Chilier Training Guide – Crate, Toilet & More Tips!

The Chilier is a small mixed breed dog with the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and Chihuahua as parent breeds. This active little dog makes a great companion dog, but new dog owners may struggle initially to train their new pet.

This family-oriented dog is highly intelligent with a stubborn streak, which makes training them a challenge. In this guide, we have provided you with everything you need to train and socialise your Chilier dog so that you both can live a happy life together.

Should I Train My Chilier?

Yes, according to the American Kennel Club, getting your dog involved in a training program is always a good idea, no matter the breed.

• Training your dog builds a bond between you and your pup immediately.
• You will be teaching your dog more than just basic commands – you will also be teaching them valuable life skills which will allow them to thrive
• Your dog will be more sociable and more comfortable in social situations
• You will reduce problem behaviours, such as destructive chewing or excessive barking

Are Chilers Easy To Train?

This small dog can be a challenge to train. Although King Charles Spaniel and Chihuahua are smart dogs, the Chihuahua side brings along some real stubbornness.

Chihuahuas have an aggressive streak towards other animals and strangers, while Spaniels were originally bred for hunting, so you should socialise your Chilier puppy from a very young age.

You must also be patient and consistent when training your Chilier pup and keep training fun and positive by incorporating treats and interactive toys. First-time dog owners should consider taking their pup to obedience school or puppy training classes to get their puppy properly socialised.
 

What Kind Of Training Does A Chilier Need?

Training any dog is essential from a young age. Here are some types of training suitable for Chiliers:

Basic Commands

All dogs need an understanding of basic commands, such as “sit”, “stay”, “come”, “down”, and “ait”. Your dog should also understand the word “no”.

Staying Calm during Grooming and Vet Checks

You should train your puppy to stay calm while being groomed or checked by the vet. You can do this by brushing your Chilier’s coat from a young age in a calm manner, as well as slowly introducing cutting your dog’s nails and brushing your Chilier’s teeth. This will also prepare it for the vet examination should any health issues occur.

Training to live in the home

Your Chilier will require basic training to comfortably share your home with you, such as toilet and crate training.
 

Toilet Training A Chilier Puppy

If you just brought home your Chilier pup, you must get ready to deal with some puppy mess until you have properly toilet trained your puppy.

When to start toilet training your Chilier puppy

You should start house training your puppy when it is eight weeks old – or whenever you bring it home the first time.

How to toilet train your Chilier puppy

Below are steps to help you toilet-train your Chilier puppies.

Stick to a designated area

Once you have brought your pup home, select an area where they can relieve themselves – either in your yard or on puppy pee pads. Always bring your puppy to the same area (after cleaning it) when you want them to relieve themselves.

Stick to a schedule

Puppies are creatures of habit and tend to have a set schedule when it comes to relieving themselves:

• before or after eating
• after a nap
• after or during playtime

Once you understand their schedule, you can monitor them and take them to their spot as needed. You will soon be able to pick up on the signs that your puppy needs the toilet – such as sniffing the ground and walking in circles.

Be patient and consistent

It is key that you remain patient when undertaking potty training, as accidents will happen. As long as you remain consistent – and not punish your puppy for any accidents but rather reward good potty behaviour – your dog will pick up on toilet training quickly.
 

Crate Training Your Chilier

Below, you will find information on crate training your Chilier.

Why is it important to crate-train your Chilier puppy?

Crate training your Chilier will have many advantages. It provides your puppy with a den in the home that is uniquely its own, where it can feel safe and comfortable. It also assists with toilet training, as a puppy will not soil its bed. Lastly, it can prevent your pup from being destructive around the home while you are training it.

When to start crate training your Chilier puppy

You should start crate training your Chilier when you bring it home.

How to crate train your Chilier puppy

Below is a step-by-step guide to crate-train your pups.

1. Before introducing your pup to the crate, let them play around and wait until they go to the toilet first
2. Place plenty of toys and blankets inside the crate or puppy pen
3.  Leave the gate open and allow your puppy to explore the crate on its own slowly. You can place a few treats inside the crate. Never force your puppy into the crate
4. Each time they go into the crate by themselves, reward them with a treat
5.  Start feeding your puppy in the crate with the door open
6. Once they no longer seem scared of the crate, you can close the door while they are eating
7. Slowly increase the duration your puppy spends in the crate until they spend about 15 minutes inside it
8. Once your puppy is happily spending a couple of minutes in the crate with the door closed, start creating distance. Walk away from the crate, and then return to the crate and open the door. Continue this until you can completely leave the room
9. Eventually, you can leave the room for more than 15 minutes at a time. You mustn’t rush this process and work at your dog’s pace.

Pros and cons of crate training

Pros

• It helps with potty training.
• It gives your dog a safe den.
• It helps with travelling.
• It reduces separation anxiety.

Cons

• Your puppy could view it as punishment.
• Your puppy can snag on the bars or hurt itself, so make sure there are no choke hazards and you remove your dog’s collar.

Can I Train My Chilier To Do Tricks?

Your Chilier are incredibly smart, and with patience and positive training, you can teach them several tricks and commands. On average, it will take about 25 to 40 repetitions for your Chilier to remember a new command or trick.
 

Tips For Training Your Chilier

Here are some tips for training your Chilier pup or adult dog.

Be consistent

Consistently reinforce good behaviours. Also, make sure to be consistent in the commands that you use.

Positive reinforcement is key

When your dog displays good behaviour, use positive reinforcement such as treats, toys and playtime to reward these behaviours.

Avoid over-using treats

Only use high-quality treats, and do not overuse treats if you want to avoid weight gain. Rather, reward your dog with some healthy treats and plenty of toys.

Consider clicker training

Clickers are used to mark and reward good behaviours. Once your dog does something you desire, click and then offer a treat. They will associate the clicker with positive behaviours.
 

Final Thoughts on Training A Chilier

One of the best traits of Chiliers is their intelligence, but this small dog will require plenty of patience when it comes to training. Just stay consistent, remain positive, and follow our tips above.