Mary Allen
Only at around 4 months is a puppy able to consciously control its excretions. Before that, it’s actually quite normal for the puppy to pee in the house from time to time. However, how long it actually takes for your Chihuahua to be housebroken can vary greatly. Some are housebroken quite early, others take a little longer.
By the age of 6 months, most Chihuahuas have understood where relieving is allowed and where it isn’t. Accidents still happen in the first year.
However, you can influence how quickly your Chihuahua learns that it is not wanted when it wets the apartment:
- Give him enough opportunities to do his business outside. So take your Chihuahua puppy out regularly. Approx. every 2-3 hours is optimal.
- Praise him when he does his business in the desired place. But you can reprimand him with a short “Ugh” if you catch him in the act in the house (and only then).
- Never hit or yell at the Chihuahua! This destroys trust in you but does not speed up housebreaking.
- Likewise, it is absolutely disgusting to push the puppy’s nose into the poop or pee. This can also permanently damage the sense of smell.
- Monitor the puppy and always take him outside after eating, sleeping, and playing. Even when he squats down or sniffs conspicuously in corners or on the floor.
