How to Keep a Chihuahua Happy Indoors

Chihuahuas may be small, but they are not boring. They are clever, curious and often very opinionated. If they are not given things to do, they will usually create their own entertainment — and it may involve barking at a leaf, stealing a sock, or judging everyone from the back of the sofa.

I’m Pippa, founder of Suffolk Chihuahuas, and I believe indoor enrichment is just as important as walks. Whether the weather is awful, your Chihuahua is recovering from a busy day, or you simply want to keep them happily occupied at home, a few simple ideas can make a big difference.

1. Rotate their toys

Instead of leaving every toy out all the time, try rotating them. Keep a few available and swap them every few days. This makes old toys feel exciting again.

Product pick: Tufflove Flamingo Dog Toy – Small x3

Browse our Dog Toys collection here:

2. Create a cosy Chihuahua corner

Chihuahuas love comfort. A soft blanket, a quiet corner and a little den-like space can help them feel secure.

Product pick: Camden Blanket

Browse our Dog Beds & Comfort collection here:

A cosy space is especially useful for nervous Chihuahuas, older dogs or those who like to retreat when the house is busy.

3. Try gentle scent games

Chihuahuas have brilliant noses. Hide a few tiny treats around a room and encourage them to sniff them out. Start easy, then make it slightly more challenging as they learn the game.

You can hide treats:

Under a blanket edge
Beside a toy
In a cardboard tube
Around their bed area
Near a safe piece of furniture

Browse our Dog Treats collection here:

4. Use mealtimes as enrichment

Instead of simply placing food in a bowl, occasionally turn mealtime into a little activity. Scatter a small amount of dry food on a mat, use a slow feeder if suitable, or practise simple commands before serving dinner.

For everyday feeding, a small, comfortable bowl is still essential.

Product pick: Small Dog Bowls

5. Teach tiny tricks

Chihuahuas are clever and often enjoy short training sessions. Keep them brief and upbeat.

Try simple cues such as:

Sit
Touch
Spin
Wait
Come
Find it

A five-minute session can be enough. Chihuahuas do not need long, formal training to feel mentally stimulated.

6. Let them watch the world safely

Many Chihuahuas love watching what is happening outside. A safe window spot can be entertaining, but be careful if it encourages too much barking.

If your Chihuahua becomes overexcited, move their cosy area away from the window and offer a toy or treat game instead.

7. Give them calm cuddle time

Enrichment does not always mean activity. Chihuahuas often thrive on closeness and routine. A blanket on your lap, a calm evening and a settled cuddle can be just as important as play.

This is where a soft blanket or comfort bed becomes more than a product. It becomes their little safe place.