One of the most common reasons for dogs of any breed to wind up in shelters and pounds is that their owners didn't do any basic training with their dogs when they were puppies. What were considered “cute puppy antics” quickly become bothersome behaviors as the puppy matures. By the time the untrained Chihuahua reaches eight or nine months of age — and has nearly reached physical maturity — she's “misbehaving” on a regular basis.

The untrained Chi runs away when called, evades anyone trying to grab her by the collar, nips the children when they try to pet her gently, growls and snarls when anyone tries to displace her from her favorite chair, won't let anyone put a brush through her coat or clip her nails (lest they feel like letting blood), and is entirely unhousetrained.

Now the family is up in arms with the young dog, and outside to the back yard she is banished. At this point, the young dog is one step away from the shelter. She doesn't like being separated from her family. She barks incessantly, digs, and scratches at the back door. (“Why am I out here?”) Outside living is not for a Chihuahua. She's dirty and has fleas. And that's the beginning of the end. The saddest part is that this Chi was just being a dog and was displaying very natural dog behaviors.

Without guidance, nurturing, and molding from us as to what we expect from them, it's impossible to suppose that our canines — yes, even the loving Chihuahua — will behave perfectly. We must teach our Chis the rules of the house, and the best way to do this is to make sure that they know how to sit, down, stay, come, jump off the furniture, take and give objects on command, and walk nicely on the leash. With these few training tools, socialization becomes much easier, and your leadership role is firmly established in a gentle and reassuring way.