Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I just adopted a Chihuahua. But it looks ver long like maybe a weiner dog mixed with Chihuahua. I was told she was VERY shy. She is a fear biter, though she hasn't bitten us, just bluffed.
SHe is the sweetest little girl. She is supposed to be 1.5 years old. I spent all evening holding her and talking with her and when I went to tale her out to go potty she flipped out and was so scared she showed he teeth but no bite. I am a dog person and have owned dogs all of my life. I learn as much as I can about them and pack behavior. Can we help thislittle girl and will she ever relax? When I introduced he to my cat and my 2 mastiffs she would rather be near them than people. This can't be healthy for her to be so freaked out all of the time. The lady I got her from said she had her for 3 months and she was that way when they got her. She is still so young I am hoping with time and some good direction( I need the direction) I can help her to be a calm playful dog that she deserves to be. You want to spoiler cause she is so gosh darn adorable, but yet I want her to become self confident and be able to be a dog and play with out being so skidish.
Thank you
Tiff

Since she finds comfort from th other dogs, I'd probably take her out and show her the world with the other dogs- as long as they are calm cool and collected in the outside world.

I'd enroll both her and the other dog in a low key obedience class (no more than 4 or 5 dogs). I would use a clicker for trianing this girl because with a clicker a dog is never really wrong. They control the situation and how to get a treat.

Time is also a friend. Take it slow and easy. Let her set the pace and encourage her coming out of her shell in small steps. Don't baby her or cater to the fear, but try not to put her in situations she can't handle. Again, when behaving well with the other dog present, treat lavishly and show her that she's doing it right by being brave. Ever so slowly remove her guardian from interactions, but do it slow and at her pace.

Good luck with the transition. It shouldn't take long for this to work, but this is a common problem for very small dogs. You've kind of got it lucky since she does seem to trust the other dog at least. Use it to your advantage.
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Chelle and the rest of the crew including, but not limited to Kita and Taiko (the shiba inu wrestle maniacs), Adi (reserved and dignified tabby cat), and all 28 reptiles

THANK YOU!!! That sounds like a plan. She ate from my hand today and walked with me outside, but she just cowers(sp) when you go to touch her.

Thank you!!
Tiff

I love Chelle's answer!
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Kathy Diamond Davis, author, "Therapy Dogs: Training Your Dog to Reach Others," 2nd edition, and the free Canine Behavior Series articles at http://www.veterinarypartner.com/Content.plx?P=SRC&S=1&SourceID=47

Thank you for your advise. She is coming around, but still very scared. I can atleast get her to play now. If it is just her and I she will play and bark and jump and roll on her back and wiggle. Thank you again!!
Tiff

Out of curiosity, do you know where this dog originally came from?

The outside behavior actually sounds a LOT like puppy mill dogs. When I worked at the shelter, even pups 1 year of age would FREAK and I do mean FREAK when taken outside. I would consider using a lightweight leash when taking outside. Since it is a small breed, that kinda also makes me wonder.

You would need a trainer that works with fear issues. Perhaps even a behaviorist.

I would also avoid over stressing in the home. No visitors, quiet home, when leaving do things like leave a light on and a TV or radio on.

Please keep us posted!
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Cindy & the bully boys
CGC Brutus the bullheaded bulldoggie
CGC Caesar the fabulous pittie

I am not sure where the last owner got her from, but the vax record she gave me looked like it was part of a pamphlet. The dog has never had a rabies vax and it says she has had the others (Parvo Leptus etc..)plus bordetella. It show that she was wormed also. She is so skinny. No worms in her poo though. I took her to work with me yesterday, I work in a small office just me and the boss. She was either in my lap or in her carrier. I went to get lunch and I got a sandwich and stopped at the store to get her a dish cause I forgot hers at home. When I got back in the car she had her tiny head in the middle of my sandwich and she was full of lettuce. (when I see something like that I think how could any ever be mean to animals, they love us no matter what we do and they bring such love and today, humor to our lives) So I feed her at work and she ate like she was starving. A few hours later I offered her food again and she ate again like she was starving. I just feed her this morning and she acts like she hasn't eaten in days. When I went to look at her when I bought her she lived with a large lab who waited for her to eat. What the old owners are telling me and how she is acting does not fit, but if she was a puppy mill puppy or if she was abused at her first home could she be reverting due to the stress of another new home? She growled at me this morning when I went to pick her up and I said "stop it silly, your ok" like I always do when I go to touch her or pick her up and she is fine. She even growled at my mastiff last night and her ran in the kitchen {he is rather timid } She loves my cat though. She hides underneath my bed and my dress and I have to get her to take her out. She has not had any accidents at all. She whined at about 2am so I went to take her out but I couldn't catch her. So when I got up this morning I took her out and she ran to go potty and poo (little runny twords the end but I did feed her wet food and she was eating dry. My other dogs eat grain free and a raw diet but I want to change her to raw after she gets acclimated and settles in here. No messes under the bed. She is such a good girl and so cute I will get a pic of her so you can see her.

Sorry so long, I just don;t want to leave anything out that may be able to help.
Thank you for taking the time to read this.
Tiffany

Here is a pic of her look at her sweet little face and those ears!! She is Brindle and long like a Weiner Dog, but small like a Chihuahua.

She is very cute! Good for you for putting in so much love and time and effort! I always feel that everything we do for them does not even compare to the love they give to us! Good luck!