Abused Dog

slavewoman777 · 11-29-2010

We just picked up a little Chihuahua about 3 years old and think she was abused. The first night we had her she would not let anyone touch her, second day she will let me near her but is still unsure. She will not let anyone pet her put has let me just lightly touch her. Would appreciate any suggestions to helping her. She is a really sweet little girl!

cigwyllt · 11-29-2010

Well done for taking on a rescue dog, especially one that isn't a "ready made" pet. I think you are doing well. Just be very, very patient with her. Encourage everyone to adopt a non threatening stance around her, don't make eye contact, don't attempt to stroke over the top of her head. Let everyone take a turn in feeding her, by hand if possible so that she learns that hands and the people that they are attached to can be positive.

It may take a good while, maybe 6 months or more, for her to start to trust but your patience will be well rewarded, especially knowing what a dreadful start she had to her life.

Nerodia · 11-29-2010

Quote:

Originally Posted by cigwyllt

Well done for taking on a rescue dog, especially one that isn't a "ready made" pet. I think you are doing well. Just be very, very patient with her. Encourage everyone to adopt a non threatening stance around her, don't make eye contact, don't attempt to stroke over the top of her head. Let everyone take a turn in feeding her, by hand if possible so that she learns that hands and the people that they are attached to can be positive.

It may take a good while, maybe 6 months or more, for her to start to trust but your patience will be well rewarded, especially knowing what a dreadful start she had to her life.

We've been "rehabilitating" a very shy kitty, who bit me pretty severely out of sheer terror when we first brought her home. I'm with cigwyllt; treats, non-threatening stance, and patience! It was three months before we could even let our scardey-kitty out of her special "get-acquainted" room! But she's beginning to come out of her shell just fine now. :-)

Good luck, and good for you!

Lunareclipse · 11-29-2010

Just because your dog is scared doesn't mean it was abused. Chihuahuas tend to have mental complexes like that. Imagine someone trying to pet you with a hand that is twice the size of your head. I bet you would cower in fear too. Get down on the floor with your chi. Get down on his level as much as possible. Try to never stand OVER him. That could be terrifying to a tiny dog. Do not pick him up unless you absolutly have to. Let him come to you to sit on your lap. Try sitting on the floor for a few minutes at a time with a teaspoon full of peanut butter. Just hold it out, not nessecarily in the dog's direction and wait for the dog to approach it. Don't try to move it towards the dog. The dog would probably view it as a threat and shy away. It takes lots of patience but it's worth it.

Yogi · 11-29-2010

One thing to note, as one who breeds small and toy breeds, when you do reach, reach under then chin not over their head. As Luna noted, it is intimidating to a small dog when something large looms over their heads.
With the rest, patience is the key. Allow the dog time to acclimate to its new home and surroundings. Like a foster child, it takes time before it bonds. But in the end with patience, there will come a time where you will think the dog acts as if it has been there its entire life.

Lunareclipse · 11-30-2010

Like Yogi said, pet their chin and their chest and give belly rubs if your dog will let you. The top of a chi's head should be avoided anyway. They have a soft spot on top of their head like a newborn. It doesn't go away. You could easily give your chi a concussion.

fairydogmother · 12-01-2010

Thank you for taking in a rescue dog! Once she gets a bit more trustful of you some basic obedience training would really help. My best friend took in a stray Chihuahua a few years ago and he had also been abused. We are about 99.9% sure some one kicked him because when her boyfriend would go to put his work boots on Paco would run and hide under the sofa and just shake and cry. He was pretty much terrified of men up until she started taking him to obedience classes. He still prefers women to men but the classes have really built up his confidence and he is much less fearful now. Good luck with your new pup!