Hello all,

I have adopted/rescued a 5yo female Chihuahua who i suspect has only been used for breeding. The owner told me she had a few pups a few years ago and another 8 months ago but this delivery was by c-section.

The house i collected her from had a number of dogs living there in cages (inc her pup that the owner is keeping). I have had her 4 weeks and she is still very nervous. Im taking bad with this. I have been reading everything, sitting on floor to feed, pat etc... Nothing working. She doesnt bark, yap or growl.

I have bought her a plush new bed and fleece covers and put in an item of my clothing. She sometimes sleeps in my bed but not often as my wife doesnt like that. She wont play with toys.

I am trying to clicker train her but its not working. Always giving her treats but she prefers to stay in her bed all day. I take her out for walks but she hates the lead. She has not social skills at all. The vet has checked her over and she is in good health. She is not spayed and not due to go into heat until around March time i believe.

Bought her a coat to keep her warm when she goes out to toilet, think im doing everything right.

Got in touch with owner who only tells me now that she didnt play with humans, only when she was pregnant.

Help.

My brother took on a Terrier just like yours,it took months and months of TLC to bring her round,she still doesn't know how to play with toys ,you seem to be doing everything right,just take your time ,introduce new things very very slowly.Maybe she was just shut in a cage all her life and doesn't know what to do and behave like a dog.I'm sure with love and patience you will get there.

__________________

so sa, it sounds like this one will need a slow and gentle approach! So glad she has gone to you, who obviously care deeply and will give her the love and patience she deserves.

__________________
[url=http://pitapata.com]

Thanks for the replies.

Should she spend all day / night in her bed? Thought about taking away the bed until night time.

Skye spends all day / night in her bed unless out for a walk or at toilet. I was thinking of perhaps hiding her bed until night time?

You could try and see what happens but if she gets distressed i would let her stay in it , she feels safe in there if she's been locked in a crate all her life ,maybe increase the time you take it away each time,with lots of treats or distractions and cuddles

__________________

Thanks Michelle, i will try that.

I am also worried that Skye does not bark or growl at all. She does make weird noises like a pig sometimes...strange. Why is this? What is this?

I bet she will when she gets more confident,the pig noise is probably reverse sneezing? a lot of chis do it, mine do it a lot

__________________