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If you want to adopt a Chihuahua, there’s one thing you should know: these dogs like to bark. A lot. At the same time, Chihuahuas are best suited for city life. So, it’s hard to balance urban living and the neighbors not getting annoyed at your yappy friend.
But let’s cut to the chase to save you some time. You cannot completely stop a Chihuahua from barking—it’s part of who they are as dogs. However, you can minimize the barking. This post teaches you how to do that. So, let’s begin.
Why Do Chihuahuas Bark at Everything?
Chihuahuas are tiny but have big personalities. They are also vocal, but not because they’re trying to annoy us. These dogs are devoted to their owners and defend the ones they love at all costs. Barking is one way they ward off danger.
Sometimes, their fearlessness gets them into trouble when Chihuahuas pick fights with larger animals. Owners have to be ready to interfere if their beloved Chihuahua takes on a chosen rival. You can bet that even if you intervene, the Chihuahua will keep “trash-talking” in dog language.
Are All Chihuahuas Yappy?
Barking is how many Chihuahuas communicate, so most Chihuahuas will bark more than you’d want them to. However, every Chihuahua is different. Some Chihuahuas will have a more laid-back personality than others. Just know that if this is your dog, it’s the exception.
Because Chihuahuas are natural guard dogs, they will bark at other dogs, strangers, and sometimes even nothing at all. It’s part of their natural instinct. Sometimes, Chihuahuas bark for medical reasons like pain or discomfort. Separation anxiety is also a likely cause since these dogs don’t like being away from their owners.
If you’re thinking about getting a Chihuahua, prepare for a little ruckus every now and then.
How to Get Your Chihuahua to Stop Barking
Asking your Chihuahua to stop barking is like asking a fish to stop swimming. It’s unlikely you’ll stop the barking entirely. Still, there are ways to keep your Chihuahua distracted so it doesn’t cause so much noise.
Socialize
The first box to check is proper socialization. Socialization is crucial for a well-behaved dog, especially a Chihuahua. Your little Chihuahua needs to know what to expect in life, even if it doesn’t agree with it.
Puppies should be exposed to people of all ages, races, and experiences. The same goes for other dogs. This will help your barking machine know when it’s appropriate to bark and when it’s OK to stay silent. Don’t worry if your Chihuahua is older—old dogs really can learn new tricks.
Mental Stimulation
Some mental stimulation goes a long way with Chihuahuas. Regardless of breed, dogs live to hunt, explore, and problem-solve. If you don’t give them something to do, they’ll find something to bark at or chew.
Ensure your Chihuahua has plenty of toys to chew and tear to its heart’s desire. Toys like Kongs and food puzzles are excellent options. You can also find sound makers, treat dispensers, and hide-and-seek toys. Think about your Chihuahua’s preferences and select the right toys to fill the long hours of the day. The sky’s the limit.
Exercise
A Chihuahua full of energy will find time in its schedule to bark at something. A little bit of exercise can turn the excessive barking into a sleeping pup in no time.
Walks are good, but dogs need a little more exercise than a simple walk. Try to get your dog’s heart rate up and burn some calories. Thankfully, Chihuahuas are small, so you can do indoor cardio workouts. The physical and mental stimulation will tire your dog out fast.
Time-Outs
A nice time-out can be a temporary break for an incessantly barking Chihuahua. It also helps you find peace and quiet.
The time-out doesn’t need to be lengthy—only a couple of minutes. Time-outs can be in a room or a crate. Dogs are den animals, so putting your dog in a crate is safe as long as the dog still receives plenty of exercise and potty breaks.
Training
Training helps your Chihuahua become socialized, listen to commands, and burn calories. Without training, your Chihuahua will rule the house instead of you becoming the master. Start with basic commands and work toward more advanced training. You’ll be glad you did.
Do Chihuahuas Make Good Pets?
Don’t let their chattiness prevent you from adopting a Chihuahua. These dogs make great pets and look forward to lap time with their owners.
Chihuahuas aren’t recommended for homes with children since their small stature can cause injury while roughhousing with little ones. Chihuahuas also have short fuses, so they’re not as patient with kids as Labrador Retrievers. Even so, older kids and adults can enjoy this lap dog’s company.
If you want to find a companion for your Chihuahua, it’s wise to get another Chihuahua instead of another breed. These dogs are clan dogs and prefer their own breed for company.
You may find that your Chihuahua stops barking so much if it has a friend. Or you might double up on the barking. Either way, it’s a risk!
Final Thoughts
Barking is part of the Chihuahuas’ instinct to protect loved ones and ward off danger. They’re doing it because they love you. Keeping a Chihuahua from barking is a battle you’re likely to lose.
Still, we can’t help but get annoyed by the barking when it’s constant. That’s why distracting your Chihuahua is the best plan of action. Toys, exercise, socialization, and training are part of the “bark-free” package. You won’t stop the barking entirely, but you can lessen the noise.
See Also:
- How to Potty Train a Chihuahua: 8 Vet-Approved Tips & Tricks
- How to Train a Chihuahua: 10 Vet-Approved Tips
Featured Image Credit: anetapics, Shutterstock
