Below, I will outline the most common reasons why do Chihuahuas bark, (as well as other Poodles’) and the best ways to eliminate this problem.
When you are considering getting a puppy, there are several things you must consider. The tendency to bark is one of these factors.
You do not want a puppy that will keep you up all night. This is not only annoying, but it could land you in trouble with your neighbors.
For this reason, it is only fair to know how often Chihuahuas are back if you intend to bring one home.
In addition, you should consider your residence to see if it’s fit enough for a chihuahua. Now, this does not mean that there are limits.
On the other hand, it will help you in your decision-making process.
Also, you will know what to adjust for your puppy to settle in perfectly.
Why do Chihuahuas bark?
Owning a chihuahua will most definitely bring you joy. I mean, I have owned several breeds, including Chihuahuas.
I cannot say that barking is a big problem in this breed as it is pretty irreversible.
You can train your puppy not to bark. Before I outline how to do so, I will outline why your poodle cannot seem to shut up.
Boredom
Whether you have already brought your Chihuahua home or you’re thinking about it, you should understand the breed’s behavior.
For instance, poodles are pretty attached to their owners. It is because we mostly get these smaller dogs for companionship.
Over the years, Chihuahuas have spent most of their lives alongside human companions.
I will tell you that smaller dogs have high energy levels. They need constant activities to take part in.
Therefore, if all he does all day is sit on the couch, he is bound to get bored.
As a result, your puppy will discover new things to do with his free time. In most cases, he will engage in destructive behavior while others bark consistently.
I insist on training your puppy to stop barking, but you must also find ways to keep him occupied throughout the day.
In the next section of this article, I will discuss ways in which you can keep your puppy busy and ensure that he does not get bored.
Stress
Did you know that smaller dogs might be more prone to stress than adult dogs?
Well, the first few days might be stressful for your chihuahua.
This could be due to the sudden change of ownership and residency.
However, there is no need to panic as he will settle in a few days. You must adjust to a specific schedule to help him adjust to the changes.
Now, one thing you should expect is barking. It could go on for a few days, especially at night.
This is a crucial moment where you form a bond with him. At the same time, you will need to be cautious not to encourage barking habits.
How you respond to his cries and barks will encourage or discourage this behavior.
Establish a routine immediately after you adopt him. This will teach your chihuahua what to expect and when to expect it.
Also, spending quality time with your new dog will help limit stress. Make sure that your poodle is well-fed and has enough to drink.
My point is that your puppy needs to feel loved and comfortable in a new home.
Territorial behavior
As with most dogs, Chihuahuas are territorial, making them bark. As I mentioned, smaller dogs spend much time around their human owners.
You will notice a chihuahua sitting next to his owner while watching TV. How adorable!
While this is warm and probably the best feeling ever, we cannot deny its effect on our poodles.
We create an unhealthy bond with our Chihuahuas until they are territorial.
Do not get me wrong, bonding with your chihuahua is good.
However, He will bark and probably act aggressively toward your friends. Have you heard an angry Chihuahua barking?
Well, what I can say is that he can go on and on until the visitors leave.
Your Chihuahua will react aggressively or defensively if he feels threatened. Unfortunately, he might view your guests as unfriendly and intrusive.
If you are facing this problem, it is probably time for socialization.
You could expose him to different people that you trust. I will talk about socialization later on.
Under-exercised Chihuahuas bark pretty often
Exercising your Chihuahua is a must. As you establish you’re everyday schedule, including 30-90 minutes of exercise.
As I mentioned above, puppies have a lot of energy.
And you have to make sure that they release this energy to curb unnecessary barking.
Just as with boredom, a puppy with pent-up energy is troublesome.
Some puppies will tear your couch while others release energy through constant barking.
Invest in a few toys and engage in mentally and physically stimulating activities.
Separation anxiety
Naturally, puppies love to spend time with their owners. Now, poodles such as a Chihuahua get easily attached to their owners.
This unhealthy attachment is usually the reason for separation anxiety.
Separation anxiety occurs when you leave your dog alone for long hours. It is the extreme fear that your Chihuahua might develop if you leave him alone.
Now, we cannot afford to spend every moment with our puppies.
However, there are measures you can take to make sure that he gets over the anxiety.
The signs and symptoms of separation anxiety are unmistakable. Now, Chihuahuas are not only friendly but also highly intelligent. He is going to take note of your time.
For instance, he can tell when you leave home and when you’re likely to return. This is especially if you have to work every day.
If your Chihuahua has already developed separation anxiety, chances are that he starts barking immediately after you start leaving the house.
He can keep going for the entire day when you are away.
In the next section of this article, we will look at some measures that will help you alleviate separation anxiety in Chihuahuas.
Seeking attention
Chihuahuas are also obsessive with attention. Your dog will want to play or seek your attention when he feels lonely.
Other dogs are generally attention seekers. When your Chihuahua wants your attention, she will do anything.
Their favorite go-to activity to get your attention is barking and crying.
Before you declare that your puppy wants your attention, are you spending enough time with him?
Once you adopt a puppy, you have to spend time with him. This could be in the form of playing or training.
Sometimes your Chihuahua will feel loved just for sitting right next to you.
Figure out what your Chihuahua likes to do. Spend time with him to ensure that he feels your affection.
Otherwise, if he keeps barking for your attention, you need to do something about it.
Over-excitement
Chihuahua is a high-energy breed. Depending on his entertainment, your pup can bark a lot when he feels over-excited.
In this event, some puppies might even develop unacceptable behaviors such as biting and mouthing their hands.
It is essential to play with your poodle.
However, there are limits.
You must train him to stay calm. If he seems too excited to see you or you after play, you must teach him to remain calm.
How to Stop Chihuahuas From Barking
Now that you understand some factors that could trigger your puppy to bark, you must understand the various methods to stop him from barking.
It is possible to stop your Chihuahua from barking.
Below, I am going to give you an outline of how to stop Chihuahuas who bark often:
Ignore the barking
Chihuahuas bark pretty often, and they have a reason in most cases. However, you may have a problem if that reason is seeking your attention.
And note that this is a problem you need to address immediately.
I already mentioned that these dogs love our attention.
However, if you spend enough time with your Chihuahua, you may ignore him.
This works because dogs engage in certain behaviors seeking a positive outcome.
Well, make sure that everything is OK before you go ahead to ignore your Chihuahuas. Do not look or check on him (especially if he is in a crate).
This will only encourage the behavior.
Exercise
Are you exercising your puppy enough?
Chihuahuas might be tiny, but they have a significant amount of energy.
Therefore, you must provide as much exercise as possible to keep him from barking.
Make sure you take a long walk with him in the morning and maybe in the evening. Besides, engage in games that provide both mental and physical stimulation.
If you cannot be available to take walks during the day, consider hiring a dog walker.
Make sure your Chihuahua burns all the pent-up energy. This will keep him healthy, sharp, and relaxed.
Treat separation anxiety
This is a common problem among smaller dogs. In most cases, we get Chihuahuas for our homes. I mean, they are all cute and adorable.
And because we spend so much time together, they can grow an unhealthy attachment with their owners.
Does your Chihuahua bark too much when you leave the house?
Talk to your neighbors to find out. If your puppy does so, I suggest you find a way to eliminate separation anxiety.
Please get rid of bored and ensure you spend as much time as possible bonding with him.
In the case where the separation anxiety seems to be extreme, talk to your local vet.
Provide enough resources
This should not come as a surprise.
It would help if you made sure that your Chihuahua gets enough food, rest, clean water, and plenty of exercises. Now, commercial dog foods in stores are safe and healthy.
However, if you decide to supplement it with any other diet, I suggest you talk with your vet.
He might be able to provide insight into dealing with separation anxiety.
Buy plenty of toys
Getting toys is a must when you are planning to get a Chihuahua.
I mean, he will spend most of his life in the house. Even if you are with him, you cannot be able to play with him at all times.
Check out these Dog Toys for dealing with boredom…
Purchase several toys for your Chihuahua and train him on how to play with them.
In so doing, you will eliminate your pup’s chance of bored.
Train him to keep calm
Depending on your household, it is essential to keep a Chihuahua calm.
Notice his tendency to bark. Is it that he does not like being around new people? Does he bark when you come home due to his overexcitement?
Well, figure out the reason why he won’t shut up.
There are different methods of training a dog how to remain calm. Introduce him to your friends.
Socialization is critical when you want to keep your puppy calm, especially when you have visitors in the house.
Do not forget to reward your puppy after each training session. You can use the desensitization method for training your puppy.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Chihuahuas do bark quite often.
However, it is your responsibility to determine why he is doing so. In most cases, your Chihuahua does have a reason for barking.
Notice when he barks to be able to understand his triggers.
Using the above-discussed measures, you will be able to make it stop. Spend time and exercise your Chihuahua daily to eliminate his pent-up energy.
The first few nights can be pretty tricky for you and your dog. He might experience discomfort, but you will be there to comfort him.
So if you’re wondering if Chihuahuas bark often, it depends on how you train your poodle.
