Can Anyone Help Me and My Dog?

Question

I have a Japanese Chin. We think she came from a puppy mill ( a breeder who breeds dog just for the money ) She is afraid of EVERYTHING! Plastic bags, feet, phones, you name it! She is also afraid of people. The only people she is not afraid of is me, my mom and my friend. Especially men. She is also afraid of collers; I think she was shocked.
DOES ANYONE HAVE ANY ADVISE TO MAKE HER NOT SO AFRAID?

Answer 1

You're going to need to take things nice and s-l-o-w with this little one. She needs to be desensitized. I'd suggest getting her used to people first. Have a small group (3-4) of visitors come to your home - she'll feel much safer if she's on her own turf. Don't let anyone near her. Wait till she approaches them. Give each guest a handful of tiny, extra scrumptions snacks - cut up chicken breast, without skin, is excellent. Or get some cheerios - a lot of small dog trainers use them as treats. You want something tasty - and not what you normally give her as treats. This has to be special so she equates people with "something good will happen" if I go up to them. May not be successful on your first try, but be paitent.

Same with inanimate objects - put something she's afraid of on the floor. Ignore and her. See what she does. Put an extra tasty treat several feet away from the object and point it out to her. Praise her like crazy when she picks up the treat. Gradually move the treats closer and closer to the scary object...

The key is small amouts of training several times a day. Don't overload her senses. She needs a "safe" place of her very own when she gets frightened. A crate, under the bed, somewhere where she can be safe. And above all, be patient! It'll take time, but you'll have a loving, unafraid dog eventually.

Another source of information? Check out Yahoo groups. Most breeds have at least one group made up of both reputable breeders and pet owners. You'll get loads of information.

Good luck.

Answer 2

Well for starters, you have to be calm and assertive around her. When she is afraid, don't coo all over her and comfort her, that makes it worse, makes her think she has a reason to be afraid. When she gets afraid of a plastic bag or something just act like nothing happened. Don't give her attention when she acts affraid, you are the alpha, show her how to react to new and scary things. You are in charge. And signing her up for a good training course will also help. It will help her get used to other people and other dogs, socialize her into a good-natured member of the family.
You should get the book "Caesar's Way" by Caesar Milan (or Mylan) he is a dog behaviorist, he has studied dogs in pack behavior his whole life. He is awesome! Also watch "The Dog whisperer" on the national geographic channel, that's his show. He is amazing how he transforms all these "unfixable" dogs.

Answer 3

You might want to hunt out a pet psychologist. They do exist and may be able to offer up some tips. Also, check out the book by the Dog Whisper. I watch his show and he's pretty amazing.

If I understand him correctly, you will have to establish yourself as pack leader so your dog knows YOU are in charge and he doesn't have to worry.

There are techniques to ease her but some dogs are so damaged, it is nearly impossible. I had a boy dachshund like that. He was timid and stupid and wouldn't housebreak. I found him another home with a minister's wife. She's worked wonders with him and he's doing great now.

Answer 4

Chamomile tea works very well to releive anxiety, and is safe for her. Dump it out of the teabag, and use 1 teaspoon for small breed, up to 1 tablespoon for a large breed. mix it in a little canned food, such as Mighty Dog, or Cesar's, It will keep her happy, but reduce stress.
If your grocer doesn't carry chamomlile, you can use 'Sleepy-time Tea' as it is the same, but with added herbs. Plain chamomile tastes better to a dog.
You can give as often as needed to keep her relaxed for a while.

Give her this for couple of weeks, while you lavish her with TLC. It should help her relax around people, as it gives a feeling of well being.

Answer 5

you know it will take some time but try to show her that not all ppl are bad and show her that all these objects arent bad either for the coller find a nice comfortable coller for her trust me i had the same problem with my cat but shes still afraid of certain men

Answer 6

The most important thing to do is NOT shelter your dog and feed into her fears...socialize her with people that you trust....do it slowly..there is a man who has advice about stuff like this...
http://www.dogpsychologycenter.com/

He has helped us with our puppy who was really aggressive. I believe all of our dogs were from puppy mills too. Is she a puppy? Do you know where she came from? Ask and see what she was exposed to that could have her scared like this. I know a dog that is TERRIFIED of cameras...even without the flash..they cant figure that out...but then it is alot easier to keep a camera out of the dogs face than it is to keep your phone from ringing...

good luck...DONT GIVE UP ON HER!!

dina

Answer 7

It may take a great deal of time and care before she eventually begins to trust, but if she is flighty, then I am guessing she will stay that way. The best thing I can tell you is just love her, cater to her needs, be as loving and gentle as possible, and hope for the best. Also-speak to your vet. It may seem weird, but maybe some anti anxiety drugs could be perscribed for her?

Bless her little heart-I hope everything works out.

Answer 8

You are going to have to socialize her. Take her for a walk around the block and take treats with you. Have a friend offer her a treat when they come in the door. Have a friend meet you in the middle of the block and offer her a treat. Don't force her but the treats will work wonders at helping you socialize her.

Answer 9

alot of love and patience! slowing introduce her to new things, be gentle. if she doesn't have to wear a collar indoors then leave her be, but for outside and walks you want to start off with a collar or something really light to hang around her neck. only put it on for a few minutes each day and slowly build up the time as the days go by. eventually she will get used to the weight and that it and you wont hurt her. maybe start by walking her around your home on the leash and letting her drag the leash around while inside and supervised so it doesn't snag. she will need to become accusstomed to the weight of the collar and leash and that they are nothing to be affraid of. she will need time to discover his herself. show her alot of gentleness and patience as this cn be a long process. she may never readily go to anyone and may alway be a little scared and nervous.

Answer 10

If I were you I would find a good trainer to work with. We have quite a few around my area that will even come to your home. Either way I think it would help both of you out.