[Iavy]

Hi, I'm new here..
My boyfriend and I recently took in a dachshund chihuahua mix that was severely neglected.. He's a little over a year old and is very sweet. He loves women, but is intimidated by men until he realizes they aren't out to hurt him.
For being so young he refuses to play! I've bought him many toys none of which he's interested in; he just wants to follow me around constantly and if I try to ignore him he gets upset and whines nonstop. He's terrified of my cats when they try to play with him and he runs away from them yelping. I just feel like he'd be a happier dog if he could be slightly more independent.. Even as I type this he's freaking out trying to get on the chair with me. I'd love to see him playing and happy, not always crying and being so attached to me when I go away from an hour he can't stand it. How do I start correcting this? I feel bad ignoring him when he carries on because of how neglected and starved for attention he was before.

[Kangarumi]

It sounds like your pup is suffering from anxiety. Being in a shelter can be a traumatizing thing for many dogs, and it will sometimes effect them for life. Maybe you could try playing fetch with his favorite food for a while? He'll start associating fetch with positive things. This won't work for all dogs, but it may be worth the try.

He may just need some more time to warm up. A lot of dogs see you soft talking to them while they're scared and see their fear as a behavior that gets them more attention. You can also try behaving in an over-exited or up-beat manner. It might rub off on him. : 3

[Iavy]

I should have been more specific, he didn't come from a shelter he was given to a friend of mine because the people "didn't want him anymore" and she couldn't keep him because she has too many pets.. it's obvious they neglected him, he had no shots, his nails were ridiculously long, he was infested with fleas, and we're still working on basic manners. I'll try the food thing, I just went to the pet store up the road and got him a beef bone with the marrow and stuff still in it.. with much persuasion he finally took it and went to lay down and chew on it. This is the longest he's left me alone since we've had him.

[millsandbones]

It would take a little time before your dog will comfortable to his new environment. Just make sure that he feels your love and care. Take things slowly. Have you treated his fleas and have him groomed? That would be a great start.

[Iavy]

Yep, his fleas are gone and he gets his monthly flea treatment, to avoid ever having that happen again.
I'm slowly trimming his nails down once a week so I don't hurt him as the quick inside grew out really long with them. I try to make it a nice experience each time with plenty of treats and breaks between feet when he gets upset. Each time it gets better.
Maybe I'm just impatient, I know he didn't have the best life before so I want him to be happy now that he has someone who's willing to spend time and money on him...Ha. Thanks for the advice!