Chihuahua issues...

[AdamsBunch]

We have had our baby boy Gus for 4 months now and things are getting difficult. He is impossible to house train, he uses his piddle pad when he is baby gated into his room but as soon as we let him out even if we take him outside he goes in the house. We have our boxers bell trained but he is so tiny I don't know how to get him to let me know he needs to go outside. On top of that, he will not walk on a lead, he screams like we are killing him whenever we put him on a lead. He will walk around the house with it dragging behind him but as soon as we pick the lead up he freezes and screams. I so desperately want to take him for walks but it's impossible. We tried the pack mentality with the boxers but it didn't work, he will go for walks with us without a lead but he is getting too curious and I'm terrified he will run out into traffic. Ok, another problem, he thinks pants and hands are his personal toys. He will bite your legs and pants as you walk past him and if you pick him up and sit down with him he attacks your hands. I love the guy but he is a lot harder to train than the boxers. Any help, please!

 

[cwelch]

I have a year old chihuahua and I don't think they are ever truly housebroken. I have to take her outside and stand over her to get her to go outside. If I don't keep a very close eye on her, she's goes in the house whenever she wants to. It is extremely frustrating. Frankly, If my daughter didin't love her so much, I would not have her. I have the living and dining rooms blocked, all the bedroom doors are kept closed. Every time she leaves my sight I have to go look for her. Our trainer says she has the most housebreaking problems with little dogs. My 6 month boxer is great and goes to the door. I secretly wish she's run off. Good Luck.

 

[Indy's mom]

I would address housebreaking just like Gus is a new pup. After all 4 months really is very young to expect to be fully housetrained. Keep him where you can see him. When he goes outside to potty have him on a leash or other restraint (yep, he'll adjust ), remember to praise and love him up, possibly offer a treat when he does what you want, where you want it! You are starting with housebreaking 101 again. When inside the house you might want to tether him to you. Use the leash or a light line to actually tie him to your belt loop, this way he won't get the opportunity to make mistakes. You'll be able to catch him in the act and take him to the appropriate place, with praise to follow. When you are unable to have him tethered to you or very closely supervise him, it's time to crate or confine. Under no circumstances would I allow him to be in a room that I am not in. Remember, he's very small, so it's much easier for him to go next to a couch or chair and potty. So even in the same room, keep him in sight.

Taking him outside on the leash or line to potty will help him to adjust to the leash. It will become a very positive experience if you remember praise and rewards. Belly rubs, silly voice, excitement and play. All will encourage him and let off some of your frustration as well.

As far as the biting is concerned, again, he's a baby. He's probably teething and really is learning about appropriate play. There is so much wonderful info in the training and behavior forums that addresses this concern directly. Do a search and you should find tons of help.

Some pups get the idea of these things very quickly, some are a bit more rock-headed...a lot like skin kids!

Good luck with Gus!