How to Stop a Chihuahua from Barking?

Does your Chihuahua bark like crazy at the slightest thing they see or the smallest noise they hear? Is it a regular noise nuisance? Does it affect your peace and quiet and that of your neighborhood? Well, you are not alone 🐶

Excessive and inappropriate barking is one of the behavioral problems in this breed most frequently reported by owners.

This behavior can become a nuisance and make life difficult for you and your family, but you can teach your Chihuahua to stop barking by following these few tips.

Right away, we will tell you what to do to learn how to calm your pet dog in various circumstances, but avoid punishment as much as possible and, obviously, anti-bark collars.

Is Barking Really That Bad?

Barking in dogs is not necessarily bad in itself.

It is an instinctive trait passed down from their ancestors over thousands of years.

So regardless of their size, all dogs bark to communicate, and it is actually their primary way of expressing themselves.

Your Chihuahua may bark for many reasons... (hunger, boredom, wanting to go out, etc.), and your small dog may also bark if an intruder approaches or tries to enter the house, to warn you of their presence.

All these forms of barking are acceptable and should not be discouraged, despite the excitement. 😜

Teaching your Chihuahua not to bark when they need to go out, for example, will lead to more accidents in your home.

However, there are times when Chihuahua barking is inappropriate (along with whining); that is when you need to stop it and set the limit.

🐶 Some examples of inappropriate barking:

- Barking at pedestrians

- Barking at passing cars

- Barking at guests

- Barking at postal workers

- Barking at neighbors

- Barking at other animals

- Barking at objects (vacuum cleaner, broom, trash can, etc.)

- Any barking that constitutes a nuisance for you, your family, or others.

Inappropriate barking can be very disruptive and generate a lot of daily stress (physical and mental) for you.

Even though no specific law covers dog barking, in France, this behavior can lead to a formal report, a notice to comply, and a fine of up to 450 euros! (read the Public Health Code: Article R1334-31).

The town hall will send municipal officers to witness the noise nuisance caused by your yapping dog and the annoyance it creates.

As an owner, it is your responsibility to define when it is acceptable for your Chihuahua to bark and when it is not.

Tips for Reducing Your Chihuahua's Barking

Be patient with your precious Chihuahua and understand how frightening meeting new people can be for them.

Do not force them to interact if they don't want to. This can lead to aggression, running away, or even biting, so equip yourself with a sturdy and safe harness for your outings.

The most important advice to remember when trying to train and modify a canine behavioral problem is to communicate clearly to your Chihuahua what is acceptable and what is not.

One of the biggest mistakes we, as Chihuahua owners, make is inadvertently rewarding our Chihuahua's excessive barking.

We are actually encouraging and reinforcing the yapping problem when we commit these three canine training sins:

1) Yelling and screaming at your pup. This only gives them the attention they were demanding.

2) Letting them back in. If your Chihuahua is barking their head off outside, letting them back inside only rewards their excessive barking.

3) If your Chihuahua barks and you react by giving them a comforting hug or a treat, you are certainly encouraging them to bark again. By doing this, you are telling your Chihuahua that you are happy with them; you should let them know that their excessive barking is inappropriate.

The Chihuahua goes crazy as soon as the phone rings

This is a very common and annoying moment for Chihuahuas who bark excessively. Try these positive training techniques:

- Never yell at your Chihuahua. Speak to them calmly.

- Habituate your Chihuahua to the phone ringing; don't make a big deal out of it. Have your personal phone number called from your mobile or ask a friend to keep calling you.

When the phone rings, stay seated, without saying or doing anything. Repeat this process for a few days; your Chihuahua will likely continue to bark for a while, but they will give up quickly.

- If you give your Chihuahua puppy or adult basic training with canine experts, behavioral problems like excessive barking are easily managed.

- You can get results by changing the tone and volume of your phone (or intercom) ringtone.

The Chihuahua barks when you are not at home

Yes... we are talking mainly for the neighbors 😜

Chihuahuas are social creatures; when separated from their owners, they can become stressed and frustrated. This type of excessive barking is often caused by separation anxiety.

- Ensure your Chihuahua gets exercise (physical and mental) and provide them with fresh water, chew toys, and a comfortable bed for sleeping. 😴

You can also try blocking their view of the street or other distractions with curtains and blinds.

- If you know that your Chihuahua has barked during your absence, you must ignore them for a while upon your return home.

This is difficult for many Chihuahua owners, but if you don't do it, your Chihuahua will believe that their barking is the reason you came home.

Simply go about your business for a little while, ignoring your Chihuahua for a good 5 minutes. When they have calmed down, you can then establish contact with them. 💕

- The following method requires time and patience but can be very effective for a dog that barks.

Praise or reward your Chihuahua when they do something right AND create a negative association when they do something wrong.

Leave the house as you normally would, but hide somewhere nearby. When your Chihuahua starts to bark, spray them with water or shake a can filled with coins or pebbles near them (this is the negative association).

Try not to be in your Chihuahua's line of sight while doing this, if possible!

The Chihuahua barks at passersby

For dogs, it's well known... The mail carrier and delivery drivers are constantly yapped at during their day 🐶

Your Chihuahua perceives these types of people as intruders or a threat to their territory.

By barking, they are rewarded because the intruder leaves. Your Chihuahua is then very happy to have avoided this threat, which encourages them to do it again and again. Their behavior is reinforced, so this can be a difficult problem to solve.

If possible, you can try to block your Chihuahua's view of the area where these people pass.

Also, if your small pet is constantly yapping at a particular person, you may need that person to help modify your Chihuahua's behavior.

Let's say your Chihuahua is very agitated every time the mail carrier arrives: talk to your mail carrier and give them some of your Chihuahua's favorite treats 😉

In your dog's mind, the mail carrier goes from being a threat to a welcome guest!

Final Paw

Be patient with their education to teach them training techniques; your pet will only be happier, and SO WILL YOU, so try to forget all those negative ideas of putting an anti-bark collar, electric collar, or muzzle on your little pup.

If you consistently apply the few techniques described above and add lots of love and understanding, you should have your Chihuahua's attitude mastered in no time. Otherwise, follow training with a dog trainer near you.

A dog barks to express themselves; it is in their nature! You will be glad to have them close to you to alert you of imminent danger, day or night...😉

One last thing: Remember to walk your precious pup as often as possible; it will soothe their energy and make them less aggressive.

- The Teckelshop Team - We are fans of Dachshunds but remain in love with all canine breeds 💚🐶