What do do with a scared dog?

Question

Hi everyone- my husband and I bought a Chihuahua about 2 weeks ago and she's 9 months old.At first she bonded with my husband.And then for some reason she started getting very atached to me. My husband did'nt change anything he was doing he is very loving to her and offers treats and anything else he can think of . She just acts scared of him.What should we do?Does anyone know any tricks?I know we should be patient but we don't know if what we are doing is right or wrong.Hopefully someone out there can help who has maybe gone through this too.Oh I forgot to mention she is a kennell dog so I know that's a big part of it too. Thanks for the help :)

Answer 1

Well I've never had a chihuahua, but I've been around several of them, and I know that they're a very nervous breed of dog, always trembling/shaking. Also, I was going to say that maybe a man had been mean to her in the past and that might be why she's scared of your husband, but you said she bonded with him at first, so that makes no sense. Or maybe he did something that scared her, without even realizing that he had. It is just really hard to say, but it doesn't sound like you're doing anything wrong, I think you are right in saying that you just need patience, I think she will get used to him again and settle down. And you've only had her for 2 weeks, so I would imagine she just needs more time.

Answer 2

It really depends on the reaction of all the caregivers for your chihuahua. If you see any signs of nervousness or being scared, do not baby your dog, instead, leave her alone. If you pick her up or pet her then your behavior is nurturing her insecurity. It doesn't matter whether she's a kennel dog - dog's do not sit around during the day and think - o man i grew up in a kennel - they wake up they pee they poo, they go look for bugs - You may want to try that the only way she can eat is off your husband's hand so she can develop a bond with him once more. Just remember do not nurture her insecure behavior - even when she comes to you when she is scared turn around and walk away or you can have ur husband try the exercise with the dog alone in the room - have her in a crate - have him sit infront of the crate with it opened - his back turned towards her - so the only way out would be to walk next to your husband - by showing the dog your back instead of head on - it is a lot less threatening.

Answer 3

Chihuahuas seem to attach theselves to specific people more than others its not uncommon. They seem to be more prone to attaching themselves to women than men. Possibly because we're more motherly and loving. Neither of you has done anything wrong.

Make sure he is speaking in a soft voice, not wearing a cap or anything that could hide his face. Try having him praise her in a soft voice for anything good no matter how stupid it is. Also I found just sitting there on the sofa watching tv, not paying attention to the dog seems to help. Let them sit there, let her sniff and walk on and whatever else while he ignores her. That way she can know he's not going to harm her or do anything.

Kennels dogs seem to have more fright issues than others but they can overcome them but it takes time and patience ... Oh and cheese ( but only in tiny amounts) or tuna!

Answer 4

Wow, nine months old. Even though this dog is new to you, you need to get into an obedience program. Obedience classes teach you about dog behavior. You need to learn about dog behavior. Asking question from strangers isn't going to be more informative than going to obedience classes and getting hands on learning. Just a hint, reward for good behavior, correct for bad behavior. Often someone that does not understand dog behavior will reward bad behavior.

Answer 5

It is quite possible that she is going through a developmental stage. Have your husband take over primary care for her - feeding, walking, grooming for a little while. Also, have him avoid making direct eye contact and let her come to him on her terms. If she is a "soft" dog, she may be responding to body language that your husband isn't even aware of.

hope this helps.

Answer 6

You might want to ease her into dog training, that will help her socialization skills. I wouldn't push her too much though. I would try the training and try to get her outside around people. Hopefully training will help her out. Good luck!