Chihuahuas live such stressful lives. It’s up to us to make them happier in 5 big ways.
If you’re like me, nothing makes you happier than making your Chihuahua happy.
Chihuahuas live stressful lives, dealing with such unique stressors such as seeing the world from 12″ up, constantly getting stepped on, and struggling to burrow through thick blankets with those weak little arms.
Here’s 5 proven ways to make your Chihuahua’s life happier. These tips can also apply to Chihuahua mixes like Matilda, and dogs of all sizes.
Table of Contents
Step 1: Let Her Think She’s Super Strong.
In the past, dog owners were advised to never let their dogs win at tug-o-war – to do so would risk allowing your dog to become dominant and aggressive. Now we know better. There’s no evidence that letting your dog win at tug-o-war causes behavioral problems. Quite the opposite, actually. If your dog knows that she’ll always win a game of tug, she’ll be less likely to worry about having her precious belongings snatched away.
Matilda always wins at tug-o-war. As far as she knows, she’s stronger than me. This makes playing with me so rewarding, that she often hops into my lap with a toy, in hopes of hustling me into yet another easy win.
You should still pull back to create a little bit of a challenge, without pulling so hard that her feet lift off the ground. Loosen your grip so she feels the toy slip through your fingers, and let go as she pulls away with a satisfying winning tug.
Step 2: Return Those Lavish “Welcome Homes.”
Don’t you feel flattered when your dog is head-over-heels happy to see you – even if you’ve only been gone for an hour?
It’s one of the best parts of having a dog. You always have someone waiting for you, happy to see you, never holding a grudge, even if it was just bath day. It may sound silly, but it’s great fun to give that love back.
When your dog comes inside, whether they were just hanging out in your yard, or spending some time outside the home with another family member, throw a party.
“You’re home, you’re home, you’re home!” I like to say, with the same enthusiasm they show me.
If they have just come inside from playing in the yard, there might be a treat in it for them, or I might bring out the toys for some playtime. This is a great way to improve recall, and make escaping your yard less appealing to your dog.
Over-the-top greetings are fun for the humans in your life, too. Whenever someone you love comes home, let them know you’re happy to see them. This is a lesson we should all learn from our dogs – don’t take your loved ones for granted!
Step 3: Sleep Together.
The best part of waking up… not Folgers in your cup, but a Chihuahua on your chest.
Dogs seem to really love snuggling with their favorite humans, littermate-style.
Research shows that dogs deeply enjoy the scents of their people. I’ve got no doubt that, while sleeping beside us, submerged in a comforting, familiar aroma, they have a better sleep.
I always feel closer to Matilda after a night of sleeping with her pressed against me. I feel more connected to her, and I can tell she feels the same way.
If you can’t sleep with your dog, try to set aside some time for naps, or at least let her snooze in your lap while you watch TV.
Step 4: Cover The Windows.
Growing up, my childhood dog would spend endless hours staring out windows. Occasionally, someone would pass by, and he would go into a barking frenzy.
At the time, I wondered why he found the window so entertaining. I thought he enjoyed it, the same way humans enjoy watching television. I thought that, when we were not home, he could at least have something to do, and a way to watch out for us as we came home.
Now, I realize that window-watching is not like television for dogs, it’s more like listening to a police radio scanner. Every stranger that passed caused my dog stress. It lead to him being reactive towards people who visited our home. Every time he reacted to a stranger passing by, his heart raced, and he barked until he was hoarse… multiple times a day. He couldn’t have enjoyed that at all, but my family and I, not knowing any better, rarely discouraged it. Sorry, old dog.
I allow my dogs to look out windows, but call them to me if they’re on the verge of an outburst. They rarely become impassioned, because I avoid letting them boil over.
Avoid having furniture close to windows, in such a way that causes your dog to stare out windows and bark at strangers. Use window film to remove the temptation to window-watch.
Your dog won’t be deprived. They’ll be much, much happier.
Step 5: Take Her Out.
When you give her limited window access, you can control how your dog sees and experiences the outside world. Chihuahuas are sometimes anxious and yappy because they don’t have many opportunities to see strangers and new environments in a positive light. More happy outings = a happier world for your pup.
Visit dog parks and beaches during off-peak hours. Take your dog for a walk downtown and dine at restaurants with a dog-friendly outdoor patio. Hit the pet store and let your dog pick out a new toy.
Outdoor car shows, fairs and festivals can all be fun places to take your dog. They can be too loud, crowded and overwhelming at peak hours, however.
Going out with your dog does mean making sacrifices. You may not be able to enter stores, and you’ll have to be watchful of uncomfortable situations, like other dogs, children, even adults who may rudely approach. You may have to leave suddenly if your dog is no longer having a good time.
For the most part, outings are fun. Walking your dog around town is a great way to socialize her, help reinforce her training in different environments, and make people smile.
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As a dog mom to Matilda and Cow, she spends most of her days taking long walks and practicing new tricks, and most nights trying to make the best of a very modest portion of her bed.
You'll also find her baking bread and making homemade pizza, laughing, painting and shopping.
Most of these tips apply to cats too – last night I had 4 cats on the bed and was contorted in the weirdest sleeping position around them. They also love watching bird TV from the windows and taking a walk around the garden on their harness and leash.
Haha, it’s true love when you’re sleeping around them, sacrificing your own comfort for theirs. <3
Lindsay Pevny recently posted…34 Places To List Your Local Pet Services For Free
ain’t that the truth! I’m one that loves my bed and too myself but I’ve been letting my baby sleep in my bed for a week now. we adopted him like three weeks ago or so. love at first sight.
We take our on car rides. Out to the lake, down a back road, maybe out for ice cream. And yes, they have some, too. That way, they don’t associate ‘ ride ‘ with ‘ veterinarian ‘ . Plus, they like getting out.
Amen to “take them out” … I can’t tell you how often people are stunned at how much we do with our wee man. At 8″ tall he hikes with us for hours, he travels internationally – yes that means leaving the continent – and so much more. I truly think his joy stems from the inclusiveness. And you touch on that. Sleeping together, welcoming home, playing tug of war… it’s all really about them being include as ‘equals” as much as possible.
Oh yes, you guys are the ultimate example of that, such an inspiration!
Lindsay Pevny recently posted…34 Places To List Your Local Pet Services For Free
Those are some great tips, although the Lapdpgs think dogs of ALL sizes get to sleep in the humans’ bed.
These are awesome tips. Pretty simple steps to keep a chihuahua happy. I’m sure these tips will help a lot of chihuahua owners and even those that have other small dogs of a different breed.
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My favorite tip is covering the windows! I actually just brought both dogs downstairs as they were barking and also causing some unneeded stress for the neighbor dogs! This is a great tip along with sleeping with your Chi and snuggles!!
Great article and yes, lots of good tips for felines too. We live in a woodsy area with lots of wildlife and a lot of windows. It’s not always a good idea for the cats to have a full view of their woodland friends!
I completely agree with stopping the whole “window monitor” behavior!! It often creates territorial aggressive behavior if no one is there to help stop it and it is unchecked day after day!! I’m so glad you encouraged socializing your small dog. NOT all Chihuahuas are barky, and largely those are the ones who really understand how the world works in a positive way!! 😀
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Ruby is not a chi, but many of these apply to her as well with the exception of covering the windows. She never barks or looks out the window – sometimes wonder if she’s even a dog. LOL.
That’s hilarious, I’ve never known a dog to not have that urge to watch and bark! Lucky you!
Lindsay Pevny recently posted…34 Places To List Your Local Pet Services For Free
Ruby is not a chi, but many of these tips apply to her well. Though we don’t need to cover the windows because she never barks.
I love sleeping with my dogs. If I had a tiny one, though, I’d be afraid I might roll on them and hurt them. How do you make sure this cannot happen?
Good question! It’s kind of magical, I was really worried about that when I first got her, but she always insisted on sleeping with us. I make sure she’s never deep in the covers so she won’t get trapped, she sleeps nicely right by my chest or in her own little spot.
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These are great suggestions! My Maltese does like to window watch, but I think you are right about it being a stressor rather than a source of entertainment. Our main window has been blocked the last month and she is calmer. I will have to look into some window film for her, thanks for the idea!
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These are good tips, most of them would be good for my dogs but not all; I can’t show lavish affection when I return home because my girls get into a frenzy when we get home – even if we’ve only been gone for 20 minutes! It’s a bit of an issue sometimes, we constantly work on it by NOT reacting when we get home, we walk calmly past & ignore any jumping, vocalizing, etc. We encourage them to SIT and wait for us to greet them. It really helps a lot. We don’t have an issue with the window at all, my dogs just enjoy watching the world go by. However, taking them out often is very important, they can lose their social skills if they don’t get out & about. Thanks!
Love & Biscuits,
Dogs Luv Us and We Luv Them
Such fun tips and ideas. I especially appreciated the blanket and the little arm comment. I never thought how heavy the bedding might be to little ones!
All these apply to Kilo the Pug- small dog syndrome too, I guess. Unfortunately not practical to block the windows or move the furniture and I think he is addicted to the adrenaline rush of protecting me from the evil postman. If only he would stick to a schedule I could prevent the outbursts.
Wonderful tips that apply to others, too, including Siberian Huskies! I love your comparison of the window being more like a police scanner! So true, only in our house since Huskies are not barkers, it’s more like the mad group dash to get to the window at the same time, so anything on the endtable goes flying! BOL! Great post!
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We don’t have any dogs here but mom says these are interesting concepts. She hadn’t really thought about the window thing and little dogs but it sure makes sense. Mom says she always lets dogs win a tug-o-war so she was happy to read that is a good thing.
Christy Paws recently posted…If They Won’t Give You Bacon, Get Your Own
I never thought about how stressful it could be for such a small dog. Poor things! I do wish more people would socialize theirs b/c at the clinic it seems chihuahuas are the most prone to bite.
Good post
Great post – especially love the tip about covering the windows. We have a HUGE picture window in our kitchen. Until we have a custom blind made, I block off the area. You should send that little jingle to Folgers. Love it!
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Never thought about open windows being stressful for dogs. Cats love them.
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Chihuahuas definitely have a unique point of view on the world. I love the tip about relishing those “welcome home” moments. Sometimes we get so busy in our human world that we forget to soak in the love that is all around us.
I had a chiweenie and loved her to bits, we called her mini bitch as she was one in the dog park when anyone came near me but was fortunate that we are all dog lovers so it was not stressful for me. I miss her dearly to this day
Aw, sounds like a special girl – it’s great to be around dog lovers who understand. <3
Lindsay Pevny recently posted…34 Places To List Your Local Pet Services For Free
I had a chiweenie and loved her to bits, we called her mini bitch as she was one in the dog park when anyone came near me but was fortunate that we are all dog lovers so it was not stressful for me. I miss her dearly to this day
I love the psychology of “Let Her Think She’s Super Strong.” This would apply to Avery the mini Aussie as well… she’s only 16 pounds. 🙂 Thanks for the tips, Matilda!
A terrific post and I have learned so much. I never thought but you are right, seeing the world from the point of view of such a tiny pup would stress anyone out! When we had a dog we always did the mad enthudiasm thing We are HOME HOME HOME!! Cue frantic wiggling and mark barky cheers.
As long as they are made to feel like a small prince or princess I reckon life is good for a cared for small dog – right? 🙂
Mr. N adores sleeping on the bed and he’s pretty good about staying out of the way so he doesn’t get smushed. And he goes almost everywhere with me . We live in Portland so dogs are welcome at a wide variety of places.
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We never knew that tip about covering windows. That’s a great one to share.
Love the Lavish Welcome Homes! And, what a great idea about the ‘ window treatment ‘. Thanks for the tip!
I have friends with chis and I know they can totally relate. Having spent time with them, I love the tips you shared here. They are definite bundles of energy and so smart!
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I am loving these tips, and omd! What adorable photos too!
Thank you for this post. Most of them are really useful and can apply for both dog and cat. However in some case Sleep together is not a good advice for poeple who has allergies to pets with fur.
Great tips!! And above all, for me “sleep together” always work but other tips are also useful. The tip of covering the windows is kind of surprise for me. Thanks a lot for the post.
Thanks David!
Thanks for sharing, my dear! It is said that Chihuahuas are more likely to live a shorter life than others. I think these tips are helpful for owners to make their dogs’ life happier than ever. If they have just a short life, make them enjoy their life as much as possible, right?
You’re welcome! 🙂 Well, from what I’ve seen chihuahuas have some of the longest lifespans, smaller dogs seem to live the longest. But even 20 years would be way too short – you’re so right, gotta make the most of every moment!
Lindsay Pevny recently posted…34 Places To List Your Local Pet Services For Free
Wow, I have never raised a Chihuahua before but I find this is a very nice and interesting post !! It’s always nice to learn something new and maybe I can use some of your tips to my corgi as well haha. One of the key things in raising dogs is to give them all of your love and attention :).
I agree, it doesn’t take much to make them happy. I think your corgi would definitely enjoy these too!
I adopted a Chihuahua about 3-4 months ago and am always looking for ways to improve her life! Thanks for the tips. Pinned 🙂
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What a beautiful dog! I always believe you should adopt animals as there are so many at animal shelters.