Q&A for How to Play with a Chihuahua

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  • Question
    How do I keep my Chihuahua entertained?
    Sheri Williams
    Sheri Williams
    Certified Dog Trainer
    Sheri Williams is a Certified Dog Trainer and Behaviorist and the Owner of sheriwilliams.com, a business that specializes in teaching veterans how to turn their dogs into service dogs or emotional support animals to assist with PTSD. Based in the Los Angeles, California metro area, Sheri has over 20 years of dog training experience and also runs a general dog training practice specializing in rehabilitating dogs through positive reinforcement training techniques. She is certified by The Animal Behavior and Training Association.
    Sheri Williams
    Certified Dog Trainer
    Expert Answer
    If you can't find any appropriately-sized dog toys, try looking at cat toys in a pet store in your area.
  • Question
    What kind of toys do Chihuahuas like?
    Sheri Williams
    Sheri Williams
    Certified Dog Trainer
    Sheri Williams is a Certified Dog Trainer and Behaviorist and the Owner of sheriwilliams.com, a business that specializes in teaching veterans how to turn their dogs into service dogs or emotional support animals to assist with PTSD. Based in the Los Angeles, California metro area, Sheri has over 20 years of dog training experience and also runs a general dog training practice specializing in rehabilitating dogs through positive reinforcement training techniques. She is certified by The Animal Behavior and Training Association.
    Sheri Williams
    Certified Dog Trainer
    Expert Answer
    All dogs like different kinds of toys. There's no specific toy that's 'right' for a chihuahua, but you want to make sure that the toy is not too big for your dog to play with. Buy a few different small toys and see what your dog enjoys, and then stick to those kinds of toys.
  • Question
    What kind of toys do chihuahuas play with?
    Community Answer
    Community Answer
    Chihuahuas can play with just about any dog toy or stuffed animal, as long as its small enough to fit in their mouths.
  • Question
    How can I get my chihuahua to know his/her own name?
    Community Answer
    Community Answer
    Almost all chihuahuas can get to know their name. If you say your chihuahua's name constantly while pointing to them or pointing for them to come to you, they should know their name in no time.
  • Question
    Does the chihuahua need another chihuahua as a friend, or just any other dog?
    Community Answer
    Community Answer
    Any other dog that isn't aggressive and is gentle with small dogs would be okay.
  • Question
    How long should a play session with a chihuahua be?
    Community Answer
    Community Answer
    Chihuahuas are small dogs, so they won't have as much energy as a bigger dog. For a pup, 5-10 minutes of playtime is good. When the chihuahua's bones are all developed, playtime can increase to 12-25 minutes.
  • Question
    How do I calm down my chihuahua?
    Community Answer
    Community Answer
    Talk softly to your dog, in a reassuring voice. If you can, sit down and let them cuddle up to you.
  • Question
    My chihuahua is attacking other dogs. How do I get him to be more social with dogs?
    Community Answer
    Community Answer
    Carefully tug him back when he does this, and keep him on a short leash when near other dogs. It takes time for dogs to learn to socialize, so consider doggie play dates or enrolling him in a training course to help with socialization.
  • Question
    Can I use a dog bed that was used by cats for him to sleep in?
    Community Answer
    Community Answer
    Yes. It can depend on the dog and the bed, but most of the time it really doesn't matter. Just make sure your dog isn't sensitive to the cat smell.
  • Question
    What should I do if my chihuahua bites me?
    Community Answer
    Community Answer
    You should discipline your dog, but only right after it happens. You shouldn't hit your dog, but a good type of discipline is getting a spray bottle and filling it with water to spray the dog after it's misbehaved. You should also stop playing with the dog immediately so he knows that biting means play time is over.
  • Question
    How do I wake up a sleepy dog?
    Community Answer
    Community Answer
    Touch your dog very softly, then rub and cuddle the dog until it is fully awake.
  • Question
    What's the personality of a chihuahua like?
    Community Answer
    Community Answer
    Like with most breeds, it varies by dog, but chihuahuas are known to be yappy, stubborn, and hard to train.
  • Question
    How long should I wait before picking up a chihuahua?
    Community Answer
    Community Answer
    If it is aggressive start by petting it for a few days, then gradually start to try to pick it up.
  • Question
    How can I tell if my chihuahua is sick?
    Community Answer
    Community Answer
    If your chihuahua is lethargic, uninterested in food, vomiting, or behaving differently in other ways, then he might be sick.
  • Question
    What should I do if my chihuahua is not interested in the toys I have for her?
    Community Answer
    Community Answer
    You should keep trying to find new toys for your dog until you figure out which kinds of toys are her favorites. You might also just have a lazy dog! If that's the case, you could try motivating your dog with treats.
  • Question
    Should my chihuahua sleep in bed with me?
    Community Answer
    Community Answer
    That is completely up to you.
  • Question
    Should I discourage my chihuahua from playing biting games?
    Community Answer
    Community Answer
    Yes, especially if you have other pets or kids, as this could harm them eventually. To discourage your dog from biting, play different games, such as the games listed in this article.
  • Question
    How can I get my chihuahua to cuddle?
    Community Answer
    Community Answer
    Wait until your chihuahua is tired, and put him on top of you while you watch TV or read a book. He will fall asleep pretty fast. Do this daily and your chihuahua will start to enjoy cuddling.
  • Question
    What type of dog beds are good for chihuahuas?
    Community Answer
    Community Answer
    I have found that beds that are like igloos are very comfy for them. It keeps them warm and it is washable. I got my dog bed from Chewy.
  • Question
    What do I do or act when my Chihuahua barks constantly when people come over or people are outside?
    Community Answer
    Community Answer
    Look at the dog and say "no" in a loud, firm voice. (You may have to keep saying no a few times.) When people come over, pat your chihuahua to calm it down, or put it in another room away from your guests.
  • Question
    What do I do if my chihuahua is getting aggressive with my other small dog?
    Fyuri LeBlanc
    Fyuri LeBlanc
    Community Answer
    Chihuahuas are possessive over your attention and will often get aggressive if you are petting another dog. You have to be firm and may have to put him behind a doggie gate while dividing your attention between them until he gets the idea that he will also get just as much attention. Make sure you give both dogs adequate attention.
  • Question
    How do I stop my chihuahua from sleeping on me?
    Fyuri LeBlanc
    Fyuri LeBlanc
    Community Answer
    Set boundaries early in your relationship with your dog. If he refuses to respect the boundaries and is able to jump on your bed, try a crate. Don't put him in a separate room unless you have to, as chihuahuas get scared when separated from the rest of the family at night.
  • Question
    How can my Chihuahua like me if he is afraid of me?
    Fyuri LeBlanc
    Fyuri LeBlanc
    Community Answer
    Love can't live in the same place as fear. You need to build trust. Don't yell at him. Don't ever hit him. Play with him and give him toys and treats. Feed him from your hand and take long walks with him.
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