Chihuahuas, like many small dogs, love to bark. To stop chihuahua barking, you need correct information and proper techniques. Problematic barking is a nuisance. Below are 3 top tips to stop chihuahua barking. Your goal will not be to eliminate barking altogether - just diminish the barking.

Main Reasons Why Dogs Bark

You can't stop chihuahua barking completely due to its dominant nature. Chihuahuas are very pushy breeds.

Why are Chihuahuas so darn bossy ?

Mistakenly, owners tend to pick up their Chihuahuas when they bark because they are so cute. By picking up your dog every time he barks, you only reinforce his belief that he is in charge.

What is Separation Anxiety?

Many owners have tea cup size chihuahuas and so they carry them around with them. As a result, your chihuahua will always expect you to take him or her with you whenever you go out. Of course, this is not always possible. As a result of not being able to be with you all the time, your dog may develop separation anxiety. Separation anxiety will cause excessive barking. A feeling of isolation and the desire for attention is a major factor in excessive barking. Lack of physical and mental stimulation can also lead to incessant barking.

Basic Solutions

The first thing to do to stop Chihuahua barking is to cease yelling at your chihuahua when he barks, as that will give the dog the attention he/she is seeking. Do not try to stop chihuahua barking by offering the dog a treat or a toy as that will again encourage the bad behavior.

Regular Exercise

One good way to stop chihuahua barking is to exercise your chihuahua regularly. Take him to a dog run. Dog runs are fun. Dog runs are also a good way to socialize your chihuahua which will alleviate separation anxiety. After you exercise your dog, teach him a few tricks and commands so that he won't feel bored.

Barking at Visitors

If the chihuahua barks whenever a visitor comes in, try teaching him a "sit" and "quiet" command to gain his focus. Desensitize your dog to visitors by rewarding him with a treat whenever he is able to calm down and stop barking. This way, the chihuahua will associate the visitor with delicious food and begin to welcome their presence.

Barking for Attention

A lot of chihuahuas bark to gain attention from their owners. If the owner tries to appease the dog by offering him toys and food, the barking problem will persist. The best way to solve this problem is by ignoring your chihuahua when he barks. The dog will get frustrated and tired after barking for a long while. When the chihuahua calms down, you can show your affection and reward the dog. Every dog is different and responds best to certain kinds of rewards.

Some love treats more than they love rubs. You should mix up the rewards so that your dog doesn't get fat from getting too many treats. Be patient and do not give in to your chihuahua's relentless barking at the initial stage.

Barking at Passersby

Your chihuahua may get irritated whenever the postman or the deliveryman arrives and start barking non-stop. Practice the "quiet" command and whenever the passerby appears at your door step, try to gain your dog's focus by saying the command and rewarding his calm behavior with a vigorous rub and say, "Good boy!"

Dogs love being rubbed and told how good they are. Remember, if you want to stop Chihuahua barking for good, consistency is key.