How to House Train Your Chihuahua Puppy Successfully
- ekaterova
- Apr 28
- 2 min read
House training is one of the first big milestones when bringing home a Chihuahua puppy. With patience, routine, and positive reinforcement, even the tiniest pup can learn good habits quickly. Here’s your full guide to house training a Chihuahua — without the stress.
1. Set a Regular Routine
Chihuahuas, like all puppies, thrive on structure. Set consistent times for:
First thing in the morning
After meals
After naps
Before bedtime
After play sessions
Take them outside (or to a designated indoor toilet area) at these key moments to build strong habits early.
2. Choose a Toilet Spot
Pick one specific spot in your garden or on walks where you want your puppy to go. The consistent scent will encourage them to recognise it as the right place.
Praise them immediately after they finish toileting outside. You can even use a cue word like “toilet” while they’re going, then reward them straight afterwards.
3. Supervise Closely Indoors
In the early days, supervision is everything. If you can’t watch your puppy, consider using a playpen or safe space to limit accidents.
Look out for signs they need to go, such as:
Circling
Sniffing the floor
Whining or looking restless
If you spot the signs, take them to their toilet spot right away.
4. Be Patient and Positive
Chihuahuas are clever but can be sensitive. Avoid punishment for accidents — it can cause confusion and fear.
Instead:
Clean accidents thoroughly with an enzymatic cleaner to remove smells.
Reward good toileting immediately with a treat and cheerful praise.
Stay calm and consistent.
It may take a few weeks for your puppy to be completely reliable, so patience is key.
5. Consider Puppy Pads (if Needed)
If you live in a flat or have limited access to outdoor space, puppy pads can be a helpful tool.
Place the pads near your puppy’s sleeping area and gradually move them closer to the door over time. Eventually, you can transition to taking them outside entirely.
6. Dealing with Setbacks
Every puppy has the odd setback, especially during periods of excitement or change (such as moving house or visitors staying).
Stay consistent, revisit your training basics, and keep rewarding the right behaviour. Chihuahuas want to please — they just need a bit of time to master it.
Final Thoughts
House training your Chihuahua might feel challenging at first, but with patience, kindness, and a good routine, they’ll soon get the hang of it. Remember, these little dogs are bright and loving — and they thrive when you make learning a positive experience.
At Tiffany Puppies, we start laying the foundations for good habits early on, helping our puppies to settle happily into their new homes. We’re always happy to offer advice if you need it!
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