A good obedience class to train your Chihuahua is always beneficial. However, you don't have to go to obedience classes. Many classes are particularly for handling big, out-of-control dogs and may emphasize force techniques to try to control and calm these dogs. These methods aren't good for Chihuahuas or any dog for what it's worth. If you run into instructors and classes like this, you are better off training your Chihuahua on your own or with other small-dog owners.
Old-fashioned force-training strategies are ineffective and no fun for your dog either. Chihuahuas respond best to amendable training and only the gentlest of methodologies.
Some axioms to remember:
Guide, don't force. Chihuahuas want to please you. Your job is to show them what pleases you. If you force a Chihuahua you may bring out that notorious Chi dour streak.
Punishment does not work. Chihuahuas seldom need anything but a mild correction.
Intensify the positive. Reward your dog for behaviors that please you.
Satisfied endings: Keep sessions short and fun, no longer than 10 to 15 minutes. Start and finish each training session with something your dog can do well.
Chihuahuas are intelligent. Simply because your Chihuahua lives a life of leisure does not necessarily imply she can't learn tricks. Chihuahuas don't hunt, herd or guard so they do not have an opportunity to show off like some of the other breeds. Obedience and agility trials give Chihuahuas an opportunity to show what they can do. But you don't have to challenge in the competitions to enjoy training your Chihuahua. Training should be an enjoyable time for the two of you. Chihuahuas need to have a sort of schooling.
Clicker training works very well for Chihuahuas. In clicker training you teach the dog a "click" sound signals a coming reward. A clicker signal is employed because it is fast, noticeable, and something the dog otherwise doesn't encounter in day to day life. Once the dog associates the click with an approaching reward, you wait for the dog to do the behavior you need her to do. The instant she is doing so, you click to inform the dog her behavior deserves a reward.
Old-fashioned force-training strategies are ineffective and no fun for your dog either. Chihuahuas respond best to amendable training and only the gentlest of methodologies.
Some axioms to remember:
Guide, don't force. Chihuahuas want to please you. Your job is to show them what pleases you. If you force a Chihuahua you may bring out that notorious Chi dour streak.
Punishment does not work. Chihuahuas seldom need anything but a mild correction.
Intensify the positive. Reward your dog for behaviors that please you.
Satisfied endings: Keep sessions short and fun, no longer than 10 to 15 minutes. Start and finish each training session with something your dog can do well.
Chihuahuas are intelligent. Simply because your Chihuahua lives a life of leisure does not necessarily imply she can't learn tricks. Chihuahuas don't hunt, herd or guard so they do not have an opportunity to show off like some of the other breeds. Obedience and agility trials give Chihuahuas an opportunity to show what they can do. But you don't have to challenge in the competitions to enjoy training your Chihuahua. Training should be an enjoyable time for the two of you. Chihuahuas need to have a sort of schooling.
Clicker training works very well for Chihuahuas. In clicker training you teach the dog a "click" sound signals a coming reward. A clicker signal is employed because it is fast, noticeable, and something the dog otherwise doesn't encounter in day to day life. Once the dog associates the click with an approaching reward, you wait for the dog to do the behavior you need her to do. The instant she is doing so, you click to inform the dog her behavior deserves a reward.
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