However, with the right care, socialization, and training, your dog may develop a positive attitude toward associating with other dogs. They can therefore be polite and well-behaved. Nature can undoubtedly affect a dog’s disposition, but nurture is thought to have a greater impact. Therefore, giving your dog the correct care, especially during their early, vulnerable stages, can have a lasting impact.
For them to behave well when meeting and playing with new dogs, they must be socialized from a young age. Maintain a calm environment, be patient, and reinforce good behavior. If you believe you need assistance, speak with a behaviorist since they can determine whether your dog needs any additional training.
Because of their small stature, chihuahuas frequently feel defenseless, which could result in violent behavior. Early socialization can help them become accustomed to the situation and shield them from the perception that other canines pose a threat. To help them develop into a sociable dog, use slow interactions and positive reinforcement. A dog behaviorist who can evaluate your dog as an individual can offer additional assistance.
Overview
An owner of a Chihuahua might be a little startled when their little dog exhibits aggression toward other dogs because they have such a small pet. Since every dog is an individual, this behavior does occur with this tiny toy breed.
Aggression is an indication of territorial protection and includes barking, biting, nipping, and even getting ready to physically attack another dog. It is possible to train a Chihuahua with this habit to put along with other dogs and, at worst, make friends with them.
Training in socialization is required when a Chihuahua exhibits hostility toward another dog, a cat, or a person. The dog may feel frightened by the presence of the other animal or person, or they may be fearful that what they perceive to be their territory is being invaded. A Chihuahua’s instincts will take over because of his small size, and he may use his teeth. The Chi may growl and bar his teeth, or he may really try to bite.
How to Socialize Your Chihuahua With Other Dogs
Small steps must be taken during socialization. A 4 pound Chihuahua cannot possibly understand how to respond to a 70 pound German Shepard. If you have a dog that is already well-behaved and socialized with other dogs, such as a friend, family member, neighbor, or someone else, this strategy will work best for you.
To avoid your Chihuahua becoming possessive and invading another dog’s domain, arrange a meeting in a neutral location. The finest location is a tiny portion of a peaceful park or the area between your yard and that of a neighbor.
You want your Chihuahua to feel as comfortable as possible, so plan beforehand. Make sure your dog is not hungry or in need of the restroom. Avoid over-exerting or playing too much with your Chi to get them revved up. Put your dog in a harness (NOT a collar; a collar would put too much strain on the neck and increase the risk of collapsed trachea, a condition common to toy breeds), and then attach a leash to your dog and hold on to it firmly.
Keep all voices quiet and gentle when the second dog is introduced. The tone of your voice will be detected by your Chihuahua. Give the dogs time to sniff each other out and determine who exactly the other one is.
Pull back on the leash as soon as your dog starts to behave aggressively, such as by barking, biting, or lunging for the other dog. (Make sure the harness is on so that the force is distributed securely over the chest, shoulders, and back.) Say “No!” with a demand that is firm and strong. Keep your Chi by your side while keeping the leash short and taut to prevent any leaping or running.
Give your Chihuahua the command word “Sit” or “Down” if it starts to bark or jump up again. Bring him into a different part of the home or, if outside, go back a few feet if he insists on speaking.
Both owners should completely ignore the aggressive dog during this time of distance. It could be prudent to end the lesson and try again later if the antagonism appears to be agitating the other dog.
The Chihuahua will frequently settle down after being entirely ignored while its owners engage in polite conversation. If so, inform your Chihuahua that you’re going to try again in a cheerful and polite tone. Retry by taking your Chi over to the dog.
Give both dogs treats whenever your dog is relaxed and acting appropriately with the other dog. Giving a treat to only one dog could make the other dogs feel neglected and cause them to react negatively.
Try to stay out of it if the dogs are getting along nicely. They require time to talk to each other and learn how to “speak dog.” When owners repeatedly approach the dogs to touch them and look happy that they are getting along, the dogs become excited and confused. What should they be doing? Do they interact with one another or concentrate on their owners?
It’s crucial to address problematic conduct right away. The same actions should be taken each time. You need to take your Chihuahua away from the dog. He must hear your emphatic “No!” and you must continue to ignore him for several minutes.
The importance of rewarding good behavior cannot be overstated. You ought to behave consistently. When the dogs are getting along, you can randomly give them small treats, your voice should be happy and in agreement, and after the dogs have finished meeting, you should lavish your Chihuahua with praise for getting along with another dog.
As you introduce some canines to each other in this controlled manner, you could observe that your Chi gets along with some but not others. While getting along with all animals would be great for our dogs, this is asking too much of a dog who is prone to aggressiveness. A pair of dogs may not wish to interact for a variety of reasons, including age and gender differences. Do not push or force engagement with others; instead, be happy if your Chihuahua learns control with some.
You can move on to setting up play dates if your dog does seem to be tolerant of other dogs. Do keep a watch out for any signs of hostility from both your Chihuahua and the other. You can transfer these sessions inside your home if they start getting along, to demonstrate that allowing someone else to live there is also accepted behavior.
Bringing a Chihuahua into a Home With Dogs
It’s a delicate position. Until you get your new Chihuahua and other dogs together, you won’t know how they will interact. It would be ideal to introduce your current dog to your future new Chihuahua while you can. Repeat this process numerous times.
Watch how the dogs interact with one another. If, during training, you notice that the dogs are prepared to fight, this is a huge red flag that conflict will ensue if the two dogs are made to live together.
Intensive socialization training is possible, but bear in mind that it will take a lot of time and effort on your part to train two dogs who have never gotten along in your home.
Take precautions to make sure neither dog feels threatened if you are bringing a Chihuahua home and you already have another dog, even if your Chi seems to tolerate the other dog.
Every dog needs their own private getaway. Despite the fact that everyone wants their dogs to get together, each dog needs to have its own bed, bathroom, and eating and drinking space. The thought of two dogs sharing a bowl of water and then cuddling in a dog bed is adorable, but in practice the dogs will feel the need to guard their food and water and become irritated if they do not each have a private area to rest.
It ought to be obvious, but each dog needs to receive the same level of care. While thinking the dog you had for years knows how much you love him, it is simple to forget about him and pour time on the new dog.
Equal amounts of attention, grooming, playtime, cuddles, and kisses are required for both dogs. This will prevent jealousy.
Never leave your Chihuahua alone with another dog unless you are certain that they get along well and there is no danger of aggression being started.
One cannot be certain of potential triggers that may cause aggressive behavior in a dog who has a history of attacking other animals. The restrictions may be lifted a little after a Chi has repeatedly and successfully demonstrated his tolerance in various situations.
Do Chihuahuas get along with other dogs?
Chihuahuas are known for having an independent spirit. Although they are kind and tender dogs once they feel at ease with the owner. When it comes to getting along with other dogs, this breed of dog is not the friendliest. This innate inclination can be mimicked with appropriate socialization beginning in the puppy stage and methodical training.
You have arrived to the ideal location if you currently own a Chihuahua and are considering getting a new dog. In this post, we’ll compare the chemistry of your dog to that of a few well-known dog breeds. Following this section are several tried-and-true training methods that will improve the dog’s socialization with other canines.
Schedule play
Plan out social events for your Chihuahua. To help your Chihuahua become accustomed to being around both people and other dogs, schedule social time with both. Make sure you schedule socialization sessions with canines that you are familiar and at ease with. Your Chihuahua needs to be in a safe place because he is a small dog and is still learning how to be social. Have snacks ready for both dogs.
Even field
When you’re prepared to arrange a playdate for your Chihuahua and another dog, make sure to choose a location where both dogs will have an equal playing field. This should take place in a public area, not at your home or the home of the other dog. Meet together in the open air on a stroll or in a park. Avoid dog parks or other canines since they might prevent these two men from getting to know one another.
Set the tone
Tell your Chihuahua that he is safe and that what you are doing with him is OK by using your vocal tones. When you converse to your Chihuahua, he will pick up on whatever stress or anxiety you are experiencing, so be composed and soothing.
Leash and harness
Make sure to tether and leash your Chihuahua before introducing him to another dog or even a person. If you need to remove your Chihuahua from another animal or person before he becomes very violent, don’t use just a leash and collar because pulling on them can hurt your little guy. If you need to pull on the leash, your dog is protected by a harness made just for your Chihuahua.
Treats
Give the dogs a treat as soon as they come into contact. You don’t have to make them work for it at first. Just reward them with something tasty for sharing the same place. You can ask them both to perform commands like “sit” over time as they come to know one another and sniff each other, and then reward them both with treats. This demonstrates to your Chihuahua that the other dog is on an equal footing with him and that they can both earn rewards by being kind and good.
Avoid
It’s possible that the two dogs are wary of getting to know one another, or that your Chihuahua is wary while the other dog is extremely eager. Holding on to their individual leashes, try to give them some space, and if at all possible, stay away from them. Give them a little time to become acquainted. If you ignore either dog, give them each a reward; otherwise, keep your distance.
Growling
Gently tug on your Chihuahua’s leash to pull on his harness and tell him that you are there and that he is secure and does not need to retaliate violently if the other dog starts to growl at him. Give your dog a treat when you see him at home and he’s not growling. Your Chihuahua will understand what you expect of him if you reward positive conduct.
Practice
As often as you can, continue to practice socializing your dog with both people and other dogs. Keep your socializing sessions brief unless your Chihuahua and the other dogs are quite at ease with one another. As a result, socializing will be enjoyable for you and low-stress.
At home
You’ll know the socialization is successful if you catch your Chihuahua acting properly at home without growling at you or your visitors. Make sure to reinforce good conduct with good rewards, such treats.
Food
By teaching your Chihuahua to wait for his food, you can maintain good behavior. This elevates your position inside your pack relative to his. Make him wait for his food or earn it by having him follow simple instructions.
Big dog
Similar to how you would treat a larger dog, treat your Chihuahua. Don’t move him about on your shoulders. Get him to move. Don’t overindulge him or spoil him. Give him the means to behave independently when required by providing him with tools like pet stairs to utilize to climb up on your furniture or bed. You should still be able to hold your Chihuahua; just have him do what he can do on his own. This will boost your self-assurance.
Positive behavior
Reward your Chihuahua when you notice it acting in a nice way. Give your Chihuahua a treat if he comes to you when you call. Give him a treat if someone reaches out to pet him. Give him a treat when he doesn’t snarl at other dogs when they are nearby.
Ignore your Chihuahua’s growls and wait for them to end. Give him a treat once he has stopped. Continue to refocus his actions in this manner until you may approach him with your hand or have another person close by without the Chihuahua growling.
Consistent
Be consistent with your expectations and the praise you give your Chihuahua for good behavior. Because your Chihuahua is becoming more accustomed to good behavior, do not stop rewarding him. Reward him regularly for doing well in order to keep him acting in the way you desire. When he becomes more sociable, you can raise the bar a little and only reward him when he is completely silent, as opposed to when he stops roaring.
Pay attention
For a few days, keep an eye on your Chihuahua and note when and why he growls. Make a list of the activities that give him the want to growl in discomfort.
Conditioning
Establish those occasions as brief training sessions once you have a list of the events that cause your Chihuahua to growl. Work alone or with someone your dog knows but isn’t completely at ease with if he growls whenever someone approaches him. When the doorbell rings, if he growls, utilize this as a teaching moment.
Activities
Set up scenarios that closely resemble the actual trigger occurrence with your trigger list in hand to teach your Chihuahua how to feel secure and at ease. Sit with your dog and use your phone to mimic the sound your Chihuahua makes when the doorbell rings. Give him a treat as soon as he notices the sound. Prior to his growling, try to give him this goodie.
People
Reintroduce your Chihuahua to a familiar person to train him to be around others. Have this person sit next to him and give him a treat to push his comfort level a little. Do not attempt to immediately deliver the treat to the dog. This individual can place a reward close by to entice your Chihuahua to go grab it and eventually progress to hand-feeding your Chihuahua the treat.
Practice these techniques with your Chihuahua to accustom him to the people, animals, and activities that put his comfort and safety at risk. Repetition of situations that make him growl while delivering rewards can help him get used to them happening frequently.
