8 Things You Should Never Do With a Chihuahua

Chihuahuas look like tiny pocket rockets with big opinions, and that’s exactly what they are. Their size fools people all the time, and that’s when trouble starts. If you want a happy, confident, long-lived Chi, you need to avoid some common mistakes. Let’s talk about what not to do—because your little gremlin deserves the best.

Don’t Treat Them Like a Toy

Chihuahuas aren’t accessories. They’re dogs with needs, fears, and boundaries. Never carry them around constantly, shove them into outfits all day, or treat them like a plushie.
When you infantilize a Chihuahua, you create anxiety and reactivity. They need to walk, sniff, and explore like any other dog. Hold them when it’s necessary, sure—but give them space to be a dog.

Let Them Walk

– Use a properly fitted harness to protect their trachea.
– Keep walks short at first, then build up.
– Let them sniff everything—mental exercise beats sprinting laps around your kitchen.

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Don’t Skip Socialization

Chihuahua walking with fitted harness, sniffing grass

Chihuahuas get a rep for being “yappy.” Usually, humans created that. Expose them to new people, sounds, and environments early and gently. Controlled, positive experiences build confidence.
If you only let your Chi hang out with you on the couch, strangers and dogs will feel terrifying. And a terrified Chihuahua becomes a reactive Chihuahua. FYI: socialization doesn’t mean dog parks (we’ll get to that).

How to Socialize Safely

– Invite calm friends over with treats in hand.
– Sit on a quiet café patio and reward calm behavior.
– Play “look at that” games: when they notice something new, they get a snack.
– Keep sessions short and end on a win.

Don’t Use Rough Handling or Harsh Corrections

Chis have tiny bodies and big feelings. Never yank a leash, pop a collar, or shout in their face. It doesn’t teach; it scares. They remember that stuff.
Positive reinforcement works best. Reward what you like. Ignore or redirect what you don’t. IMO, a clicker and a pocket of tiny treats will take you further than any “alpha” nonsense ever could.

Training That Actually Works

– Capture good behavior: mark and treat when they’re calm or quiet.
– Use management: baby gates, pens, and tethers to prevent chaos.
– Teach a “go to mat” for visitors and meals.
– If you need help, a force-free trainer can be a game-changer.

Don’t Overfeed or Free-Feed

Chihuahua resting unbothered, outfits and accessories set aside

Chihuahuas gain weight fast, and extra ounces matter on tiny joints. Skip free-feeding. Use measured meals at consistent times. Treats count too—those “just one” moments add up.
If your Chi turns into a furry Roomba hunting crumbs, adjust portions. Talk to your vet about a healthy target weight. You’ll see more energy, better mobility, and fewer health issues.

Smart Feeding Tips

– Use a kitchen scale for accuracy.
– Choose small-bite kibble or soft foods appropriate for tiny jaws.
– Use puzzle feeders to slow down inhalers and burn mental energy.
– Save part of the meal for training rewards.

Don’t Skip Dental Care

Small dogs have big dental problems. Chihuahuas often battle tartar, gingivitis, and tooth loss. You can prevent a lot with a simple routine.
Brush a few times a week with dog-safe toothpaste. Add dental chews sized for small dogs. Get regular dental checks with your vet. Bad breath isn’t “just a dog thing”—it often signals infection.

Easy Dental Routine

– Start slow: let them lick toothpaste off the brush first.
– Brush gently in tiny circles for 30–60 seconds.
– Use water additives or dental gels if brushing feels impossible (but keep trying).
– Schedule professional cleanings as your vet advises.

Don’t Assume They’re “Too Small” for Training

Close-up Chihuahua confident stance, no being carried

Chihuahuas are clever. They will outmaneuver you if you don’t give them structure. Teach basic cues: sit, down, stay, come, leave it. Make it fun and fast.
Short sessions keep their focus. Reinforce often. If you let “cute” misbehavior slide, you’ll accidentally teach them that lunging at shoes = attention. Oops.

Make Training a Game

– 3–5 minute sessions, 2–3 times a day.
– Use soft, pea-sized treats.
– End before they get bored.
– Celebrate the tiny wins (pun absolutely intended).

Don’t Throw Them Into Dog Parks

Dog parks can overwhelm small dogs. One rough greeting and your Chihuahua decides all dogs are terrifying. Skip the chaos and choose curated social time.
Set up one-on-one play with known, gentle dogs. Or walk parallel with a calm buddy. Your Chi can enjoy dog company without becoming a chew toy. IMO, dog parks are for unicorn-level stable dogs, not pint-sized diplomats in training.

Better Social Options

– Small-dog playgroups with supervision.
– Walks with a friend’s calm, vaccinated dog.
– Training classes focused on confidence and manners.

Don’t Ignore Weather and Safety Gear

Chihuahuas hate being cold, and they overheat fast in hot weather. Use sweaters or light coats in chilly temps. Seek shade and water in the heat. Their small frames can’t regulate as well.
Always use a harness—not a collar—for walks to protect their delicate trachea. And secure them in the car with a crash-tested carrier or harness. Tiny dog, big safety rules.

Outdoor Essentials

– Lightweight sweater or coat for cold days.
– Booties if it’s icy, salty, or scorching pavement.
– Cooling vest or damp bandana for hot days.
– ID tags and a microchip—escapes happen.

FAQ

Are Chihuahuas good with kids?

They can be, with supervision and training on both sides. Kids must learn gentle handling and respect for space. Because Chis are fragile, rough play or sudden grabs can lead to bites or injuries. Teach “pet, don’t poke,” and give the dog safe zones.

How much exercise does a Chihuahua need?

Most do well with 30–60 minutes total per day split into short walks and play. Add sniffing time and training games for mental stimulation. Adjust for age and health—puppies and seniors tire faster. Watch for shivering or lagging and head home when needed.

Do Chihuahuas bark a lot?

They can, but barking has reasons: boredom, fear, alerts, or learned attention-seeking. Meet their needs, train a “quiet” cue, and reward calm. Reduce triggers with management—window film, sound machines, or distance from busy areas.

What should I feed a Chihuahua?

Choose a balanced diet formulated for small breeds. Look for appropriate kibble size and discuss calorie needs with your vet. Avoid table scraps, cooked bones, and foods toxic to dogs (grapes, onions, xylitol). Measure meals and monitor weight monthly.

How do I keep my Chihuahua warm?

Use a fitted sweater or coat, especially in wind or rain. Keep walks short in winter and provide cozy beds or blankets at home. If your Chi shivers, that’s your cue to warm up. Some dogs appreciate heated pads designed for pets—use on low and supervise.

Can Chihuahuas live happily in apartments?

Absolutely. They’re great in small spaces when you provide structure, potty breaks, and mental enrichment. Teach polite barking and set up enrichment toys. Short, frequent outings and training games will keep them content.

Conclusion

Chihuahuas might be small, but they come with big needs—and big personality to match. Treat them like real dogs, train with kindness, and protect their tiny bodies without babying their brains. Do that, and you’ll get a confident, hilarious sidekick who rules your home (and your heart). FYI: that throne on the couch? It’s theirs now. You just live here.

David

I’ve spent 10+ years in dog training, digging into what makes dogs (and their humans) tick. At Smart Dog Learning, I share my no-nonsense, fun approach to training so you can enjoy life with a well-behaved, happy pup—no boring lectures, just practical results 😉