How Do I Stop My Chihuahua.....
- Sally Gutteridge
- Feb 15
- 2 min read

We humans are wired to focus on solving problems. We ask ourselves "How do I...?" a lot.
But what does your chihuahua need?
It's easy to forget this. For example...
How Do I Stop My Chihuahua From Barking At People When We Walk Near Them?
What does your chihuahua need?
Your chihuahua needs to know that you will protect his space and keep him safe.
How can you do that?
Start by not walking him toward things that scare him. If your chihuahua barks, lunges, or growls, he doesn’t feel safe enough to do anything else. He might be trying to chase the scary thing away because he doesn’t understand why you keep walking towards it.
Instead of thinking, "How do I stop the barking?" try thinking, "How can I make him feel safe enough that he doesn’t need to bark?"
How Do I Get My Chihuahua To Come Back When He's Called?
What does your chihuahua need?
He needs to know that coming back won’t end his fun or make his day worse.
How can you do that?
Make recall exciting and rewarding. Watch you're not overwhelming, especially if he gets a bit worried - remember he's only little. Never scold him if he doesn't come back immediately. Instead, ask yourself, "Why am I not interesting or safe enough?"
Be the best thing in his world. Chihuahuas are smart and full of energy—so give them a reason to come running to you. Play, reward, and make coming back the best part of their day.
And don’t let the daily walk be the only fun they have. Chihuahuas need enrichment, play, and mental stimulation at home too. Engage with them often, play games, and create little adventures in their world.
How Do I Stop My Chihuahua From Peeing In The House?
What does your chihuahua need?
Your chihuahua needs a clear routine, access to a safe toileting space, and plenty of opportunities to relieve himself outside.
How can you do that?
First, rule out medical causes. Small dogs are prone to urinary issues, so if accidents are sudden or frequent, a vet visit is a good idea.
Next, consider whether your chihuahua is anxious. Many small dogs struggle with feeling vulnerable, and peeing indoors can be a sign of stress rather than a house training issue.
If it’s a training problem, go back to basics—frequent toilet breaks, praise for outdoor toileting, and no punishment for accidents. Chihuahuas have amazing clear body language when we watch them carefully, they thrive on routine, bonding and positive reinforcement.
If your chihuahua is marking rather than having accidents, make sure he's fully house-trained and feels secure in his environment. Marking can sometimes be a sign of stress, new changes in the home, or a response to other dogs.
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