Chihuahuas are one of the smallest dog breeds, and it’s easy to carry them everywhere. Especially when they are barking at everything they see. Their small size makes them easy to scoop up and tuck under your arm or pop into a bag. But should you carry your chihuahua?

There are times when you need to carry your chihuahua.

Safety in Crowded Places

In busy environments, such as crowded streets or events, carrying your chihuahua can protect them from being stepped on or injured. Their small size makes them vulnerable in situations where larger dogs or people might not see them. It can be stressful for your dog to be alongside busy traffic. A loud noise, like a motorbike revving the engine, can scare your chi and this can go in as a ‘flashbulb memory’. (A memory accompanied by stress). This can create behaviour issues that are difficult to overcome further down the line.

Avoiding dangerous situations

If you encounter a situation that could be risky for your chihuahua—like aggressive dogs, rough terrain, or extreme weather—carrying them can keep them safe and out of harm’s way. People will tell you that picking them up in these situations signals to the dog that there is indeed something to worry about. But the chances are your chihuahua has already decided this themselves and pushing them through a potentially difficult interaction is not going to teach them anything useful.

If picking them up avoids an unhelpful or potentially dangerous encounter, then go with the lesser of the two. Picking them up is less problematic than trying to unpick a trauma later on.

Helping with Fatigue

Chihuahuas are hardy little dogs, but they have small legs and might tire quickly on long walks. Carrying them for short periods can help them rest and prevent overexertion, especially if your chihuahua is elderly or has a medical condition. This is when a stroller can be useful but be prepared to get some hate. People love to stick their nose in and make comments about dogs in strollers. If people see a German shepherd in a stroller everyone is sympathetic and assumes the dog is ill or elderly. When they see a chihuahua in a stroller they assume you’re an overprotective crazy chihuahua owner.

But like anything there must be balance.

Encouraging Dependence

If you constantly carry your chihuahua it can make them overly dependent on you. This might lead to anxiety or fear when they are on the ground or left alone. Dogs need to develop confidence in their ability to navigate the world on their own paws. If your dog is not coping with walking or is finding walks stressful, then this is information about how your chihuahua feels and gives you a pointer as to what behaviour training you need to work on. Get some help growing better walks with your chihuahua.

Limiting Exercise

Regular exercise is important for all dogs, including chihuahuas. Carrying your dog too often can limit their opportunity to walk, run, and explore, which are essential for their physical and mental well-being.  Chihuahuas can be prone to luxating patella (slipping kneecap) and poor muscle tone will contribute to this. So, it’s paws on the floor as much as possible. If your dog is not getting enough exercise, they will get fat and make them prone to all sorts of health issues later in life.

Give your chihuahua some say in events.

When you carry your chihuahua everywhere or pick them up all the time they get no say in what is happening around them. It also stops us reading body language and understanding when they are uncomfortable with what’s happening.

If your dog refuses to jump in the car then this is information that something is wrong. If they won’t walk somewhere then this gives you some insight into how they feel about the environment.  Just scooping them up is easy but it doesn’t help resolve any underlying behaviour or health issue. The buzz word here is consent.

When to carry your chihuahua.

I do carry my chihuahuas from time to time. We were out walking Prince and Macy at the weekend, and it got very busy. Macy was finding it stressful, so we picked her up. I would rather that then let her become anxious around going outside.

The key is balance. Carrying your chihuahua can be beneficial in certain situations, but it’s important not to overdo it. Allow them to walk and explore whenever it’s safe and appropriate.

Encourage them to build confidence on the ground, and reserve carrying for times when it’s truly necessary for their safety or well-being.

By finding a balance, you can help your chihuahua develop into a well-rounded, confident dog who enjoys both being carried and walking on their own.

Are you struggling with chihuahua behaviour, are walks a stressful nightmare. Would you like to grow a calm confident chihuahua that enjoys walks and can ignore other dogs. Get help with your chihuahua’s behaviour at Chihuahua School. the only online, force-free training program just for chihuahua’s Find out more about Chihuahua School here.