Chihuahua's are known to be particularly prone to unwanted barking and they seem to have a reputation as noisy dogs. I'm not sure how this reputation came to be but it doesn't have to be true for your Chihuahua. There are a few simple things you can do to improve your dogs behaviour and stop that unwanted barking.

A dogs bark is their voice and they use it to communicate with you. So listen carefully and take note of the circumstances when your dog barks and think about what they're trying to say. There are things you can do to stop your Chihuahua barking right away but to get lasting results you really want to get to the root of the problem.

Below are a few basic dog training principles that when followed correctly will allow you to have a more enjoyable relationship with your dog.

1. Be the Alpha of the pack

Dogs crave a leader figure and for them to be happy they need to know their position in the pack so don't let your dog think he's in control. If you let this happen he will give you all kinds of trouble. If you jump up every time your Chihuahua barks and rush to calm them they will soon figure out how to control you and learn to bark to get what they want.

2. Be sure to exercise them regularly

A lot of dog obedience issues are caused by built up tension resulting from a lack of exercise. There is an obvious remedy. More exercise! Chihuahua's don't need as much exercise as bigger dogs and can actually get a pretty good work out running around the house but you should take them out for more than 40 minutes once or preferably twice a day. And remember your dog has legs and enjoys using them so no pram rides please!

3. Make sure they're getting enough attention

Dogs are extremely social creatures and get awfully upset and stressed when left alone for prolonged periods. One way to ease the stress experienced by your dog is to give them a selection of toys to play with while you're absent. Some exercise before you go out is also a great way to tire them out so that the majority of the day is spent sleeping. If you have noticed your Chihuahua exhibiting strange behaviour, especially over-reacting when you leave the house, they may be suffering from separation anxiety.

4. Feed your dog healthy and nutritious food

A healthy diet goes a long way towards keeping your Chihuahua happy. Avoid feeding leftovers as our food is often high in sugar and preservatives that can make dogs hyperactive. It's really bad for their health and can cause serious problems.

With a little patience and persistence on your part and by following these principles you should be able to get your Chihuahua to stop barking and enjoy a more peaceful existence together.

This article was written by James Ambler. James is a dog lover with decades of experience owning a number of different breeds. To read more about the joys of dog ownership and to get some more great tips on how to stop unwanted dog behaviour check out the article at :

http://www.freedogtrainingtipsandadvice.com/stop-chihuahua-barking.php