have a good supply of different toys on a regular basis.

Keep them company

woman hudding chihuahua

Chihuahuas are companion dogs and won’t do well if they’re left alone for too long or too often by themselves.

They tend to become very attached to one person and will follow them everywhere. If you regularly leave them alone they’ll quickly become bored and destructive.

One way around this is to sign them up to a doggy daycare for when you’re at work or have to go somewhere that they are not allowed. This can help them to interact with other dogs and people while ensuring they don’t get lonely and bored.

Simply having someone check in on them once a day while you’re working for eight hours, five days a week, won’t be enough company for chihuahuas.

Chihuahuas often get a bad reputation as they have very big personalities and they often forgot just how small they are. This big personality and small frame requires lots of walks, plenty of mental stimulation and company throughout the day to keep them happy and content, which results in a much better behaved dog.

Rita

Sunday 13th of November 2022

I have 3 ch,is and they all have different personalities

Wednesday 15th of March 2023

@Cathy, your the best😁

Cathy

Sunday 13th of November 2022

Yes, every dog has their own personality. Just like people.

Jade

Monday 30th of November 2020

I’ve only had my baby for a 2 weeks, I feel bad when I have to tidy the house or even go upstairs to have a shower.. will he feel lonely if I just get on with the normal daily things in the house or am I just being silly, when I do try he looks at me and cry’s is this normal and am I just worrying to much that he feel lonely and sad because I’m not giving him attention for 15 minutes... he has about 12 different toys 4 teddy’s and a tunnel to go through I know it sound silly but it’s that cute little face he pulls and it makes me feel bad for him... please tell me how to handle this situation before I make him a spoiled little boy.🥰🥰.. his name is Archie💙💙

Cathy

Monday 30th of November 2020

Chis are very social animals and want to be with their human 24 hours a day. However there are times that just isn't possible or convenient and the earlier he learns to entertain himself, the better. As he gets older he can follow you around to "supervise" as you do your chores and such and that makes it easier. My dogs follow me room to room and sit on the bed while I'm in the shower to wait for me. One sits on the bathroom rug to wait. As hard as it is, don't give in when you need to be away from him (you don't want to create a monster). Give him a chew toy and then go do what you need to do.

Rose N Funkhouser

Thursday 12th of September 2019

Hi! I love my Bailey, he is so cute and loves everyone. He has tons of toys and we play every day with him. I walk him almost every day. Yet, he chews! My rattan furniture and wicker hamper. I have sprayed with white and apple vinegar to no avail. What to do?

Cathy

Thursday 12th of September 2019

How old is he Rose? If he's under a year, chewing is to be expected and he will probably grow out of it. Instead of using vinegar (some dogs like the taste) try a commercial spray. Bitter Apple is a popular one. You can get it on Amazon: https://amzn.to/32C3AFd I'm sure you can get it at a pet store like PetSmart or PetCo too. When you can' watch your dog, keep him in one room (without the furniture he likes to chew on but do add some things he can chew on) or keep him in a playpen. When you are with him, if you catch him chewing, make a loud noise to startle him such as a clap, or say "No" or "Ack" loudly. Then give him a chew toy.

Ms. Linda

Wednesday 22nd of May 2019

Hi Cathy. My chi, Honey, is five months old and when she goes number 2 potty she walks around in the hunched position leaving a poop trail. She's quite regular and has firm stools, but it's driving me nuts. How can I get her to stay on the pad like she does when she pees?

Cathy

Wednesday 22nd of May 2019

Lucy does this too and since she will only use a pad, I have had problems with her missing the pad too. I just added a few more pads to cover more area. Not the idea solution, but couldn't figure out how else to handle it. Honey is a pretty chi!

Dixie Greschuk

Saturday 18th of May 2019

Congratulations to Diesel for being Chi of the Week. He is indeed a beautiful fellow. Love his coloring, especially his feet. Cathy, I am just loving Lucy!!! Ziggy and sweet Lucas are fantastic, but Lucy is special and so beautiful. I can pick her up tomorrow any time that is convenient for you, LOL LOL

Cathy

Saturday 18th of May 2019

Thanks Dixie! I agree. Lucy is special. She's such a pretty little girl too. And to think, no one wanted her because her front legs are crooked. They sure don't slow her down at all.