Chihuahuas can be surprisingly destructive for such a small dog. They enjoy a good chew and left to their own devices for long periods of time with nothing to do could result in serious damage to your home. They are active and intelligent dogs and require mental stimulation. Here are some ideas on how to entertain your chihuahua.

If your chihuahua is doing any of the following then it could be a sign that your dog is bored and needs more to do in the day:

• Being Destructive & chewing furniture.
• Pacing and Tail Chasing
• Listless & Depressed
• Excessive Barking
• Excessive Licking & Paw Chewing

How to keep your chihuahua amused 

Does your chihuahua enjoy a walk?

When you are home, make sure you take your chihuahua out for regular walks, they may be small, but like any dog they need the stimulation and exercise. Chihuahuas love a sniff, for them, its like reading a newspaper. But if they find walks stressful, take them to a quite area where they can enjoy a sniff in peace.

Snuffle matt

Minnie loves hers, it will keep her busy looking for crumbs and she will go back to it more than once. You can buy them from the shops, but they don’t seem to be as robust as homemade ones.

Frozen bones are a great way to entertain your chihuahua

Chihuahuas love a bone to chew on the same as any dog. The challenge is getting one that is smaller enough for a chihuahua’s bite. These were brought from Natural Instinct and I will run them through the bandsaw, but you could also get one from the butcher cut to the correct size. Giving them to your chi frozen is fine, it should keep them busier for longer and just think about all the lovely teeth cleaning that’s going on. Take the marrow out as it’s too rich and could upset a little belly. Just leave a taste to keep it interesting. You could also give them a frozen chicken wing. Always supervise a dog with a bone.

Stuffed Kong toy

They do make Kongs that are the right size for a chihuahua, and there are plenty of good ideas for frozen fillings. Cottage cheese, peanut butter, banana. But make sure that you take the calories into account as chihuahuas are easy to overfeed. I think it’s better to use their daily food allowance to avoid overfeeding. Just stuff their normal dinner in, it should keep them going for ages. 

You will see some people suggesting making a filling using stock cubes. This is not a good idea as stock cubes are full of salt and chemicals. Make you own using a chicken carcass in a slow cooker for 24 hours, then freeze the juice in an ice cube tray on direct in the Kong. Not only does it taste delicious but it is super good for your chi’s bones and joints.

Game and puzzles

These are a good idea as they can entertain your chihuahua and keep them busy trying to get the food out. Again, remember to account for the treats that you put inside.There are lots of designs to choose from, trays with sliding slots and ball that have to be positioned correctly to get the treat out.

Doggy sand pit

If you have plenty of space you could try building a digging box or sand pit, fill it with sand and hide some treats in it before you go out. Could be messy, so this might be better outside or in a utility room.

Hide treats around the house

Wrap up some treats and hide them around the house for your chi to find. But be careful where you put them or you could end up with more destruction. 

How do you entertain your chihuahua? We love to hear your ideas on keeping your chihuahua busy, please leave them in the comments below.