When Do Chihuahua Puppies Calm Down? 

Are you a proud parent of a Chihuahua puppy? Or are you considering getting one? You may have heard that these little furballs can be quite energetic, even bordering on hyperactive, but don’t let that discourage you. Every puppy is different, and there are plenty of ways to help your Chihuahua calm down and become a well-behaved companion.

So, when do Chihuahua puppies calm down? Well, it’s not an exact science, as each pup develops at its own pace, but generally speaking, Chihuahuas start to mellow out around one to 6 – 12 months. This doesn’t mean they will suddenly become couch potatoes, but you may notice a decrease in their boundless energy and willingness to relax and snuggle with you. In the meantime, there are a few things you can do to make life with your Chihuahua easier and more enjoyable.

Whether you’re amidst puppyhood chaos or eagerly waiting for your Chihuahua to hit their chill phase, there’s no denying these spunky little dogs make for fantastic companions. So, let’s dive into what to expect from your furry friend and how to help them reach their full potential as a loving and loyal companion.

Reasons Why Chihuahuas Won’t Calm Down

There are a few reasons why your Chihuahua might not be calming down, such as:

🐕 Immaturity

Chihuahuas are known for being small dogs with big personalities, and their playful and lively nature can make them great companions. However, it’s important to remember that Chihuahuas are also known for being one of the longest-lived dog breeds, with some living up to 20 years. That means their development can be slower than other breeds, and they may fully mature once they are around two years old.

During this time, Chihuahuas can exhibit puppy-like behavior, such as high energy levels and not knowing when to stop playing. They may also struggle with focusing on one task for an extended period of time, making training a bit more difficult. 

It’s important to be patient with your Chihuahua and understand that their behavior is not a reflection of a lack of training or discipline but rather a part of their natural development.

🐕 Lack of Attention

Chihuahuas are known for being very social animals, and they thrive on attention from their human counterparts. When they don’t receive enough attention, they can become bored and restless, leading to hyperactivity and even destructive behavior. This is especially true for younger Chihuahuas who are still learning how to navigate the world around them.

To make matters worse, Chihuahuas are known for being a bit stubborn and independent, which can make it a challenge to get them to calm down even when you are giving them attention. They may not always respond to commands or understand when it’s time to relax.

🐕 Lack of Physical and Mental Stimulation

You might have noticed your little furry friend running around in circles, barking incessantly, or just generally being all over the place. Don’t worry; there’s a reason for this behavior – and it’s not just because they’re crazy!

It turns out that one of the biggest reasons why chihuahuas won’t calm down is because they’re not getting enough physical and mental stimulation. These little dogs have a lot of energy packed into their tiny frames, and if they don’t have an outlet for all that energy, it can lead to some pretty wild behavior, such as excessive barking, digging, and chewing. 

Think about it – would you be able to sit still all day long with no way to let out your energy? Probably not!

🐕 Separation Anxiety

Separation anxiety is a condition that occurs when dogs become upset and anxious when left alone. Chihuahuas, in particular, are known to be prone to this condition. When left alone, these small dogs can become anxious and begin to exhibit destructive behaviors.

But why does separation anxiety make chihuahuas so hyperactive? The answer lies in the way that anxiety affects the dog’s nervous system. When a dog becomes anxious, their body releases a flood of hormones, including adrenaline and cortisol. 

These hormones cause the dog’s heart rate and breathing to increase, leading to a state of hyperarousal. Essentially, the dog’s body is stuck in “fight or flight” mode, leading to hyperactivity and other behavioral problems.

If you have a chihuahua that won’t calm down, it’s important to consider whether separation anxiety might be a contributing factor. By understanding this condition and its effects on your dog’s behavior, you can take steps to help your furry friend feel more comfortable and calm when left alone.

🐕 Hyperkinesis

Essentially, hyperkinesis is a behavioral disorder that causes dogs to become excessively active, often unable to calm down completely. While it’s not entirely clear what causes hyperkinesis, it’s believed to be related to genetics, nutrition, and overall health.

In fact, hyperkinesis is a fairly common condition in Chihuahuas, along with other small dog breeds. It’s often characterized by restlessness, nervousness, and trouble staying still. While these symptoms may not seem too concerning, they can quickly become problematic if left unchecked. For example, a hyperactive Chihuahua might be more prone to getting into accidents or causing damage around the house.

Overall, it’s important to recognize that hyperkinesis isn’t something that your Chihuahua can control. However, by understanding the underlying causes of this condition, you can take steps to help manage your dog’s hyperactivity and improve its overall quality of life.

How To Calm Down Your Chihuahua

You can tell when anything bothers your dog. Remember that you are the expert on your pet. Each dog has his own unique manner of showing tension; hence, each dog may respond differently to techniques intended to calm him. 

✅ Avoid Leaving Them Alone

The first thing you can do is to create a safe space for your Chihuahua. This can be a crate or a designated area in your house where they feel comfortable and secure. Make sure the space has everything they need, like food, water, toys, and a comfortable bed. You can also place a shirt or piece of clothing that smells like you in the space to provide added comfort.

The second thing you can do is practice leaving your Chihuahua alone in short intervals. Start with leaving for a few minutes and gradually increase the time you are away. This will help your Chihuahua build up their tolerance to being alone and reduce their anxiety.

The third thing you can do is to provide mental and physical stimulation for your Chihuahua. This can include puzzle toys, interactive toys, or even a dog walker or pet sitter to give them attention and exercise while you’re away.

✅ Make Their Exercise More Challenging

One way to do this is by increasing the duration of your walks. Rather than just a quick stroll around the block, try taking your pup for a long walk or even a hike. This will exhaust them not only physically but also mentally. It will stimulate their senses and provide them with new experiences, which can help to calm them down.

Another great option is to incorporate some interactive toys into their exercise routine. For example, a puzzle toy that dispenses treats will stimulate their brain and provide a physical outlet for their energy. There are plenty of interactive toys available in the market that are specifically designed for Chihuahuas.

Lastly, consider switching up their exercise routine altogether. Instead of just walking, try agility training. This is a great way to challenge your Chihuahua both mentally and physically. Agility training involves completing a set of obstacles, such as jumps, tunnels, and weave poles. It may take some time for your pup to get the hang of it, but they’ll absolutely love it once they do!

✅ Teach Your Chihuahua Tricks

When it comes to training your Chihuahua, the first thing to keep in mind is that they love being the center of attention. So, use this to your advantage and turn your training sessions into a fun activity for both you and your pup. 

Start with simple tricks like “sit” and “stay,” and reward your Chihuahua with treats and lots of praise every time they complete a trick correctly. This positive reinforcement will motivate them and help them associate training with fun and something to look forward to.

Another trick that you could teach your Chihuahua is “speak” and “quiet.” These tricks will help them to understand when it’s time to be quiet and calm down. The key is to teach them one command at a time and be patient. 

Once they understand one command, move on to the next. Remember, consistency is critical to the success of the training, so make sure you set aside some time every day to work with your pup.

✅ Offer Them Breaks From Playing

Breaks are essential for any dog breed, especially for high-energy breeds like Chihuahuas. Too much playtime can lead to over-stimulation, which can cause them to become more anxious and restless. 

So, take the time to offer your Chihuahua a break between play sessions. This doesn’t mean you have to stop playing with them entirely, but instead, you should take a few minutes to calm them down and let them catch their breath.

During the break, try to encourage your Chihuahua to relax. You can do this by giving them some water, petting them, or simply letting them lie down for a few minutes. You can also offer them some cooling treats, such as ice cubes or frozen yogurt, which can help them cool down and calm their nerves.

By taking breaks, you’ll be able to regulate the energy levels of your Chihuahua dog. Thus, can help them to stay calm and reduce their anxiety.

✅ Behavior Modification

First of all, you should reinforce positive behavior by rewarding good behavior with treats, praise, attention, or playtime. This will help your pup understand that they will receive a reward for good behavior. This is similar to how teachers give children star stickers or positive feedback for completing tasks.

Secondly, desensitization is another effective behavior modification technique. If your Chihuahua barks excessively at people or other animals during walks, you can slowly expose them to these stimuli in a controlled way. Start with a distance that doesn’t trigger excessive barking. Then gradually decrease the distance until your pup gets comfortable with the presence of those triggers. As always, positive reinforcement is key as well.

Lastly, counter-conditioning involves associating a negative stimulus with a positive outcome. For example, if your Chihuahua is afraid of thunder, you can create a positive association by offering them a treat every time there is a clap of thunder. This will help them associate thunder with rewards instead of fear.

Adopting behavior modification techniques requires patience and persistence; however, their effectiveness can last a lifetime.

✅ Use Puppy Pen Wisely

Another solution you might try is using a puppy pen. If you’re unsure what that is, it’s a small, enclosed area in which you can put your pup to keep them safe and contained.

Now, the key to using a puppy pen wisely is to make sure your furry friend associates it with positive experiences. You don’t want them to feel like they’re being punished or trapped. Therefore, try putting fun toys, comfy blankets, and even treats in a pen. This will encourage them to explore and enjoy the space.

Another important thing to keep in mind is to not leave them in pen for too long. While it’s a great tool to help your Chihuahua calm down, you don’t want them to feel neglected or forgotten about. Make sure to spend plenty of time with them outside of the pen and give them lots of love and attention.

Lastly, be patient and don’t give up on the idea of a puppy pen too quickly. It might take a little while for your Chihuahua to get used to it. However, soon enough, they’ll start to associate it with relaxation and playtime.

✅ Good Training Tools

Investing in good training tools is one of the best ways to help your Chihuahua be a happy and obedient pup. This can include anything from dog treats to clickers and leashes.

Treats are great for rewarding positive behavior, as they provide an immediate reward your puppy will love. Clickers are also useful to help your pup associate certain behaviors with rewards. And leashes are essential for walking and teaching basic commands.

Using these tools consistently and following up with positive reinforcement will help your Chihuahua learn quickly and be more obedient in the long run.

✅ Consider Neutering

While it might seem like a drastic step, neutering has been proven to help reduce hyperactivity and aggression in dogs. When a male dog is neutered, his testosterone levels decrease, decreasing his desire to roam and mark his territory. This can result in a calmer, more focused dog that is easier to train and control.

Female Chihuahuas can also benefit from being spayed, which involves removing their reproductive organs. This can help reduce the likelihood of them developing aggressive tendencies, particularly during their heat cycles. It also reduces the risk of certain health problems such as uterine infections and breast cancer.

It’s important to note that neutering or spaying your Chihuahua is a personal decision that should be made in consultation with your veterinarian. They can help assess your dog’s unwanted behavior and overall health and provide advice on the best course of action. But if you’re looking for a way to calm down your furry friend and improve their quality of life, neutering might just be the answer you’ve been searching for!

✅ Consult a Veterinarian or Dog Trainer

While it’s true that there are things you can do to help your hyper dog relax, each case is unique, and it’s always best to get advice from someone who knows dogs inside and out.

Your first step should be to make an appointment with a veterinarian. They can rule out any physical ailments that could be causing your Chihuahua’s behavior. Afterward, they might recommend medication or suggest other treatment options, such as behavioral therapy.

Another option is to consult a dog trainer. They can evaluate your Chihuahua’s behavior and provide you with solutions to help them calm down. They can also teach you how to communicate with your dog in a way that they understand. Sometimes all it takes is a little bit of training to help your Chihuahua pup feel more confident and at ease.

In either case, remember to be patient and kind to your furry friend. They might feel anxious or scared, so it’s important to provide comfort and support. Seeking help from a professional is a great first step in ensuring that your Chihuahua feels happy and safe in their daily life.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What do the Chihuahua Club and American Kennel Club recommend for a safe puppy pen?

The Chihuahua Club and American Kennel Club both recommend a well-ventilated, safe, and secure pen for puppies. The pen should be large enough for the puppy to move around comfortably but not so large that the puppy has enough space to potty at one end and sleep at the other. For safety, the pen should have smooth edges and no splinters, which could cut or hurt the puppy. The pen should also have secure latches and be made out of durable materials. Furthermore, the pen should have a soft bed, toys, water, and food bowls to keep the puppy comfortable.

Q: Is puppy biting a common behavior in Chihuahuas?

Puppy biting is a common behavior in all dog breeds, including Chihuahuas. Puppies explore and interact with their environment primarily through their mouths. Therefore, they may nip or bite during play or when they are feeling curious or anxious. Typically, this behavior begins to subside as the puppy becomes better at communicating and socializing with people and other dogs. However, it is important to teach a Chihuahua puppy to control its biting behavior and direct it towards appropriate toys and play objects. This can be done through gentle, positive reinforcement training and redirection of their chewing behavior to toys that are safe for them to use.

Q: Why are older dogs more prone to aggressive behaviors?

Older dogs may be more prone to aggressive behaviors due to several factors. Firstly, some older dogs may experience pain or discomfort caused by health issues such as arthritis or dental pain, making them more irritable and less tolerant of interactions. Additionally, older dogs may have experienced a history of trauma or negative experiences. This can contribute to anxiety and aggressive behavior. Also, as dog’s age, their senses and cognitive abilities may decline, leading to confusion, disorientation, and frustration, which can contribute to aggressive behavior. Finally, a lack of socialization and training in a dog’s early years can manifest in aggressive tendencies as they age.

Q: Are German Shepherd and Australian Shepherd good breeds for Chihuahuas?

While German Shepherds and Australian Shepherds can be good breeds in general, there may be better choices for Chihuahuas. These large dog breeds are known for their herding instincts and can sometimes exhibit behaviors such as nipping, chasing, and herding smaller animals, which could be dangerous for a Chihuahua. Additionally, these breeds’ size and energy level may overwhelm a smaller dog like a Chihuahua. It’s important to consider a Chihuahua’s temperament and size when selecting compatible dog breeds. This is to ensure they get along and have safe interactions. Some good breeds for Chihuahuas may include other small dog breeds or breeds that are known to be gentle and patient with smaller dogs, such as the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel or the Bichon Frise.

Q: What kind of dog food should I feed my Chihuahua?

When choosing dog food for your Chihuahua, it’s important to look for high-quality dog food that meets their specific nutritional needs. Chihuahuas are a small dog breed with a fast metabolism, requiring a nutrient-dense diet of high-quality protein, fats, and carbohydrates. Look for dog food with real meat as the primary ingredient, such as turkey, chicken, or beef. Avoid dog foods that are high in fillers, artificial preservatives, and by-products. Choose a dog food that is formulated for small breeds and includes essential nutrients such as omega-3 fatty acids, glucosamine, and chondroitin to support joint health. It’s always best to consult your veterinarian to determine the best feeding schedule and diet for your Chihuahua based on age, weight, and overall health needs.

Final Words

Chihuahua puppies, like all puppies, will eventually calm down, but the timeline can vary from dog to dog. While some puppies may start to mellow out after just a few months, others can take up to a year or more to reach a more relaxed state. So if you’re feeling frustrated with your energetic little Chihuahua, just remember that patience is key!

It’s also important to remember that various factors can affect a chihuahua’s energy levels, including its diet, exercise routine, and daily routine. By making sure your pup is getting plenty of exercise, mental stimulation, and proper nutrition, you can help them stay healthy and happy while also encouraging them to calm down a bit. And, of course, don’t forget to enjoy your Chihuahua’s playful, energetic puppyhood while it lasts!