Ultimate Guide to Potty Training a Chihuahua

Potty training a Chihuahua can feel like a mystery game you didn’t sign up for. One minute, your tiny four-legged tornado seems to understand exactly where to go. The next, there’s a little “surprise” waiting in the hallway.

Don’t let their size fool you — these small dogs have big personalities and even bigger opinions about where they do their business. The key is patience, consistency, and a sense of humor. With the right routine and plenty of praise, your brave little buddy will soon understand that the bathroom isn’t wherever they happen to be standing — and your floors will finally thank you for it.

1. Obstacles to potty train a chihuahua

Before jumping into schedules and tools, it’s important to understand what makes Chihuahuas different from other dogs when it comes to potty training.

1.1 Small Size, Small Bladder

The Small Bladder Challenge: Why Timing Is Everything

When it comes to potty training a Chihuahua, one of the biggest hurdles is their small bladder size. These little dogs simply can’t “hold it” as long as larger breeds — it’s not stubbornness, it’s biology.

A Chihuahua puppy may need to go every 30–60 minutes when awake, and even adult Chihuahuas often need bathroom breaks every 2–3 hours. Expecting them to last through a full workday without a trip outside is setting both of you up for frustration.

The trick is to work with their rhythm, not against it. Build a consistent routine:

• First thing in the morning
• After meals
• After naps
• After playtime
• Right before bed

Every successful potty trip deserves enthusiastic praise or a small treat. Over time, they’ll connect the dots — “When I go outside, good things happen!”

If accidents still happen, don’t scold. Just clean up quietly and guide them back to the right spot next time. Remember: you’re not just teaching a habit — you’re teaching awareness in a dog that’s smaller than most housecats.

Chihuahuas are one of the tiniest dog breeds. That means their bladders are proportionally small, and they simply can’t “hold it” as long as larger dogs. A Labrador might be fine going 6–8 hours without a bathroom break, but a young Chihuahua puppy may only last 30–60 minutes when awake.

👉 This is why frequent potty breaks—often once an hour in the beginning—are critical. Expecting them to wait too long sets both you and your pup up for failure.

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1.2 Weather Sensitivity -Why Weather Makes Potty Training a Chihuahua So Tricky

Another unique trait: Chihuahuas often dislike going outside when it’s cold, wet, or windy. Their thin coats and small bodies make them more sensitive to temperature changes. Many Chihuahua owners notice their dogs refusing to step into the snow or rain.

👉 This leads to one of the most common complaints: “My Chihuahua will hold it until we come back inside, then have an accident.”

Solutions here include:

• Indoor potty pads or grass pads as backups.
• Protective clothing (dog sweaters or rain jackets).
• Creating a covered potty area outdoors.

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1.3 Consistency: The Secret Ingredient in Chihuahua Potty Training

Chihuahuas are famously confident, independent, and sometimes stubborn. While they are intelligent and capable of learning quickly, they may resist potty training if owners are inconsistent.

👉 The key is routine + positive reinforcement. Harsh corrections or punishment often backfire with this breed, making them more nervous or sneaky about where they go.

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2. Preparing for Success

Potty training success starts before you ever bring your Chihuahua to the designated spot. The right setup, supplies, and mindset make a huge difference in how quickly your pup learns.

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Set your Chihuahua up for success with this easy visual layout and checklist!

2.1 Gather the Essential Supplies

Quick-Start Potty Kit Checklist free download

Here’s what you’ll need to set yourself (and your Chihuahua) up for success:

• Crate or Playpen – A properly sized crate helps control accidents and teaches bladder control. For tiny breeds, a small crate or enclosed playpen is best.
• Puppy Pads or Indoor Potty System – Even if your goal is outdoor training, pads are a lifesaver in apartments, during bad weather, or for long workdays.
• Cleaning Products – Use enzymatic cleaners that remove urine odor completely. If your dog smells a past accident, they’re more likely to repeat the behavior there.
• Treats & Clicker – Rewards are key. Choose small, high-value treats that your Chihuahua loves. A clicker can speed up training by marking the exact desired behavior.
• Leash & Collar/Harness – For outdoor training, keep your Chihuahua on leash until the potty routine is solid.

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2.2 Decide on Indoor vs. Outdoor Training

Because Chihuahuas are so small, owners often face the choice: train indoors, outdoors, or a mix of both.

• Outdoor Training – Best for long-term consistency. Dogs learn to wait until walks or outdoor breaks. Works great if you have a yard or can get outside frequently.
• Indoor Training – Ideal for apartments, bad weather, or owners who can’t provide frequent outdoor breaks. Pads, fake grass, or dog litter boxes can be used.
• Combination Approach – Start with pads and gradually transition outdoors. This is often the most realistic option for Chihuahua owners.

👉 The key is choosing one method and sticking with it. Switching back and forth confuses your dog and slows progress.

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2.3 Create a Designated Potty Zone

Whether indoors or outdoors, consistency is everything. Always bring your Chihuahua to the same spot to potty. Dogs rely heavily on scent cues, so this reinforces the habit.

Tips for setting up your potty zone:

• If indoors, place pads in a low-traffic area, away from food and bedding.
• If outdoors, pick a small area of your yard and stick with it.
• Use a command like “Go potty” each time, so your Chihuahua starts associating the phrase with the action.

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2.4 Set Realistic Expectations

Chihuahuas are not fully potty trained overnight. Puppies can take a while to consistently use the right spot, and even adult rescues may need retraining. How long to potty train a chuhuahua varries by experience of owner at potty training dogs. It’s true that you can potty train a chihuahua puppy fast, but you have to know what you are doing. This article and other resources, both paid and free will guide you toward the way.

Instead of looking for perfection, celebrate small wins:

• Fewer accidents each week
• Longer times between bathroom breaks
• Your dog going on cue

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3. Step-by-Step Potty Training

Potty training a Chihuahua isn’t about quick tricks—it’s about consistency, patience, and repetition. Here’s the framework that works for most Chihuahua owners.

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3.1 Crate Training Basics

Crate training is one of the most effective ways to potty train a Chihuahua because dogs naturally avoid soiling their sleeping space.

• Choose a crate just big enough for your Chihuahua to stand, turn around, and lie down comfortably. Too large, and they may use one corner as a bathroom.
• Use the crate for short periods when you can’t supervise.
• Take your Chihuahua immediately outside or to the potty pad after each crate session.

👉 The crate isn’t a punishment—it’s a safe, cozy den. Pair it with a blanket and toys so your pup feels comfortable.

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3.2 Use a Consistent Schedule

Potty training your Chihuahua gets much easier when you have a plan you can see and follow every day.

Download a free pdf schedule

Chihuahuas thrive on routine. The more predictable the potty schedule, the faster they’ll learn.

Key potty times include:

• Right After waking up (morning and naps)
• 5 minutes After eating or drinking
• Right After play sessions
• Before bedtime
• Every 1–2 hours for puppies under 6 months

👉 Take your Chihuahua to the potty zone each time, using the same route and the same command (“Go potty”).

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3.3 Positive Reinforcement Works Best

Chihuahuas want to please their owners, but they respond best to positive training methods.

• Reward immediately after success—not when you get back inside.
• Use small, irresistible treats (tiny bits of chicken or cheese work well).
• Pair rewards with enthusiastic praise: “Yes! Good potty!”
• Over time, your dog will associate pottying in the right place with positive feelings.

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3.4 Teaching the “Go Potty” Cue

You can train your Chihuahua to go on command, which is especially useful during cold weather or travel.

How to do it:

1. Say your chosen cue (“Go potty”) as your dog begins to squat.
2. Reward immediately after they finish.
3. Repeat consistently, and over time, your Chihuahua will understand that the command means it’s time to relieve themselves.

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3.5 Supervision and Management

Accidents happen most often when dogs roam unsupervised. Until your Chihuahua is fully trained:

• Keep them in the same room as you.
• Use baby gates or a playpen to restrict access.
• Watch for signs they need to go: circling, sniffing, whining, or pacing.

👉 If you catch them mid-accident, calmly interrupt and take them to the potty zone. Never punish—just redirect.

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3.6 Handling Accidents Calmly

Accidents are part of the process. The worst thing you can do is scold or rub your Chihuahua’s nose in it—this only creates fear.

Instead:

• Clean thoroughly with an enzymatic cleaner.
• Increase supervision and reduce unsupervised time.
• Add an extra potty break to your schedule if needed.

4. Common Challenges (and Fixes)

Even with the best routine and consistency, potty training a Chihuahua rarely goes smoothly from start to finish. These little dogs have big personalities—and that means you’ll likely run into some obstacles along the way. The good news? Most of these challenges are not only normal but also fixable with a bit of patience and strategy.

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Weather Woes

One of the most frequent frustrations owners face is the Chihuahua’s dislike of going outside in bad weather. Rain, snow, wind—even slightly chilly mornings—can send your pup right back inside without doing their business. And of course, that usually means an accident the moment they’re back on your carpet.

The solution isn’t to force them into misery, but to adapt. Many owners find success by setting up a covered potty area outside or investing in indoor potty pads for backup. Tiny sweaters and doggy raincoats aren’t just cute accessories—they can make the difference between a Chihuahua who refuses to step outside and one who feels confident enough to get the job done.

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Accidents Indoors

Another challenge comes when your Chihuahua sneaks off and leaves a surprise behind the couch, under a table, or on a rug. This can feel like defiance, but in most cases, it’s a mix of biology and opportunity. If your Chihuahua wasn’t taken out in time or had too much freedom, they’ll look for a quiet, hidden spot.

The key here is supervision. Restricting your Chihuahua’s space with gates or keeping them near you reduces the chance of sneaky accidents. And when they do happen, cleaning with an enzymatic cleaner is critical—dogs are driven by scent, and if the odor remains, they’ll return to the same spot again and again.

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Regression in Training

Just when you think your Chihuahua has “got it,” accidents can suddenly start again. This regression can be discouraging, but it’s actually very common—especially if routines change, such as moving to a new home, bringing in a new pet, or shifting work schedules.

The fix is simple: go back to basics. Increase potty breaks, supervise more closely, and reintroduce the crate if needed. Think of it as a reset button. With consistency, most dogs bounce back quickly.

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Excitement and Submissive Peeing

Chihuahuas, with their high energy and big feelings, may pee when overly excited or when they feel intimidated. Greeting guests at the door or meeting new dogs are classic triggers. This type of urination isn’t a housebreaking problem—it’s emotional.

To help, keep greetings calm and low-key. Ask guests to ignore your Chihuahua for the first few minutes until they settle down. Over time, as their confidence grows, these types of accidents usually fade.

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Owner Frustration

Perhaps the biggest obstacle isn’t the Chihuahua at all—it’s the owner’s patience and expertise. Potty training a small, stubborn breed can test anyone’s nerves, especially when it feels like progress is two steps forward, one step back.

The truth is, accidents don’t mean failure—they’re part of the process. Every successful potty trip is progress. And each accident is simply feedback: maybe your schedule needs adjusting, or supervision slipped. By reframing setbacks as opportunities to learn, you’ll stay calmer—and your Chihuahua will pick up on your confidence.

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FAQ about different situations

Apartment Living

Training a Chihuahua in a high-rise apartment presents unique challenges. Getting outside quickly isn’t always realistic, especially during late nights or early mornings. In these cases, indoor potty options like puppy pads, grass pads, or even small dog litter boxes can save the day. Many apartment dwellers use a hybrid approach—teaching their Chihuahua to use pads indoors while gradually transitioning to outdoor breaks when possible.

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Travel and On-the-Go Training

Chihuahuas are popular travel companions because of their size, but this comes with potty training challenges. Long car rides, hotel stays, or visits with family can throw off routines. The best strategy is consistency: bring familiar supplies like pads or a portable potty system, keep feeding times steady, and give extra breaks during travel days. Teaching your dog to potty on command becomes especially useful here.

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Multiple Dogs in the Household

If you have more than one dog, training can be easier—or harder—depending on the personalities involved. Some Chihuahuas learn faster by watching other dogs. Others may mark territory or compete, leading to accidents. The key is supervising interactions and reinforcing good behavior individually. Separate potty breaks may be necessary until your Chihuahua fully understands the rules.

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Here are some extra free resources below for you to download.

Common Potty Training Mistakes & Fixes Cheat Sheet