I just got a 4 1/2 year old Chihuahua from a couple on the base. He stays beside the table and won't come out, except to eat once in a while. When he sees me he runs back. What do I do?
By teresa from Valdosta, GA
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Give the little creature time. He is already frightened. Do what you would do with a frightened child.
Lay on the floor near him. Calm voice--special treats on the finger-soft bed- all the good comfort things. Then just TIME. He is terrified. Soon u will be taking his bed and him to bed with you.
Go set on floor talk to little guy he's scared He's small you need get down to his size. Try to get him come & give him a small treat. Talk soft, have small blanket in lap see if you can get him to come to your lap. In other words slow slow work with him He needs to trust you. An animal gives love & all they want kind word. Good Luck. By Cookie17
These are tips that may help you to encourage your new pet to accept you sooner. Make sure you are the one doing the feeding until trust and confidence is established...sit on the floor quietly near the food dish and wait until the dog comes to you. Place a few of the dog's favorite toys near you and when the dog wants to play with them, it will have to come closer to you; do not reach out and touch; just sit quietly.
Congrats! Having a dog is wonderful! All the previous posts give wonderful suggestions. The one additional suggestion I would add is to put a some of your clothing close to the spot he likes to sit (ie a couple of soft shirts that you don't mind donating to the cause of helping your new friend get comfortable). These shirts will have your smell on them - and hopefully he will use them to make a bed. Since dogs rely mostly on smell to take in their world - this will help him transition from being nervous to being at home.
Agree with other posts, get down on the floor and sit quietly until he comes close. Let him set the agenda, it will happen, be patient. He needs love, patience, and a structured environment so he knows when he gets fed, goes for walks, goes to bed.
A good percentage states he was probably abused with no patience allowed. Lay with him, talk softly to him and let him know no harm is coming to him. Walk into another room as you are still talking to him to let him know you haven't forgotten him and that he can follow you without threat. And just give him all the love and patience you would want yourself to have in a strange environment. You will have a friend for life. A good life. Bless you for saving this baby.
I have had amazing results simply teaching my abused rescue dog to play. The only thing I could get her to accept at first was a felt football I made stuffed with her own hair plus some bunny mattes for flavor (might not be easy with a chihuahua). Once she learned that she was allowed to own something, she came out of her shell.
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