Chihuahuas can be some of the sweetest and well behaved of companion animals. They can also have some of the worst behavioral problems. If you are having issues with Chihuahua behavior, do not despair; there are things that you can do to turn your little monster into a little angel!
1. Chihuahua Yapping – Insistent barking may be on the top of the list of least favorable Chihuahua behaviors. A little bundle of energy that barks and yaps at everything, and nothing, can turn a peaceful home into a den of chaos. There are a couple of things that you can do to solve this Chihuahua behavior problem.

• Train your Chihuahua to Speak on command. This may seem counterintuitive, but if your little friend knows how to Bark when told to, she will also understand the command No Bark.
• Make sure your pup is getting plenty of exercise. A lot of Chihuahua behavior issues stems from boredom and a lack of physical stimulation. If your precious pooch is worn out from a good long walk, she won’t have the energy to bark at every little thing.
• Socialize your Chi. The more people, animals, and situations she is exposed to every day, the more comfortable she will be when strangers come a knocking. Take your baby dog everywhere with you and she will soon stop feeling as if she needs to bark to warn you about everything.

2. Chihuahua Destructive Chewing – Their teeth may be tiny, but they can do a lot of damage! Destructive chewing is a Chihuahua behavior that no one wants to have to deal with but it can be prevented.

• Again, make sure your little pup is getting enough exercise. Most Chihuahua behavior issues can be fixed by simply making sure she is physically exerting herself every day. A tired dog is a good dog and she will get the added benefit of preventing doggy obesity.
• Use distraction to keep your Chi from chewing your favorite pair of shoes. When you catch your dog gnawing away on something she shouldn’t, distract her with something that is acceptable for her to chew.
• Many dogs exhibit this Chihuahua behavior problem when they are left alone for extended periods of time. Spend as much time as possible with your little friend and she will be less anxious when left alone.

3. Chihuahua Aggression – Chihuahuas usually act aggressive for one of two reasons; either they are frightened or they are jealous. Either way, aggression is a Chihuahua behavior problem that should be dealt with right away to prevent it from becoming a habit.

• Exposing your Chi to many different situations will help him become confident. If you are dealing with a completely under socialized or abused dog, it may take a while to get him comfortable, but the more he sees you feeling confident and calm in new situations, the more he will see that this is the way to act.
• Chihuahuas can be loyal to a fault and become aggressive toward anyone who they perceive as being a threat to the person they love most. If your Chi growls or snaps at people who try to be close to you, make sure that he is getting plenty of positive attention and turn your back on him when he lashes out. Don’t over react, but putting a bit of distance between him and you will help him learn that this Chihuahua behavior is unacceptable.
• Spay or neuter your Chihuahua. This will not only lessen aggressive behavior but also prolong his life and prevent any unwanted puppies that may end up homeless.

4. Chihuahuas Making messes in the house – Chihuahua potty training isn’t that hard but can be a challenge with dogs that have gotten into the habit of doing their business wherever they please.

• Male dogs who are neutered are much less apt to pee all over the house. If your little macho man thinks he needs to mark every surface, getting him fixed could save you a lot of heartache!
• Crate training can also be a big help with keeping the in-house messes to a minimum. Just be sure that you only leave your little friend locked in his crate for a few hours at a time. He will soon learn that outside is the place to pee.