Q&A for How to Play with a Chihuahua

If you can't find any appropriately-sized dog toys, try looking at cat toys in a pet store in your area.

All dogs like different kinds of toys. There's no specific toy that's 'right' for a chihuahua, but you want to make sure that the toy is not too big for your dog to play with. Buy a few different small toys and see what your dog enjoys, and then stick to those kinds of toys.

Chihuahuas can play with just about any dog toy or stuffed animal, as long as its small enough to fit in their mouths.

Almost all chihuahuas can get to know their name. If you say your chihuahua's name constantly while pointing to them or pointing for them to come to you, they should know their name in no time.

Any other dog that isn't aggressive and is gentle with small dogs would be okay.

Chihuahuas are small dogs, so they won't have as much energy as a bigger dog. For a pup, 5-10 minutes of playtime is good. When the chihuahua's bones are all developed, playtime can increase to 12-25 minutes.

Talk softly to your dog, in a reassuring voice. If you can, sit down and let them cuddle up to you.

Carefully tug him back when he does this, and keep him on a short leash when near other dogs. It takes time for dogs to learn to socialize, so consider doggie play dates or enrolling him in a training course to help with socialization.

Yes. It can depend on the dog and the bed, but most of the time it really doesn't matter. Just make sure your dog isn't sensitive to the cat smell.

You should discipline your dog, but only right after it happens. You shouldn't hit your dog, but a good type of discipline is getting a spray bottle and filling it with water to spray the dog after it's misbehaved. You should also stop playing with the dog immediately so he knows that biting means play time is over.

Touch your dog very softly, then rub and cuddle the dog until it is fully awake.

Like with most breeds, it varies by dog, but chihuahuas are known to be yappy, stubborn, and hard to train.

If it is aggressive start by petting it for a few days, then gradually start to try to pick it up.

If your chihuahua is lethargic, uninterested in food, vomiting, or behaving differently in other ways, then he might be sick.

You should keep trying to find new toys for your dog until you figure out which kinds of toys are her favorites. You might also just have a lazy dog! If that's the case, you could try motivating your dog with treats.

That is completely up to you.

Yes, especially if you have other pets or kids, as this could harm them eventually. To discourage your dog from biting, play different games, such as the games listed in this article.

Wait until your chihuahua is tired, and put him on top of you while you watch TV or read a book. He will fall asleep pretty fast. Do this daily and your chihuahua will start to enjoy cuddling.

I have found that beds that are like igloos are very comfy for them. It keeps them warm and it is washable. I got my dog bed from Chewy.

Look at the dog and say "no" in a loud, firm voice. (You may have to keep saying no a few times.) When people come over, pat your chihuahua to calm it down, or put it in another room away from your guests.

Chihuahuas are possessive over your attention and will often get aggressive if you are petting another dog. You have to be firm and may have to put him behind a doggie gate while dividing your attention between them until he gets the idea that he will also get just as much attention. Make sure you give both dogs adequate attention.

Set boundaries early in your relationship with your dog. If he refuses to respect the boundaries and is able to jump on your bed, try a crate. Don't put him in a separate room unless you have to, as chihuahuas get scared when separated from the rest of the family at night.

Love can't live in the same place as fear. You need to build trust. Don't yell at him. Don't ever hit him. Play with him and give him toys and treats. Feed him from your hand and take long walks with him.