Chiweenie Training

Training a Chiweenie can feel like a game of patience and persistence, one moment they’re eager to please, and the next they’re tilting their head as if questioning every instruction. This unique mix of dachshund independence and Chihuahua alertness makes Chiweenies both clever and stubborn, meaning a tailored approach to training is essential.

Whether you’re teaching basic obedience or focusing on housebreaking Chiweenies, the key is positive reinforcement. Chiweenies thrive on rewards, short sessions, and plenty of praise. Harsh corrections, on the other hand, tend to backfire, leading to anxiety or defiance.

This guide covers everything from core commands to socialization tips and solutions for common behavioral quirks like barking or chewing. It also pairs well with our Chiweenie Puppies Guide for those starting training early. By understanding your Chiweenie’s personality and using the right techniques, you’ll not only have a well-mannered companion but also deepen the bond you share.

Training a Chiweenie begins with appreciating their unique personality blend. These small dogs combine the intelligence and determination of the dachshund with the alertness and loyalty of the Chihuahua. This mix makes them quick learners, but it also means they can be stubborn and even a little dramatic when they don’t get their way.

Dachshunds were bred as independent hunters, known for their strong prey drive and ability to work without constant human direction. While this independence is admirable, it can pose a challenge during training. Chiweenies often inherit this self-assured, “I’ll do it my way” attitude.

• What it means for training: They may ignore commands if they don’t see an immediate benefit. Using high-value treats (like small bits of chicken or cheese) and maintaining a playful, upbeat tone can make a huge difference.
  
  
• Personality Quirk: Dachshund mixes are often diggers and sniffers, so incorporating scent-based games into training can keep them engaged.
  
  

Chihuahuas bring a different energy. They’re highly loyal, affectionate, and protective of their families but can be cautious or reactive around strangers. Chiweenies often inherit this “watchdog” mentality, leading to frequent barking if not managed early.

• What it means for training: Use positive reinforcement to reward calm behavior and practice early socialization to prevent over-alertness.
  
  
• Personality Quirk: Chihuahuas are quick to pick up on human emotions. A Chiweenie will often mirror your energy — if you’re calm and patient, they’re more likely to cooperate.
  
  

The result of these traits is a dog that’s clever, curious, and often a bit cheeky. Chiweenies are known to test boundaries to see how much they can get away with. This can be endearing but also frustrating if consistent rules aren’t enforced.

• Attention Span: Like many small breeds, Chiweenies can lose focus quickly. Training sessions should be short (5–10 minutes), multiple times a day, rather than long, drawn-out lessons.
  
  
• Motivation: They respond best to praise, small treats, and interactive play. A stern or harsh approach will cause them to dig in their heels — or worse, develop anxious behaviors.
  
  

• Be Consistent: Everyone in the household should use the same commands and reward system.
  
  
• Start Early: Puppies are more receptive to learning between 8–16 weeks of age.
  
  
• Keep It Fun: Turn training into a game. Use puzzle toys and play-based learning to tap into their natural curiosity.
  
  
• Stay Patient: Chiweenies are intelligent but have a stubborn streak. What takes other breeds a few days might take a Chiweenie a week of consistent practice.
  
  

For a deeper dive into their temperament, see our Chiweenie Temperament Guide, which explores how their playful yet cautious nature affects day-to-day life and training.

Housebreaking a Chiweenie can be one of the most challenging aspects of training, largely due to their small bladders and stubborn personalities. While they’re intelligent and capable of learning quickly, consistency and patience are essential. With the right techniques, you can prevent accidents and establish good habits that last a lifetime.

Why Housebreaking Can Be Tricky

Chiweenies inherit traits from both dachshunds and Chihuahuas that can slow the housebreaking process:

• Dachshunds are independent and may resist structured routines.
  
  
• Chihuahuas are small and often struggle to “hold it” for long periods.
  
  
• Cold or rainy weather may discourage them from going outside.
  
  

Understanding these challenges allows you to set realistic expectations and build a training plan that works for your dog’s temperament.

Crate training is one of the most effective ways to housebreak Chiweenies. Dogs naturally avoid soiling their sleeping area, and a crate helps establish clear boundaries.

Steps for Successful Crate Training:

1. Choose the Right Crate Size: It should be large enough for your Chiweenie to stand and turn around but not so big that they can use one corner as a bathroom.
   
   
2. Introduce Gradually: Make the crate a positive space by adding a cozy blanket, toys, and treats.
   
   
3. Use a Schedule: Place your puppy in the crate for short intervals, followed by trips outside to potty.
   
   
4. Avoid Over-Crating: Puppies under 4 months can only hold their bladder for 2–4 hours, so frequent breaks are crucial.
   
   

A structured routine is key for success. Take your Chiweenie outside:

• First thing in the morning and last thing at night.
  
  
• After meals or water.
  
  
• After play sessions or naps.
  
  

Reward them immediately after they go with praise and a small treat. Timing is everything — waiting too long to reward may confuse them.

Choose a specific outdoor area and use a consistent command like “Go potty.” Over time, your Chiweenie will associate this phrase with the action. If outdoor potty breaks are difficult (e.g., in apartments), consider puppy pads during the early stages but transition to outdoor training as soon as possible.

• Punishing Accidents: Scolding your Chiweenie for indoor accidents can make them anxious and hinder progress. Instead, clean accidents thoroughly with an enzyme cleaner to remove odor cues.
  
  
• Inconsistent Timing: Skipping bathroom breaks or irregular feeding schedules can lead to more accidents.
  
  
• Overfeeding Treats: While rewards are important, too many can upset their digestive system and lead to more frequent accidents.
  
  

Look for sniffing, circling, or suddenly stopping play. Immediately take them outside when these cues appear. With puppies, assume they need to go every 1–2 hours during the day.

• Use a crate overnight and limit water intake an hour before bedtime.
  
  
• Set an alarm for one bathroom trip if your puppy is very young (under 12 weeks).
  
  

Housebreaking takes time — typically 3–6 months for complete reliability. For detailed puppy care tips, check our Chiweenie Puppies Guide.

Chiweenies are intelligent, eager-to-please dogs, but their stubborn streak means that command training must be both consistent and engaging. Using positive reinforcement (treats, praise, and toys) is the most effective way to encourage them to listen. Short, focused sessions of 5–10 minutes are ideal, as Chiweenies can lose interest quickly.

• Positive Reinforcement: Reward desired behaviors with a treat or enthusiastic praise.
  
  
• Consistency: Use the same word or hand signal every time.
  
  
• Patience: Chiweenies may test boundaries, so avoid harsh corrections — it can cause them to shut down.
  
  
• Practice Daily: Repetition is key, but avoid overloading them. Two to three sessions per day is plenty.
  
  

Why it’s important: “Sit” is the foundation for many other commands and helps manage impulsive behaviors.

How to teach:

1. Hold a small treat close to your dog’s nose.
   
   
2. Slowly move your hand upward — their head will follow, and their bottom will naturally lower.
   
   
3. As soon as they sit, say “Sit” and reward immediately.
   
   
4. Repeat 5–10 times in short sessions.
   
   

Why it’s important: Helps control your Chiweenie in situations where stillness is required (e.g., at doors).

How to teach:

1. Ask your dog to “Sit.”
   
   
2. Hold your hand out, palm facing them, and say “Stay.”
   
   
3. Take one step back, wait a second, and return to reward.
   
   
4. Gradually increase distance and duration, but if they break the stay, calmly reset and try again.
   
   

Why it’s important: Ensures your Chiweenie returns to you, which is vital for safety.

How to teach:

1. Put your dog on a leash in a distraction-free environment.
   
   
2. Kneel, say “Come,” and gently reel them in while encouraging them with a happy tone.
   
   
3. Reward them immediately when they reach you.
   
   
4. Progress to longer distances and eventually off-leash recall in safe, enclosed areas.
   
   

Why it’s important: Prevents them from picking up harmful objects or food.

How to teach:

1. Place a treat in your hand, close your fist, and let your Chiweenie sniff.
   
   
2. Say “Leave it” — they will likely paw or sniff at your hand.
   
   
3. Wait until they stop and look at you, then reward with a treat from the other hand.
   
   
4. Gradually introduce this with items on the floor, using a leash if needed.
   
   

Why it’s important: Chiweenies can be alert barkers, so “Quiet” is essential to manage noise.

How to teach:

1. Wait for them to bark once or twice, then calmly say “Quiet” while showing a treat.
   
   
2. As soon as they stop barking, reward them.
   
   
3. Never yell — it may make them bark more. Practice in short intervals and use distractions like toys.
   
   

• Use high-value treats (tiny bits of cooked chicken or cheese).
  
  
• Keep sessions fun — mix commands with short play breaks.
  
  
• Practice in various environments to ensure your Chiweenie listens outside the home.
  
  
• End every session on a positive note to keep them motivated.

Socialization is one of the most important aspects of Chiweenie training. This breed, thanks to its Chihuahua lineage, can be wary of strangers or other animals if not exposed to them early. Dachshund traits can also add a protective, independent streak, which means early and positive socialization is essential to prevent fear-based behaviors or excessive barking.

The ideal window for socializing your Chiweenie is 8–16 weeks, but it’s never too late to start. Puppies are especially receptive during this period, learning how to respond to people, pets, and environments they’ll encounter throughout their lives.

1. Introduce New People Gradually: Invite friends and family to your home, ensuring these interactions are calm and positive. Reward your Chiweenie for calm behavior around guests.
   
   
2. Controlled Dog Meetups: Arrange safe playdates with vaccinated, gentle dogs. Smaller breeds make better first playmates due to similar size and energy levels.
   
   
3. Exposure to Everyday Environments: Take your Chiweenie on short trips to pet-friendly cafes, local parks, or dog-friendly markets to help them adapt to new smells, sounds, and people.
   
   
4. Positive Reinforcement: Use treats and verbal praise to reward your Chiweenie for calm or curious behavior during these outings.
   
   

Managing Barking and Nervousness

Chiweenies are known to be alert barkers — part watchdog, part attention-seeker. If your Chiweenie barks excessively during socialization:

• Redirect their focus with commands like “quiet” or “leave it” (covered in Chiweenie Commands).
  
  
• Reward moments of silence or calm observation rather than barking.
  
  

• Car Rides: Short, positive trips help prevent car anxiety.
  
  
• Veterinary Clinics: Schedule non-medical visits (just for treats and praise) so they don’t associate the vet solely with needles.
  
  
• Household Noises: Introduce vacuums, doorbells, and kitchen appliances gradually to reduce startle responses.
  
  

A well-socialized Chiweenie is confident, less fearful, and easier to train. Socialized dogs also adapt better to new situations, from meeting strangers to visiting groomers or boarding facilities.

Chiweenies are smart and affectionate, but they can develop stubborn habits if boundaries aren’t set early. Their dachshund independence and Chihuahua alertness often manifest as barking, chewing, and leash pulling, which can frustrate owners if not addressed. With consistency and the right approach, these behaviors can be managed and replaced with positive habits.

Chiweenies are natural watchdogs and tend to bark at anything unusual — from passing cars to doorbells. While some alert barking is normal, excessive barking can become disruptive.

Tips to reduce barking:

1. Teach the “Quiet” Command: Wait for them to bark once or twice, then calmly say “Quiet” and reward them when they stop.
   
   
2. Redirect Focus: Give them a toy or treat-dispensing puzzle to shift their attention away from the trigger.
   
   
3. Avoid Yelling: Raising your voice often escalates barking. Instead, stay calm and reward silence.
   
   

Chiweenie puppies, in particular, go through a teething phase where chewing helps relieve discomfort. However, boredom or anxiety can also lead to destructive chewing in adults.

Prevention tips:

• Provide Chew Toys: Offer a mix of rubber toys, ropes, or safe dental chews to keep them engaged.
  
  
• Use Deterrent Sprays: Bitter apple sprays on furniture or shoes can discourage inappropriate chewing.
  
  
• Increase Mental Stimulation: Interactive games like puzzle feeders or scent games can reduce boredom-driven chewing.
  
  

Chiweenies are small but determined, and without proper leash training, they can pull or lunge during walks.

How to stop pulling:

1. Use a Harness: A front-clip harness gives you better control and reduces pressure on their neck.
   
   
2. Stop-and-Go Training: When they pull, stop walking. Wait until they return to your side, then continue. Reward them for staying close.
   
   
3. Short Training Walks: Practice leash manners in short, controlled sessions before tackling busier environments.
   
   

Correcting stubborn behaviors isn’t about being harsh but about rewarding the right choices every time. Even small improvements — like sitting quietly for 5 seconds — should be praised. Over time, Chiweenies learn that calm, obedient behavior earns attention and treats, while unwanted behaviors get them nothing.

Chiweenies are not only energetic but also highly intelligent, which means they thrive when both their bodies and minds are engaged. Without enough mental stimulation, they may develop undesirable behaviors such as excessive barking or chewing. Incorporating training games and interactive play into their routine helps keep them happy, healthy, and well-behaved.

Due to their dachshund hunting instincts and Chihuahua alertness, Chiweenies are natural problem-solvers. Boredom can quickly lead to frustration, so activities that challenge their brain are just as important as daily walks. A combination of training drills, puzzle games, and scent activities can satisfy their curious nature and reinforce good behavior.

• Interactive Puzzle Feeders: These toys encourage your Chiweenie to “work” for their food by nudging or pawing at compartments to access treats. Popular options include Kong Wobblers or snuffle mats.
   
• DIY Games: Hide treats inside cardboard boxes or under cups and let them figure out where the food is hidden.
   
• Meal-Time Training: Turn mealtime into a training session, using kibble as rewards for simple commands like “sit,” “stay,” or “come.”
   

Chiweenies have an excellent sense of smell, inherited from the dachshund side. Scent games build confidence and keep their minds active.

Examples:

1. Find the Treat: Hide small treats around the house and encourage your Chiweenie to sniff them out.
    
2. Treasure Hunt: Place a favorite toy or treat under a blanket or box for them to uncover.
    

• Tug-of-War: A fun way to build impulse control. Always teach the “drop it” command during play.
   
• Fetch with a Twist: Toss toys down a hallway or across a low ramp to mix physical activity with focus.
   
• Training Games: Practice commands during playtime. For example, ask your Chiweenie to “sit” before throwing their ball.
   

Aim for 10–15 minutes of mental play twice daily, especially if you live in an apartment or have limited outdoor space. Pair mental activities with obedience training to reinforce commands while keeping their minds sharp.

Explore our full Chiweenie collection for detailed guides on care, training, and breed-specific tips:

• Chiweenie: The Complete Guide
  Your comprehensive introduction to Chiweenies — history, characteristics, and lifestyle needs.
  
  
• Chiweenie Temperament: Is the Doxie Mix Right for You?
  Insights into personality traits and how they fit into family life.
  
  
• How Long Do Chiweenies Live?
  Explore their lifespan and tips to help them live healthier, longer lives.
  
  
• Chiweenie Puppies: What New Owners Should Know
  A guide to raising a happy, healthy Chiweenie puppy.
  
  
• Chiweenie Size & Growth Chart
  Track your puppy’s development and learn about weight management.
  
  
• Chiweenie Cost & Adoption Guide
  Understand purchase prices, adoption fees, and lifetime costs.
  
  
• Chiweenie Health Guide
  Detailed advice on common health concerns and preventative care.
  
  
• Chiweenie Training Guide
  Proven strategies for housebreaking, obedience, and behavior correction.
  
  
• Chiweenie Shedding & Coat Care
  Grooming tips for both smooth and long-haired Chiweenies.
  
  
• Long-Haired Chiweenie
  Special grooming and care tips for the long-haired variety.
  
  
• Blue Merle Chiweenie
  Everything you need to know about this rare and striking coat pattern.
  
  
• Chiweenie vs. Other Designer Dogs
  Compare Chiweenies with other popular small-breed mixes.

This article was written by Ellie, a dachshund owner and enthusiast — not a veterinarian. Please consult your vet for personalized guidance.