If every walk with your Chihuahua starts with excitement and ends with sore arms, you're not alone. Despite their tiny size, Chihuahuas can be surprisingly determined when something catches their attention. A fluttering leaf, a passing pigeon or another dog across the road can suddenly become the most exciting thing in the world!

The good news is that lead pulling isn't something your Chihuahua does to be naughty. It's simply a behaviour they can learn to change with consistency, patience and plenty of positive encouragement.

Let's look at how you can enjoy calmer, happier walks together.

Why Do Chihuahuas Pull?

Dogs naturally walk faster than we do. They're excited to explore, sniff every lamppost and investigate everything around them.

Many Chihuahuas also pull because they've accidentally learned that pulling works. Every time they pull and reach the exciting smell or interesting place they wanted, the behaviour is rewarded.

The aim isn't to stop your Chihuahua enjoying their walk.

It's to teach them that staying close means the adventure continues.

Choose the Right Walking Gear

Before you begin training, make sure your walking equipment is helping—not making things harder.

Because Chihuahuas have delicate necks and small frames, a well-fitted harness is generally a much safer option than attaching the lead directly to a collar. A harness spreads pressure across the chest rather than the throat, making walks more comfortable while giving you better control. (My Chi and Me)

Our My Pup & Me Brown Tartan Harness has been designed with comfort in mind. Lightweight, padded and adjustable, it's perfect for everyday adventures while helping your little companion feel secure on every walk.

Looking for another style?

Browse our full My Pup & Me Harness Collection to find the perfect fit for your pup.

Ditch the Retractable Lead

Retractable leads might seem convenient, but they're not ideal when teaching loose lead walking.

Because they stay under constant tension, they actually encourage your Chihuahua to keep pulling forward. A standard lead gives much clearer communication while you're training. (My Chi and Me)

Pair your harness with one of our matching leads for a comfortable, coordinated walking set. My Pup & Me Matching Leads

Start Somewhere Quiet

Don't head straight to the busiest park in town.

Instead, begin somewhere with very few distractions.

Your garden.

Your driveway.

A quiet street.

Even practising indoors for a few minutes can make a huge difference before adding more exciting surroundings.

Short training sessions of around five minutes often work far better than long walks where everyone ends up frustrated. (My Chi and Me)

Reward Every Good Decision

Dogs repeat behaviours that earn rewards.

Every single time your Chihuahua walks beside you with a loose lead:

• Tell them they're amazing.
• Give them a tiny treat.
• Keep walking.

It sounds simple because it is.

You're teaching your Chihuahua that staying close makes wonderful things happen.

Become a Tree

The moment your Chihuahua pulls...

Stop.

Don't yank the lead.

Don't drag them backwards.

Simply stand still.

Wait until the lead becomes loose or your Chihuahua turns back towards you.

The second that happens, praise them and continue your walk.

It may feel slow at first, but your Chihuahua soon learns one very important lesson:

Pulling stops the adventure. Walking nicely keeps it going. (My Chi and Me)

Change Direction Instead

Some Chihuahuas become so focused on what's ahead that they completely forget you're attached to the other end of the lead.

When this happens, calmly turn and walk in another direction.

No frustration.

No sudden jerks.

Just encourage them to follow you before rewarding them when they catch up.

This simple game teaches your Chihuahua to pay attention to where you're going instead of charging ahead.

Stay Consistent

Everyone who walks your Chihuahua should use exactly the same approach.

If one person allows pulling but another doesn't, your dog receives mixed messages.

Consistency builds confidence.

And confident dogs learn much faster.

Celebrate Calm Adventures Too

Training doesn't stop once the walk is over.

Taking your Chihuahua to a dog-friendly café, pub or picnic is another brilliant opportunity to reinforce calm behaviour.

Giving them their own comfortable place to settle helps them relax while you enjoy your day together.

Our Roll & Go Signature Collection Padded Travel Mat rolls up neatly, making it perfect for days out, holidays and café visits.

Make Walkies Stylish Too

Training is important.

Comfort is essential.

Looking adorable?

That's just an added bonus.

Complete your walking set with matching accessories from our Signature Collection, designed especially for little dogs who love big adventures.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will a harness stop my Chihuahua pulling?

A harness won't magically stop pulling on its own, but it makes training much safer and more comfortable while giving you better control.

How long does loose lead training take?

Every dog is different. Some Chihuahuas improve within a couple of weeks, while others take a little longer. The secret is consistency, patience and rewarding every success.

Should I use treats every time?

At the beginning, yes. Once your Chihuahua understands what's expected, you can gradually reduce treats while continuing to praise them.

Final Thoughts

Teaching your Chihuahua to walk beautifully on a loose lead won't happen overnight—but it absolutely can happen.

Keep sessions short.

Stay positive.

Celebrate the little wins.

Before long, you'll both be looking forward to every walk together.

At My Chi & Me, we believe every adventure should be comfortable, stylish and full of happy memories. Whether you're exploring the countryside, popping into your favourite café or simply enjoying a stroll around the neighbourhood, the right walking essentials can make every outing even more enjoyable.