The chihuahua is a small dog breed known for being graceful, charming, and stylish.Those with long coats and those with smooth coats are the different types of chihuahua.There are different mixes and cultures.The chihuahua is an indoor dog that does well in smaller spaces and with children.Because chihuahuas are so small, they don't need a lot of exercise and prefer to cuddle with their owners.They love to run and play and the following ideas can help keep your chihuahua busy.
Step 1: You can play hide andseek.
If you want, you can play hide and seek with multiple people and multiple dogs, or just your chihuahua.Tell your chihuahua to stay in one place and then go hide in your house.When you are hiding, call your chihuahua his name so he can find you.If your chihuahua isn't used to the game yet, you may need to say his name a couple of times.If your chihuahua doesn't know the stay command, you might need another person to hold him in one spot while you hide.Once hidden, that person can let him go and he will find you.You should only hide in places where your chihuahua can get to.
Step 2: Your dog should help clean up.
If your chihuahua has a lot of toys, they end up all over the house.A great game to play with your chihuahua is to have him fetch their toys and put them in a toy box at the end of the day.Your chihuahua will need some training in order to play the game.You can use the command "clean-up" to indicate that your chihuahua needs to find all the toys and bring them to you.One way to teach your chihuahua a command is to tell them to put their toys in the toy box.
Step 3: You can have a tug-o-war with your dog.
Pull a rope at the same time as your chihuahua, because there are rope toys of all sizes specifically made for dogs.Your dog will try to get the toy away from you.Put your chihuahua's neck in a straight line by getting down to floor level.They can be uncomfortable if they are tugged upwards.If you have more than one chihuahua, you can teach them to play tug-o-war with each other.They might figure it out on their own when they both want to play with the same toy.
Step 4: Your dog can play fetch.
chihuahuas are one of the breeds that like to play fetch due to their instincts.When you throw a toy to your dog, they may get it and bring it back to you.They can associate the command with the action he is performing if they use the word "fetch" while he brings the toy back.He is supposed to bring the toy to you when you throw it.Your chihuahua may not always bring the toy back to you when you throw it.If they don't bring it back to you, you have to go get it.
Step 5: Time to play with your dog.
In general, chihuahuas are energetic.They will try to entertain themselves in a way that distracts you as a human if they don't have structured playtime.Schedule time to play with your chihuahua so that you can interact with him and work off some of his excess energy.This playtime should be the same time every day.Your chihuahua will come to expect playtime.This playtime should be dedicated to your dog, which means you don't get distracted by other activities you may also need to do.It's a good time to take your chihuahua out for a walk, or to have him play fetch in your backyard, because there is plenty of room.
Step 6: Every day, you should walk your dog.
Your daily walk with your chihuahua is both good for you and for him.It gives him a chance to work off some energy by walking 30 minutes a day.Change it up if you want to make things interesting.A 30 minute walk is enough for your dog.Your chihuahua won't be able to go jogging or hiking with you.It is possible to carry your chihuahua with you in a backpack or stroller.
Step 7: Allow your chihuahua to run around a lot.
Because the inside of your house or apartment may be too small, and may have a lot of breakable items, you will want to keep the energy level of play inside at a much lower level than outside.Every now and again, take your chihuahua outside to a place where you can take off their leash and let him run around as he pleases.This could be your backyard.If you don't have a large enough yard, you might want to consider a dog park or fenced area where you know it's safe.If you let your chihuahua off their leash, be careful.Dogs can be allowed off-leash in some cities.Not to mention some open areas or even dog parks may have large, aggressive dogs that are off-leash.If you have a chihuahua, you may want to consider doggy daycare.While you are at work, doggy daycares are great because they keep your dog entertained all day.That means your dog isn't getting into trouble in an empty house and he's burning off energy before you get home.There are large indoor and outdoor play areas in some doggy daycares.
Step 8: Make sure your chihuahua's toys are small for their mouth.
The mouths of chihuahuas are small.Most regular-sized dog toys are too big for them to hold onto with their mouths.You might have to be careful about the size of the toys you buy for your chihuahua.He can get stuffed toys instead of plastic or hard toys.It is easy for your chihuahua to put stuffed toys in their mouth, and they are light for him to carry around.When you can't play with him, these toys are great to use.The toys keep him entertained so they don't play with household items.
Step 9: Instead of a collar, use a harness.
Don't use your chihuahua's collar for their leash because you may want to get a collar to put tags on.Purchase a small harness to use with your chihuahua's leash.Harnesses go around their chest and mid-section.Being a small dog, it can be easy to pull too hard on the leash if it is only attached to a collar.It might take a while for your chihuahua to get used to wearing a harness.Leave the harness on your chihuahua for slightly longer periods of time until he is used to it.It is a good idea to check the size and weight of the leash you use with your dog.The extra weight of a heavy leash can cause your chihuahua trouble when you take him for a walk.
Step 10: A friend for your chihuahua is a good idea.
Unless it is another chihuahua, chihuahuas don't get along with other dogs or animals.One option if you don't have enough time to keep your chihuahua entertained is to get another chihuahua.Two or more chihuahuas will play with each other when you can't.Getting a second chihuahua is not an excuse for ignoring your dogs.You have to make time in your schedule to walk and play with both dogs.
Step 11: Spend some time with your dog.
Playing and running around is great for you and your chihuahua, but it is also a great idea to have quiet time with him on a regular basis.You can either cuddle on the couch or brush or groom him.It's great to have quiet time before you go to bed.It will help get your chihuahua into a relaxed and sleepy state so everyone can go to bed without any disruptions.
Step 12: Get your dog an exercise pen.
You can find exercise pens for dogs and other small animals at pet stores and online.They are made of different materials.An exercise pen that is just fencing with no bottom is a great option.The pen can be folded up and stored, but can also be placed inside or outside your house.Depending on what you and your chihuahua are doing, you can either put your dog inside the pen to give him limited space to play, or put him in a safe place to be close to you.
Step 13: Buy your dog a sweater.
Chihuahuas are small and can get cold very quickly.As a human, you may feel fine at a certain temperature, but that same temperature may be making your dog shiver.You may want to consider buying a sweater or coat for your chihuahua in order to make him more comfortable.If your chihuahua doesn't like their sweater, keep it on for a short time.Gradually increase the amount of time they wear the sweater until they are used to it.
Step 14: Consider getting your dog a set of stairs.
There are stairs that your dog can go from the floor to the bed or the couch without jumping.This is the only way for your chihuahua to get up on the couch or bed if he isn't able to jump the distance.If they use their claws to pull himself up, this could save your furniture from scratches.There are carpeted and plastic stairs that fold up for dogs.You can make your own stairs using wood or other materials, or just place boxes or bins in increasing height so they can use them to climb.
Step 15: Make sure your dog has its own bed.
The most comfortable place for chihuahuas to sleep is in the bedroom.Getting your chihuahua their own bed is a great idea.If you spend a lot of time during the day in your living room, you can get your chihuahua more than one bed.Your chihuahua will have a nice place to sleep in when you are in those rooms.If you want a bed that is easy to clean, doggy beds are a good choice.Even though they are small, chihuahuas shed a lot.