8 Things You Should Never Do With a Chihuahua

Chihuahuas may fit in your hands, but they don’t live small lives. They are bold, emotional, deeply attached, and incredibly aware of everything happening around them. I’ve seen so many owners underestimate them just because of their size. That’s usually where behavior issues begin. When you treat them like delicate decorations instead of real dogs, you accidentally create anxiety, stubbornness, and reactivity.

If you want a confident, well-adjusted Chihuahua who lives a long and healthy life, you have to raise them with intention. They need structure, training, boundaries, and protection—without being babied.

Don’t Treat Them Like a Toy

It’s tempting. They’re cute. They tolerate being carried. They look adorable in outfits. But constantly holding them, dressing them up all day, or preventing them from walking on their own can damage their confidence.

When a Chihuahua never gets to explore independently, they become overly dependent on you. That can turn into clinginess, barking at strangers, or snapping when overwhelmed. They need to move, sniff, and experience the world just like any larger dog.

Let Them Walk Like a Real Dog

Walking builds confidence and mental strength. Instead of carrying them everywhere:

• Use a properly fitted harness to protect their delicate neck
• Start with short, calm walks
• Allow plenty of sniffing time
• Gradually increase distance as their stamina improves

Sniffing isn’t wasted time. It’s mental stimulation. A Chihuahua that gets to explore is far calmer at home.

Don’t Skip Socialization

Many people say Chihuahuas are “yappy” or “dramatic.” In reality, most are simply under-socialized. If your dog only knows your home and your lap, the outside world feels threatening.

Gentle, positive exposure early in life builds confidence. When they learn that new sounds, people, and environments are safe, they don’t feel the need to bark or defend themselves constantly.

How to Socialize the Right Way

Socialization should feel safe, not overwhelming.

• Invite calm friends over and let your dog approach at their own pace
• Visit quiet outdoor spaces instead of crowded areas
• Reward calm reactions to new sights and sounds
• Keep interactions short and positive

You are building trust in the world, one small experience at a time.

Don’t Use Harsh Corrections

Chihuahuas are physically small and emotionally sensitive. Yelling, leash jerking, or rough handling doesn’t teach them what to do—it only teaches fear.

Fear damages trust. And once trust is broken, rebuilding it takes time.

Positive reinforcement works better because it teaches clearly. When you reward calm behavior, your Chihuahua repeats it. When you ignore or redirect unwanted behavior, it fades.

Training That Actually Works

Short, focused sessions produce the best results.

• Train for 3–5 minutes at a time
• Use tiny, soft treats
• Reward calm behavior even outside training sessions
• Teach a “go to mat” command for structure during meals or guests
• Use gates or pens to prevent unwanted habits

Consistency beats intensity every time.

Don’t Overfeed

Because Chihuahuas are so small, even slight weight gain puts stress on their joints and heart. Free-feeding often leads to overeating.

Measured meals protect their health and extend their lifespan. I’ve seen dogs regain energy and mobility simply from proper portion control.

Smart Feeding Habits

• Measure food with a scale for accuracy
• Stick to scheduled meal times
• Account for treats within daily calories
• Choose small-breed formulas
• Monitor weight monthly

Healthy weight means better movement, easier breathing, and fewer long-term issues.

Don’t Ignore Dental Care

Dental disease is extremely common in small breeds. Tartar builds quickly and can lead to gum infections, pain, and even organ complications if untreated.

Bad breath is usually a warning sign, not something harmless.

Simple Dental Routine

• Brush several times per week with dog-safe toothpaste
• Start slowly to build comfort
• Use gentle circular motions
• Schedule professional cleanings when recommended

Consistent dental care prevents costly and painful problems later.

Don’t Assume They’re Too Small to Train

Chihuahuas are intelligent. If you don’t give them structure, they will create their own rules. And usually, those rules involve barking, guarding, or demanding attention.

They are fully capable of learning:

• Sit
• Stay
• Come
• Leave it
• Down

Short, engaging sessions keep them focused. When you make training fun, they respond enthusiastically.

Don’t Throw Them Into Dog Parks

Dog parks can overwhelm a small dog instantly. One rough interaction can create long-lasting fear.

Size matters in unpredictable group settings. A Chihuahua can be injured easily by accident.

Better Social Options

• Supervised small-dog playgroups
• One-on-one meetups with calm dogs
• Confidence-based training classes

Controlled environments create positive experiences without chaos.

Don’t Ignore Weather and Safety

Chihuahuas get cold quickly and overheat fast. Their small bodies don’t regulate temperature as efficiently as larger dogs.

In colder months:

• Use a fitted sweater or coat
• Keep walks shorter in freezing weather
• Provide warm bedding indoors

In hot weather:

• Walk during cooler times of day
• Provide constant access to shade and water
• Avoid hot pavement

Always use a harness instead of a collar for walks to protect their trachea. In vehicles, secure them with a crash-tested carrier or harness. Safety should never be optional just because they’re small.

Living in Apartments With a Chihuahua

Chihuahuas adapt extremely well to apartment living when their needs are met. They don’t require huge yards, but they do require routine.

Provide:

• Consistent potty breaks
• Daily short walks
• Mental enrichment games
• Clear boundaries about barking

A structured indoor life works beautifully for this breed.

Exercise Needs

Most Chihuahuas do well with 30 to 60 minutes of total activity daily. This can be divided into:

• Short walks
• Indoor play
• Training sessions
• Sniffing exploration

Puppies and seniors may tire faster, so adjust accordingly.

Final Thoughts of Things You Should Never Do With a Chihuahua

Chihuahuas are not fragile ornaments. They are intelligent, emotional, bold little dogs who thrive when treated with respect and structure. When you balance protection with independence, kindness with boundaries, and affection with training, you raise a stable and confident companion.

They may be tiny, but the responsibility is big. And when you do it right, you don’t just get a dog—you get a fiercely loyal, hilarious, heart-stealing shadow who thinks they own the house. And honestly, they probably do.