Chiweenie’s Charming Stair-Climbing Antics Will Delight You

Quick Smiles:

• Diego, a senior Chiweenie, charms the internet with his unique stair-climbing method.
• Owner Justin Cubillos shares insights into Diego’s quirky behavior and history.
• Experts suggest small dog behaviors are often influenced by owner interactions.

A delightful video of a senior Chiweenie named Diego has captured the hearts of many online with his creative stair-climbing technique.

In the viral TikTok clip, Diego, who is 9 years old, can be seen walking from one side of each step to the other before hopping up to the next.

This amusing routine has attracted over 964,000 views, leaving viewers in stitches.

Justin Cubillos, Diego’s owner from Downers Grove, Illinois, shared that Diego developed this technique five years ago after moving from a condo to a house.

“When we first moved to our house from a condo, he would bark at the bottom of the stairs until we carried him up,” Cubillos explained.

“Then he figured out this technique shortly after and has done it ever since.”

Despite his stair-climbing antics, Diego can descend stairs normally.

Cubillos noted, “The stairs are his weakness,” and mentioned that Diego was the runt of his litter, weighing a mere 2.5 pounds when adopted alongside his sister, Penny.

“The shelter said they had to hand-feed him because his brothers would pick on him. So, he’s always had ‘little dog syndrome,’ only really likes his family, and is very protective of Penny.”

A study by the American Kennel Club, led by Christine Arhant from the University of Veterinary Medicine in Vienna, found that small dogs like Diego are often less obedient, more excitable, and more anxious compared to larger breeds.

The study, which surveyed 1,276 dog owners, highlighted that these traits are more influenced by owner behavior than by the dogs’ size.

Inconsistent training methods and fewer shared activities such as play or training were linked to lower obedience in small dogs.

Additionally, punitive training methods were found to increase anxiety and aggression.

The researchers advise that consistent training, engaging in activities together, and avoiding punishment can enhance small dogs’ behavior, especially in public settings.

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