Handling rules come first with a Chihuahua
Handling is the opening topic for any Chihuahua handover. Show the carer how your dog is picked up: one hand under the chest, the other supporting the hindquarters, never lifted by the front legs or scruff. Say clearly that he must not be carried by children, passed between visitors or placed on high furniture he might jump from, because small bones and a bold attitude are a risky combination. Also warn that a frightened Chihuahua may snap, so the sitter should let him approach people rather than being handed around like a toy.
Warmth, rest and where he feels safe
Warmth shapes a Chihuahua's whole day, so describe his bedding, his jumper for cold walks and where he burrows at home. Many Chihuahuas shiver when cold, tired or anxious, and a new carer needs to know which shiver is normal for your dog and which comes with hiding, refusing food or a tucked tail. Name his safe place, whether that is a covered crate, a basket under a blanket or one end of the sofa, and tell the sitter that this spot is his to retreat to undisturbed, especially in a busy boarding home.
Small meals, teeth and toilet arrangements
Feeding a Chihuahua means small amounts on a reliable schedule. Give the food, the measured portion, how many meals a day he has and why skipping meals matters more in a tiny dog: a missed breakfast can leave a very small dog wobbly and unwell, and the carer should call a vet if he refuses food and seems lethargic. Note his dental situation in plain terms, such as which side he prefers for chews or whether hard treats are off the menu. Cover toilet habits precisely too, since many Chihuahuas use a pad indoors in bad weather while others will only go outside, and a boarder needs the right setup from the first night.
Barking, other dogs and walks
Barking is part of the Chihuahua briefing, not an embarrassment to hide. Explain what sets your dog off, whether that is the doorbell, strangers at the gate or large dogs approaching head-on, and what settles him. Describe his walk routine honestly: harness rather than collar, short outings, and vigilance around bigger dogs, because a Chihuahua who challenges a large dog needs a carer ready to lift him clear and change direction. Say which dogs he knows and likes, and whether boarding with big, boisterous dogs is suitable at all.
Contacts and permission for the stay
Contacts close the handover: your vet's details, an emergency contact who knows the dog, and written permission for the sitter to seek veterinary care straight away in an emergency. Add notes on car travel, since many Chihuahuas ride best in a secured carrier, and on visitors, stairs and open doors, because a dog this small slips through gaps unnoticed. Pack his usual jumper and a spare blanket in his bag, so the boarder is not improvising warmth from towels on a cold first night.
Sending those handling and warmth instructions in a KinsLe Care Pass means a new carer protects your Chihuahua's small frame and big personality without guessing.