I am fostering a chihuahua that is afraid of everything.She will hide in corners and bite out of fear and sress. The conditions she came from were not good.Does anyone have any suggestions on working with her?She is making progress but i would like to know of anything that may help that i may be unaware of.
2007-01-19 07:04:44 · 11 answers · asked by Juanita M 1 in Pets ➔ Dogs
We rescued a Great Dane a few years ago. When we first got him, he also was scared of a lot of things. He also would not allow you to touch his paws, check his ears, etc. With time, he built trust in us and there is very little that he will not allow us to do to him now. All I can say is it just takes time and love. Once they realize that not everybody and everything out there mean them harm, they do come around.
2007-01-19 07:09:14 · answer #1 · answered by Scottee25 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I rescued an abused Chihuahua and he was the same except was very scared of men. I used to sit in the floor with him and my other Chihuahuas to help them feel less intimidated. It may sound silly at first but its a great way to let her see you at her level or at least close. Offer her a safe haven- a nice basket with fleece blankets to call her own. Put it away close but not too close to the busy area in your home- the place where you and the family gather the most. If she feels corners are her safe haven then place it in a corner in the busy area. This helps get her used to the hustle and bustle of your home. Offer treats and talk softly around her and try not to overwhelm her. Never acknowledge her when she acts defensively, like growling, when you walk by her. If you do it supports her actions and when she tries to bite don't give in- tell her NO in a stern voice and try again.
A qualified Vet may be able to give you some advice and maybe consider some meds as temporary help for anxiety while you are working with her. You may also want to try obedience training that is treat enforced or praise enforced. This training could keep her senses busy and help her get used to her new life.
I praise you for your dedication and I hope you are able to help her turns things around. It is so sad that someone would do mean things to an animal. Bless you!
2007-01-19 13:44:22 · answer #2 · answered by dazedreamr 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Just let her come to you, until she can earn you trust. It may take a while, because it sounds like the poor baby was abused, and she probably doesn't trust anyone right now. Does she have alot of toys to play with? If she lets you, just try to show her that she can trust you, and that you won't hurt her, by showing her lot's of love and attention, and talk to her very softly. Chihuahuas love to be cuddled. Just give her a little time to adjust to everything. She'll be ok!
2007-01-19 07:26:46 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
You might want to ask the vet if there is a medication to sedate her or calm her down. It's tough dealing with an abused animal. You might want to look for what she does like. Maybe put one of your old shirts in her bed. Then she will learn that smell is a comfort. Sometimes music works. I'm serious. My dog likes gospel music. It sooths the nerves for them just like it does for you and me. Maybe she don't feel good. You might want to see if she is teething. Wear gloves so that if she does bite it don't hurt you. Then she might get the idea bit ting does her no good. I had a cockateil that was paired up with my female. She loved to be petted but he was aggressive over her. My husband and I wore two pair of gloves when we handled them. It became funny because he would bite and bite and bite and it did no good. Protect yourself. Maybe she'll understand taking her anger out on you don't hurt you any more.
2007-01-23 06:01:07 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
it relatively is unacceptable behaviour, no ask your self your husband needs rid. If it replaced right into a GSD or large canine doing this then i'm confident you would be up in hands, yet considering's a chi it relatively is ideal? Get a behaviourist in directly.
2016-10-31 13:22:44 · answer #5 · answered by ? 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
i have 4 chis, & i've rescued some before from bad conditions.... the best thing for her is (since she's in a new environment with new people, etc.) is get a dog crate & keep her in it for the time being.... having free roam of a large room or the whole house gives her the opportunity to run & hide.... & for her own safety, it's best to confine her until she begins to trust you...... this way, with her in a crate, you can tend to her needs safely & also get her used to your company.... put her somewhere quiet, your room would be best, that way she can see you & see what you are doing & become more familiar with you..... or just any quiet, low traffic room in the house...... try coaxing her with treats.... but don't try too much at once, just start by giving her a treat, & leave it at that (speak sweetly to her, but in your normal voice) then, we she will take a treat calmly from your hand, try to pet her a little (but remember, palm up & don't reach down to her or get near her belly at first) then try to get her to gradually let you pet her more, kneel at the front of the kennel & try to get her to take steps toward you, this means she's starting to trust you....... have any other members of the family who have to or wish to care for her do this as well..... but if you are the primary caretaker, i would say keep her close to you......... but keeping her confined is definitely the best thing for her & for you until she becomes more trusting of people, if you have to chase her down & catch her, progress is going to be very, very slow in coming.......... good luck, & i hope you have success, & it's good to know there are still people out there who care for animals...........
2007-01-19 07:17:05 · answer #6 · answered by Ashli B 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I have chuahauha that was at the humane society. She was very afraid at first but I would hold her and spend lots of time with her. And eventually she got very used to me. Now she will cry until I will hold her. She is sitting on my lap rite now.lol
2007-01-19 07:16:05 · answer #7 · answered by aj 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
i actualy have a chihuahua... we foun him in a parking lot in not so good condition either. spend A LOT of time with him, pet him alot, let him know your there and wont abuse him. my chihuahua loves to be stroked on the belly, it relaxes him.
2007-01-19 07:09:42 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I would just speak gently, softly, and sing softly to her. Cuddle with her, when you're holding her, play with her paws to help her get used to your touch. Don't push her, let her get comfortable in her own terms.
2007-01-19 07:10:57 · answer #9 · answered by JustMe 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
give her space to get to know everything and then show her by staying away when you give her food let her see you give her food... leave toys fir her and show her a lease is good
2007-01-19 07:08:54 · answer #10 · answered by The H 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋