3 Common Chihuahua Behaviour Problems (And How To Fix Them)

Remember: Chihuahuas are bold, confident little dogs who don't know they're small. Treat them like real dogs with proper training and boundaries, and they'll become the fearless, devoted companions they were bred to be.

Where Do Chihuahuas Come From?

Chihuahuas are an ancient breed from Mexico, possibly descending from the Techichi dogs kept by the Toltec civilisation (9th century AD). Archaeological evidence shows small companion dogs in Mexican cultures dating back to 300 BC.

They're named after the Mexican state of Chihuahua where they were discovered by Americans in the 1800s. Despite their size, they were never bred as delicate toys.

What were they bred to do?

Chihuahuas had important roles:

• Companions to Aztec nobility
• Possibly used in religious ceremonies (evidence is debated)
• Some theories suggest they were thought to guide souls to the afterlife or have healing properties
• Later became companions to Mexican ladies and street dogs in Chihuahua
• Bred as fearless companions and watchdogs, not submissive lap decorations

Despite their tiny size, they were never meant to be fragile toys.

Key breeding traits:

Chihuahuas have terrier-like confidence despite tiny size (they don't know they're small). They have alert watchdog nature with tendency to be vocal, intense loyalty to one person with suspicion of strangers, and surprising aggression potential when not properly trained.

They adapt to various climates despite small size and have impressive longevity (often living 15-18 years). They were bred to be bold companions, not fragile toys.

Why Do Chihuahuas Have These Behaviour Problems?

Your Chihuahua isn't being difficult. Now they're exclusively companion dogs but are often incorrectly treated as delicate toys rather than real dogs needing training.

The breed suffers from "small dog syndrome" largely caused by owner permissiveness - behaviours tolerated in a 5lb dog would never be accepted in a 50lb dog. This creates poorly socialised, aggressive dogs.

Understanding that they need training just like large breeds is crucial.

Problem 1: Owner Mismanagement (By Far The Biggest Problem)

What's happening: Your Chihuahua shows aggressive behaviour, isn't properly socialised, or has behaviour problems that would never be tolerated in a larger dog.

Why it happens: Despite their size, Chihuahuas weren't bred to be submissive lap dogs - they were companions to nobility with terrier-like confidence. Owners often fail to socialise or train them properly due to size, allowing behaviours (jumping, barking, snapping) that would never be tolerated in larger dogs.

The fix: Train them exactly as you would a large breed - set firm boundaries, extensive socialisation, proper consequences when needed. Their size doesn't excuse poor behaviour. Implement "big dog training" with proper heel work, sit-stays, and impulse control exercises.

Owners often pick up their Chihuahuas during barking. You're dealing with a symptom not the cause. Being carried everywhere increases vulnerability and reactivity.

Extensive early socialisation (before 16 weeks) is critical - expose them to 100+ different people, dogs, environments before fear period sets in (DO NOT WAIT). Make sure they meet a variety of dogs. Everything is going to be bigger than them no matter what age they are, there's no need to wait.

Never reinforce fear or aggression with comforting (picking them up, soothing voice) - this rewards the behaviour. Instead, move them away from the situation calmly.

Struggling with aggressive behaviour? Small dog syndrome is owner-created. Join our free Skool community to learn proper socialisation protocols and get advice on treating your Chihuahua like a real dog during weekly Q&As.

Problem 2: Excessive Barking & Alert Behaviour

What's happening: Your Chihuahua barks constantly, alerts to every sound, or seems impossible to quiet down.

Why it happens: Chihuahuas were bred as companions who needed to alert their owners to threats despite their small size - their survival required being vocal about potential dangers. They're naturally suspicious and hyper-vigilant, especially given their vulnerability due to size. They genuinely believe their barking protects you.

The fix: Teach "thank you" protocol where they alert once and you acknowledge, releasing them from guard duty. When they bark, calmly look toward what they're alerting to, say "thank you." If they continue, go over to the location and say "Thank You" then turn your back and walk away without acknowledging them. If barking continues, immediately place them in a separate room for 5 minutes.

When barking occurs, never yell or react emotionally as this sounds like you're joining in and encourages more barking - stay completely calm and silent.

Consistency is key. When they bark, always follow the same steps. They'll initially throw a tantrum but will quickly learn what's expected of them.

Accept some barking is breed-standard for watchdog purposes - they're incompatible with strict quiet requirements in apartments with thin walls.

Excessive barking driving you mad? Chihuahuas are vocal watchdogs. Inside our Skool community, you'll find "thank you" training protocols and can get realistic expectations from other Chihuahua owners about managing their voice.

Problem 3: Separation Anxiety & Attachment Issues

What's happening: Your Chihuahua becomes distressed when you leave, follows you everywhere, or can't seem to function without being in your arms or lap.

Why it happens: Chihuahuas were bred as constant companions to nobility - their small size made them portable palace companions who never experienced solitude. Modern "purse dog" culture has reinforced this attached behaviour, making independence difficult. They were literally bred to go everywhere with their person.

The fix: Implement "place training" where they have a designated spot (bed, mat) separate from you, rewarding them for remaining there whilst you move around the house.

Use gradual desensitisation to departures starting with 10 seconds: leave room, immediately return, ignore for 5 minutes until calm. Build to 2-3 minutes over weeks.

Avoid constant carrying which increases dependency and vulnerability - let them walk on their own four feet as much as possible, using a secure harness and lead for safety.

Practise small micro-departures in and out the house to make leaving and re-entering a non-event. You can practise via picking up keys and the lead throughout the day and then putting it back down.

Chihuahuas are actually quite intelligent and like to do trick training - this can be a great way to help mentally stimulate them.

Velcro Chihuahua won't leave your side? Constant attachment is owner-reinforced. Join our Skool community for place training protocols and get support on teaching independence during live weekly webinars.

Is a Chihuahua Right for a New Owner?

A Chihuahua might be perfect for you if you're looking for:

An ideal dog for apartment living - Chihuahuas need only 30 minutes of daily exercise and adapt beautifully to small living spaces. They're perfect for urban living and smaller homes.

A portable companion with big personality - Despite weighing just 1.5-3kg, Chihuahuas have the confidence and attitude of much larger dogs. They're entertaining, bold, and full of character.

A long-lived, devoted friend - With a lifespan of 14-16 years, Chihuahuas are with you for the long haul. They bond intensely with their person and become your devoted shadow.

A low-maintenance coat - Chihuahuas (smooth coat) require minimal grooming with only occasional brushing. They're easy to care for in terms of coat maintenance.

A loyal watchdog in a tiny package - Chihuahuas are naturally alert and protective. They make excellent watchdogs who will alert you to anything unusual, perfect for singles or seniors wanting extra security.

If you're ready to train them properly (like a big dog), can commit to early socialisation, and want a bold, devoted companion who doesn't need much space, a Chihuahua will bring endless personality and loyalty to your life.

Get the Full Support System for Your Chihuahua

This guide gives you real solutions you can start using today. But raising a well-behaved Chihuahua is an ongoing journey, not a one-time fix.

That's why we created our free Skool community - to give you continuous support every step of the way.

Inside the community, you'll get:

• Weekly live Q&A sessions where you can ask about YOUR specific Chihuahua and get personalised advice from experienced trainers
• Full breed-specific courses covering everything from puppy raising to advanced behaviour modification
• A supportive community of other Chihuahua owners who understand exactly what you're going through
• Video demonstrations so you can see techniques in action, not just read about them
• Troubleshooting help when things don't go to plan (because they won't always!)
• Updated resources as we add new courses and training blueprints

Best part? It's completely free. No subscription. No catch. Just dog owners helping dog owners.

Join The Toe Beans Co community today and get the ongoing support you need to build the best relationship with your Chihuahua.