5 Mistakes Chihuahua Owners Make With Their New Puppies

So, you’ve brought home a "proud little wolf" (from a reputable breeder, of course). Congratulations! You are now the servant to a tiny, furry overlord. Chihuahuas are incredible, but because they are small enough to fit in a handbag, humans tend to lose their minds and treat them like stuffed toys or human infants.

If you want a happy, well-adjusted companion instead of a tiny, vibrating terror, avoid these five classic blunders:

1. The "Fur Baby" Delusion (Anthropomorphizing) Your Chihuahua is a dog. Yes, a very small one, but still a dog with the instincts of a wolf. When you dress them in a tutu for a birthday party, you’re having fun; they’re just wondering why the pack leader is making them wear itchy lace. Treat them like a dog, and they’ll feel secure. Treat them like a baby, and they’ll get confused and stressed.

2. Negotiating with a Terrorist (Giving in to Whining) We crate train our pups, but sometimes, when they are in a new environment and you put your pup in their pen or crate for the first time, they will likely scream like they’re being auditioned for a horror movie. If you rush in to "save" them, you’ve just taught them that whining gets results. Be strong! Ignore the drama. They need to learn that being alone is okay.

3. Thinking "Small Dog" Means "Small Rules" Just because they can’t knock over the fridge doesn’t mean they shouldn’t follow rules. Letting a Chihuahua believe they are the "pack leader" is a recipe for disaster. Without a clear leader, the dog thinks they have to protect the house from the postman (who is clearly a serial killer). That’s a big job for a 2kg dog, and it leads to snappy, anxious behavior.

4. The "No-Walk" Trap "But I have a big yard!" Sorry, but a yard is not a doggy gym. Unless your Chi has a friend to wrestle with, they won't just go out and jog. They need walks for mental stimulation and socialization. Just leave the extendable lead in the trash—they are dangerous, irresponsible, and will earn you a very long lecture from Tracey.

5. Feeding from the Plate Human leftovers are often too salty, fatty, or full of fillers. Worse, it turns your dog into a professional beggar. Stick to a balanced diet—whether it's raw or high-quality kibble like ProPlan. And remember: Never feed them cooked bones. They shatter like glass and lead to very expensive (and avoidable) surgeries.

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