There is a plethora of huge chihuahua groups on social media. Some with vast numbers of members. The focus of these groups is to post photos and for the owner of the group to sell chihuahua merch and there’s nothing wrong with that.

But when your chihuahua is barking at every noise it can create tension in a household, get you in trouble with your neighbours and make WFH difficult so it’s no wonder that people reach out to fellow chihuahua owners looking for quick solutions.  It’s no surprise that chihuahuas are one of the most surrendered breeds. They may be cute, but they are excitable and can be a handful.

Here’s why relying on unqualified opinions can be detrimental to your chihuahua’s well-being.

Lack of qualifications

Most individuals offering advice in chihuahua groups on social media won’t have any formal training or qualifications in dog behaviour or training and their ideas may be based in out-of-date, harmful methods. Just because someone has ‘had chihuahuas all their life’ doesn’t mean they are qualified to give behaviour advice.

An experienced animal behaviourist will take a holistic view of your chihuahua, considering various factors such as environment, health, and previous experiences before recommending a tailored behaviour modification plan.

What if your chihuahuas barking or aggressive behaviour is because they are in pain, uncomfortable with itching or gastric distress and you start squirting the dog with water for barking.

Not only are you adding more stress into the dog’s routine, but you’re punishing them for feeling ill. Any change in behaviour should always be investigated before any kind of behaviour modification takes place. If a trainer doesn’t tell you to do this change your trainer.

Training techniques and behaviour modification strategies are constantly evolving based on new research and understanding of canine psychology. A good behaviour coach will update their knowledge and invest in CPD.

Ignoring individual needs

Every chihuahua is unique, with their own personality, history, and set of challenges. Generalised advice fails to take these individual differences into account, leading to one-size-fits-all solutions that may not work for your dog. What might work for one chihuahua could be completely inappropriate for another, leading to frustration for both the owner and the dog.

Potential to make things worse

Relying on unqualified advice can not only be ineffective but may also make behaviour issues worse. For example, if someone suggests a punitive approach to correct unwanted behaviours, it can increase anxiety and stress, leading to a cycle of reactivity and fear. Instead of resolving issues, you may inadvertently create more problems that require professional intervention. Something that seems harmless to you, like a barking collar or loud can of coins can impact in ways you’re not going to understand.

While chihuahua groups on social media can provide a sense of community and support, this is not the place to get training or behaviour advice. The potential to cause real damage to your chihuahua’s mental health and therefore behaviour is huge.

Get real, professional help with chihuahua behaviour!