Very shy Chinese Crested Powder Puff

Question
We recently adopted a 3 year old Chinese Crested Powder Puff, we have had since May 7,2009 his name is Lucky. The family we adopted him from seemed to be a good one. They had gotten Lucky for their two boys, but they wanted to play video games instead. He is darling dog, but we are so frustrated. He is very loving to me, but will have nothing to do with my husband or our two boys. He seems to afraid of everything and runs and hides under the end table. He will shake and put his head down. Sometimes he will yelp and you are not even close to him, he is so afraid of everything.

He has started pooping in the house, he has only peed a couple of times.We let him outside to do his business but does not always do it. He will not play, it is like he does not know how. He will not always come when called. He has so many issues, I am just overwhelmed . I want to help him and give him a loving home. But not sure where to start. I do not want to give up on him and take him to the pound, but if this continues I am afraid it will happen.
   Thank You reading my question Michelle

Answer
Hi Michelle

Please don't take this poor dog to the pound - if he cannot cope with a loving family home then he certainly will not cope with that.  If you must rehouse him find a quiet family home to take him on.

CCpPs are often shy and worried.  if they have been treated roughly (and having lived with small boys in the past..!) even accidently, they don't easily recover.  Even noisy households can be overwhelming for them.

As there are so many issues with him it would be sensible to get a behaviourist to come to your home and meet him.  The road to recovery will be long but you can definately help him to be the family pet you want.  you just have to know how to help him; unfortunately the things we instinctively want to do are wrong - pressuring him, trying to touch him etc as they can make dogs more frightened.

So,ask your vet for referral to a qualified behaviorist who can help.

Good luck.