How to Teach a Chihuahua the Place Command
Teaching a Chihuahua the Place command is an excellent way to manage their naturally alert, vocal temperament and reduce excessive barking. This intermediate obedience skill asks your pint-sized pup to settle on a designated mat or bed, helping redirect their sassy energy and establish calm boundaries in your home. Chihuahuas rank 3/5 in trainability, meaning they respond best to consistent, positive reinforcement rather than harsh corrections. Their bold personalities and strong-willed nature require patience, short sessions, and high-value rewards to stay motivated. The Place command is particularly valuable for this breed, as it channels their devotion into focused behavior while preventing the small-dog syndrome behaviors—like resource guarding and inappropriate barking—that often plague Chihuahuas. With proper training, your little companion will learn to settle peacefully on cue.
Step-by-step
- 1
Choose Your Place and Mark It Clearly
Select a comfortable mat, dog bed, or crate in a low-traffic area of your home. Chihuahuas are alert by nature and sensitive to their surroundings, so pick a spot where they can observe family activity without being overstimulated. Use a dedicated mat with distinct borders so your dog clearly understands the designated zone.
- 2
Lure Your Chihuahua to the Mat with High-Value Treats
Hold a small, irresistible treat (soft cheese, chicken, or high-value training reward) near the mat to encourage your Chihuahua to walk toward it. The moment their paws touch the mat, say "Place!" enthusiastically and immediately reward. Keep sessions to 3–5 minutes, as Chihuahuas have moderate energy and can lose focus quickly.
- 3
Reward Settling Behavior on the Mat
Once your dog is on the mat, reward calm behavior—lying down, settling into a relaxed position. Use a marker word like "Yes!" to mark the exact moment they settle, then deliver a treat. Ignore any jumping, fidgeting, or attempts to leave; only reward stillness to reinforce the calm behavior you want.
- 4
Build Duration Gradually Before Adding Distance
Slowly increase the time your Chihuahua must stay on the mat, starting with just 3–5 seconds and building to 30 seconds over multiple sessions. Once they reliably settle for 20–30 seconds with you nearby, take a small step away. Chihuahuas are devoted and bond strongly with their owners, so distance training may feel challenging for them initially.
- 5
Introduce the Verbal Cue and Gesture Together
Consistently pair the word "Place" with a pointed gesture toward the mat. Over time, your Chihuahua will associate both cues with the behavior. Practice in different rooms and mild distractions to generalize the command, but avoid training during their peak alertness times when barking tendencies are high.
- 6
Proof the Command in Real-Life Scenarios
Once reliable indoors, practice sending your Chihuahua to their Place when the doorbell rings, during meal prep, or when guests arrive. This is particularly valuable for managing their tendency toward excessive barking and territorial behavior. Always reward generously when they choose their mat over reactive barking, reinforcing that settling earns better rewards than noise.
Pro tips
- Start in a calm, quiet environment with minimal distractions. Chihuahuas are alert watchdogs prone to reactive barking, so training during calm times prevents them from defaulting to alert-barking instead of settling.
- Use portions of their daily 30-minute exercise allowance strategically: a short walk or play session before training tires them slightly, making them more willing to settle and focus on the task.
- Never force your Chihuahua onto the mat physically. Their bold, sassy temperament means they'll resist or escalate behavior if manhandled. Lure with treats and let them choose to go to the mat—this builds genuine understanding and cooperation, not resentment.
Frequently asked questions
Why does my Chihuahua keep jumping off the mat before I release them?+
Chihuahuas are alert and bold by nature, making sustained settling challenging for them. Avoid punishing jumping off; instead, calmly reset them and only reward calm stays. Keep initial sessions very short (3–5 seconds), build duration slowly, and ensure you're using high-value treats that outweigh the reward of breaking position.
My Chihuahua barks constantly when sent to their mat. What should I do?+
Barking is a hallmark Chihuahua challenge. Do not reward barking with attention. Wait for even a brief moment of quiet, mark it with "Yes," and reward immediately. This teaches them that silence—not vocalization—earns rewards. Be patient; it may take multiple repetitions to shift this deeply ingrained behavior.
How long should training sessions be for my Chihuahua?+
Keep sessions to 3–5 minutes maximum. Chihuahuas have moderate energy and attention spans, and short, frequent sessions are far more effective than lengthy ones. Two to three sessions daily with breaks in between will yield better results than one long session.
Can I use their crate as their 'Place'?+
Yes, absolutely. Many Chihuahuas feel secure in crates, and using it as their designated Place works well. Ensure the crate is never used for punishment, only as a positive, comfortable space. Pair it with rewards and calm time so your Chihuahua views it as their safe retreat, which suits their devoted, security-seeking temperament.