If you follow Chi Chis And Me on social media then you know that we recently adopted two rescue Chihuahuas. In most cases, rescue dogs may come with some emotional issues from their previous circumstances. The word “rescue” implies that they were previously in an abusive or otherwise unhealthy situation. Or they may have been ripped away from their owner for various reasons.

Such as the previous owner had to go to a nursing home or perhaps has passed away. The rescue organization and/or shelter will do what they can to prepare them for a forever home before they adopt them out, however, they can only address issues they see. Some of those issues don’t appear right away.

The number one reason that owners give for surrendering a Chihuahua is “behavior issues”. A Chihuahua can develop behavior issues usually caused unknowingly by its owner. That person didn’t understand the behavior or know how to change that behavior and many just give up and surrender the poor dog.

A dog adopted from a rescue organization, like my two, were more than likely, “rescued” from unhealthy and dangerous situations. These poor Chihuahuas often were abused or rescued because of neglect. All of these things could become a problem if you don’t know these tips that can help with the transition into a new, loving home.

There are things you can do to ensure success and a deep and loving bond with your new Chihuahua. Let’s discuss each of these tips for adoption success:

Number 1: Give your Chihuahua time, patience and help them to relax

The first of these tips for adoption success: Your Chihuahua will need time and patience to acclimate himself to his new surroundings. They need time to figure out that they are now in a safe place and can relax. Be patient, depending on his previous situation this could take some time. If they have developed separation anxiety issues you can overcome this. Here are some tips for adoption success if your new adoptee has separation anxiety.

• Leave your house frequently for short periods. Walk out the door, close it, and then walk back in. Once your Chi is comfortable with that, then begin to randomly begin to leave for longer periods.
• Ignore your Chihuahua for about 10 minutes before you leave and again when you return. Be casual and don’t look back or speak to your Chihuahua.
• Practice by shutting doors behind you in the house, when you take a shower, go to the bedroom to change, go to the toilet, etc.
• Stay relaxed. If you are anxious about leaving them alone, your Chihuahua will sense that and become anxious too.
• When leaving for longer periods, give your Chihuahua a safe chew or stuffed toy to keep him busy while you are away. A stuffed Kong is a great idea.

If your Chihuahua has developed severe separation anxiety he may destroy pillows and furniture, bark incessantly, scratch at doors and windows. He may even injure himself running around in a frenzied panic. If this is the case, speak to an animal behaviorist or your veterinarian (he or she may suggest an animal behaviorist in your area) for ways to calm your Chihuahua’s anxiety.

Number 2: Establish Household Rules And Routines:

Dogs thrive on routines. Every dog should know the rules of your household. These must be consistent. If there are other members of the household be sure that you are all on the same page as to what is and isn’t allowed. The more consistent you and others in the house are the quicker your Chihuahua will understand the rules and the easier it will be for everyone.

• Feed your Chi high-quality food in a quiet place at the same time every day.
• Walk your Chihuahua at least once a day. Walking together establishes a bond and a tired dog is a better-behaved dog.
• Use treats to reward good behavior. For example, lying down quietly and use them for training. Do not give your Chihuahua treats when she is whining, barking, or pawing at you (unless you enjoy that and don’t mind them doing it for the rest of their lives!)
• Teach your Chihuahua to ask politely for things she wants by sitting politely rather than by demanding what she wants by barking and or pawing. When she does make demands, turn away and ignore her.
• Teach her the basic commands, sit, down, stay, come. Then let them know that nothing is free. Before you give her her meals, treats, playtime, or going for a walk, ask her to perform one of the commands she has learned. This incorporates training in her every day and keeps those skills sharp.
• Chihuahuas — especially one that has been rescued — need to feel secure. You do that by letting her know that you are the leader and she has to look to you for things she wants. This will let her know that you, as the leader, have everything in control and she can relax and feel secure.

Number 3: Reward Good Behavior

The best of these tips for adoption success is to look for behavior that you like and reward her. Most of us pay no attention when they are doing something that we like and focus on what they do that we don’t like. What is a good reward? Most dogs are motivated by food/treats.

But any type of attention by you is a reward. Treats, walks, dinner, praise, a favorite game, favorite toy, etc. Reward when they are playing quietly when they stop barking, chewing on an acceptable toy instead of the pillows or your shoes. When they are friendly to another person or dog/cat/animal. When she is rewarded for these behaviors she will be motivated to repeat them.

When they do make a mistake or behavior that you don’t like, ignore it. Even yelling at them is perceived by them as attention from you. If they get any attention from you they will repeat that behavior. If you completely ignore it and turn away, they soon realize that when they do that behavior, they don’t get rewarded by your attention, so they will eventually stop.

Number 4: Help Your Chihuahua to Make Good Choices

You new little bundle of love may (probably has) have developed bad habits and behaviors that you don’t like before they came to you. These you have to manage immediately. Because the more she repeats it the more ingrained it becomes. For example, jumping on people, growling or snarling at a person or persons, etc. Help them to make good choices tips for adoption success:

What you need to do is anticipate these behaviors and don’t allow it to reoccur. For example, put your Chi in another room when people come to the door. If you are on a walk and you see a person ahead, make your Chihuahua sit and focus on you while they pass by, or just turn and go in another direction to avoid them. Don’t give them the opportunity to display that bad behavior. Some tips are:

• Dog proof your house. Put away anything you don’t want your Chihuahua to chew on. Use bitter apple on furniture legs, electrical cords, etc.
• Watch your Chihuahua closely. Use baby gates or indoor pens, or a leash attached to your belt loop to keep them with you at all times until you have trained them.
• When you can’t keep an eye on her, use a crate or indoor pen or put her in a dog-proof room and shut the door. This way you set your Chihuahua up for success!
• Put her favorite, (safe) toy in each room. The best is a stuffed Kong toy. You’ll find a list of healthy things to stuff her Kong toy with HERE.
• Always use a car seat in the car when driving to protect you and her in case of a sudden stop or accident.
• .In the car and on a walk always use a halter or harness. Never clip a leash to the collar. This can seriously injure her.

Number 5: When Mistakes Are Made, Turn Them Into Learning Opportunities

As long as your Chihuahua is well supervised, she won’t have the opportunity to make many mistakes, but mistakes do happen. When they do, make a mental note of how you can prevent it from happening again. But, you can also use her mistakes or bad behaviors to teach her the preferred behavior instead. For example:

• Find an alternative behavior. For instance, if your Chihuahua jumps on you, ask her to sit instead. Then next time anticipate the jump and ask him to sit before she jumps. If you see her heading for the table leg she likes to nibble on, give her a chew toy before she gets there. Always reward her good choices!
• Completely ignore any behavior you don’t want to be repeated. That behavior will eventually stop because there is no payoff for your Chihuahua. Remember, any attention from you — even yelling — is a reward or payoff for that behavior.
• If you use any kind of punishment for bad behavior you will risk your relationship with your Chi. That includes yelling, choking, popping the leash, smacking, etc. she will lose her trust in you. I know that is not what you want.

Number 6: Take a Dog Training Class

Signing up for a training class is the best of these tips for adoption success and It’s fun for your Chihuahua and for you & your family! Dog training classes will help you to understand how your Chihuahua thinks and you’ll learn how to motivate her to repeat the behaviors that you want. While these are generally group training, you can also have a trainer come to your home.

Prices vary, but it is an investment that will last a lifetime and just maybe the best money you ever spent! If you want a well-behaved Chihuahua and a peaceful household, I highly recommend taking training classes.

When choosing a trainer, be sure he/she is one that uses positive reinforcement training techniques. In-class trainers should give clear instructions. They should explain and demonstrate each exercise and give individual feedback. Everyone in class should have the opportunity to try it and be able to ask questions.

You can find puppy training classes and adult training classes. They should include how to teach your Chihuahua to sit, down, stand, stay, off, come, and walking on a leash without pulling. They may even include a few tricks. Before you sign up, ask questions. What type of training technique do they use? What specific commands will you and your dog learn?

All trainers have slightly different styles. Ask to view a class beforehand to find one that suits your style and standards. Ask if they include the whole family. The whole family should know what to do and how to do it as well as be on the same page as to what shall and shall not be allowed in your home.

The best place to find a professional trainer is THUMBTACK. You can search for “dog trainers” in your area and then narrow it down by “puppy training”, “aggressive behavior modification”, “general obedience training”, “therapy or service dog training”. You can even narrow it down to “private lessons” and “board and train”. Any type of dog training you need, you will find.