Obedience and the Chihuahua
A Chi (Chihuahua) in obedience is not a regular sight beyond the Novice level. A Chi would not be the breed of choice for most exhibitors to attain an OTCH or UDX. This leaves the breed wide open for many "firsts" to be garnered. The following experiences and observations may help you in selecting, socializing, training, and competing with the Chi.
A Chi should start leash training by 8 weeks of age. This needs to be a positive experience for the dog. No serious heeling yet. Whether you chose a long or a smooth coat is a matter of personal preference. The sex of the dog may be more important, however, as an unspayed female will slow your training schedule down if she is bred; an unaltered male can develop a sniffing problem. Males are generally more playful. The size of the dog at maturity is important. A 3 lb. Chi is cute but would have to jump a minimum of an 8" high jump and 16" broad jump in Open. To insure minimal jumping problems and injuries look for a sound structure, front and rear assembly must not have major faults. The Chi you select MUST be people-friendly. Socializing can build confidence but a dog that is "genetically" friendly will make training fun and less stressful for the dog. Remember a stressed dog can not learn.
The obedience class you attend and the instructor you train with can have a profound impact on your dog's career. Group classes can be dangerous because of inexperienced handlers with large dogs. Your "Taco" may end up as just that _ lunch for the large dog. Don't become a paranoid owner but be ever watchful. We can't carry our Chis around and expect them to become a confident dog that won't shiver and shake at the sight of a large dog. The instructor should have experience with toy dogs. Many large dog methods don't work for Chis.
Finding training equipment to fit your Chi can be a challenge. Whether you use a buckle collar, choke collar or pinch collar (the latter two being dirty words for the soft hearted), they must be used and fit properly. Each has its application. The lead you use should not have a snap so large it could kill the dog. Food vs. praise is always a debate. You'll need motivation and what better instant motivation than praise. Food can be used to get a point across. The hard part of both is learning to wean the dog. With food rewards random usage is the general weaning method. Learning to keep your mouth shut and not over-praising verbally so the dog will learn to do it on 'one command' is also a challenge.
The heeling exercise can be a problem for the Chi who is sensitive to motion. Precise foot work is essential. The Chi is so small that looking down at the little critter can throw your balance off so you can't walk a straight line. Of all the exercises Novice through Utility that the Chi must master, the Stand for Exam can be the hardest. In breed class the judges have been instructed by the parent club not to examine the Chi on the floor. Sorry, you don't get special treatment in the obedience ring. Be patient, go slow, and never correct or become upset with the dog when teaching this exercise. Use of a leash sling in the loin area works well. To further insure your Chi's margin of safety for obedience make sure Sit and Down-Stays are rock solid; if he isn't moving, he won't trigger the prey drive in another dog.
To compete in Open the dog must retrieve. Since the Chi isn't from the sporting group they do not have an inclination to retrieve. A dumbbell must fit so he can see where he is going. To master the out-of-sight Stays is evidence of the dog's confidence and trust in the handler. Utility training separates the men from the boys.
Most Utility work is done away from the handler and requires confidence. Signals should be clear, sweeping motions. That tiny speck across the ring is your dog. Go Outs seem so far, far away. The obedience ring is the same size for all dogs and can appear to be a vast land to the Chi.
Anytime your training isn't progressing think about your Chi's viewpoint. To get a view from the dog's perspective I suggest you lie flat on the floor on your stomach. Things sure look different down there!
The obedience Chi is the ambassador for the breed. The general public enjoys watching a small dog perform in obedience-it is such a rare sight. there will be days when you'll wish you had a Golden Retriever, but the pride you feel in your little Chi once you've succeeded will make your effort worth it.
Written by Rita Geiger