Chihuahua: Alone time at home
For Chihuahua at home, change the environment and departure routine before asking the dog to cope with more time alone. Schedule the first attempt after the dog's normal age-appropriate outlet, not at peak excitement. Use gates, safe resting areas, enrichment, and predictable departures while recording the dog's response. Use the camera or a written log to choose the next small change instead of estimating from the clock alone.
What to change at home first
Chihuahua's exercise is recorded as The Chihuahua loves to run and play and can usually get enough exercise in a very small space. Here, that matters because it changes the amount and timing of movement, stimulation, and recovery this situation needs.
Make the home routine predictable
- Use gates, safe resting areas, enrichment, and predictable departures while recording the dog's response.
- Use this exercise note (The Chihuahua loves to run and play and can usually get enough exercise in a very small space) to choose the starting amount of movement and the length of the recovery period.
- Use the camera or a written log to choose the next small change instead of estimating from the clock alone.
Do not leave the dog to panic
Do not increase time alone through panic, destruction, escape attempts, or prolonged vocalisation.
References
Height: 5-8 inches
AKC page PageMap DataObject > height
Weight: not exceeding 6 pounds
AKC page PageMap DataObject > weight
Life expectancy: 14-16 years
AKC page PageMap DataObject > life_expectancy
Grooming: The two coat varieties of the Chihuahua have slightly different grooming needs. The smooth-coat Chihuahua will need only occasional brushing and regular baths to look dapper, while the longhaired variety should have his coat brushed at least once a week to avoid any tangles or mats. Both varieties should have their nails trimmed regularly. Good dental care…
AKC page Grooming > official section copy
Exercise: The Chihuahua loves to run and play and can usually get enough exercise in a very small space. Simply trotting around following their people is usually enough exercise for this happy breed. Short, slow walks will keep your dog in good weight and condition. Avoid overexerting the Chihuahua. If your dog is panting and working hard to keep up, it's time to…
AKC page Exercise > official section copy
Training: The Chihuahua is a very alert little dog of high intelligence. He is eager to please his humans and responds well to positive training practices. Chihuahuas seem well aware of how cute they are and learn how to get their way. From the very beginning you must enforce the fact that you are in charge. Never allow your Chihuahua puppy to do anything that will…
AKC page Training > official section copy
Official breed description: The Chihuahua is a tiny dog with a huge personality. A national symbol of Mexico, these alert and amusing
AKC page About the Breed > official breed description
Recommended parent-club health tests: ['Patella Evaluation', 'Cardiac Exam', 'Ophthalmologist Evaluation']
AKC page Health > Recommended Health Tests From the National Breed Club
Official breed standard: http://images.akc.org/pdf/breeds/standards/Chihuahua.pdf
AKC page The Breed Standard > View Full Breed Standard
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