My chihuahua is always afraid

Question
QUESTION: I have had my pet chihuahua,buddy,for about 6 years now since he was a puppy!!But he has always been afraid.He will shake if someone other than me touches him and will try to hide or will run.He doesnt seem to like other people.Is there any way i can make him less afraid of strangers??

ANSWER: Hi Whitney, Our small dogs have a tendency to shake and act afraid of everything. The key to getting them past their fears is to socialize them as much as you can. I take my TFT with me everywhere I go. You could get one of those pouches (like a backpack that you wear in the front) and take him places with you. Ask people of all types to say hello to him and pat or scratch him, if he will tolerate it. Get your friends to handle him, touch his feet, tail, ears, teeth...Speak calmly and quietly to him the whole time. Breath out in big sighs when he gets nervous, it will help her relax. Don't yawn, as sometimes they take that as you threatening the other person. Dog parks (with well-behaved dogs), pet supermarkets, drug stores, hardware stores, office supply stores...will usually let you bring him in, just explain that you are socializing him if you are asked. If you are at all nervous, breath, and relax yourself, as he can really feel your fears. If necessary (such as if he will bite), speak to your vet about a mild sedative and/or a muzzle. I would use those as a last resort. Get him used to you handing him over to close friends and family members for short periods of time, eventually leading up to longer times. Do not let anyone grab him or try to pick him up without your permission. Taking him to obedience classes, agility, flyball...are all things that you can do with him that will show him that there is nothing to worry about. The more he sees other dogs having fun with their owners and each other, the more confident he will become. Please leave me some feedback, nominations if you wish, and keep me posted. The only way we can tell we are doing a good job, as volunteers, is by your feedback or reposting us. It is much easier to see results in our classes, and we can correct problems so much easier. So let me know how it goes with him  as soon as you can. Thank you for writing. Regards, Susan

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QUESTION: Thank you for the information and help.But i just want to ask you one more question,My chihuahua also does not like to play very much, is that normal for a chihuahua??Like he doesnt like to play with balls or toys.
ANSWER: Hi Whitney, Thanks for writing back. I have found that with the smaller breeds, cat toys usually get their attention better. I give mine those little mice that have pull strings or squeek and they love them. I use my chipper voice to get them interested, and play with them myself until they join in. It usually helps quite a bit. Just be sure not to get the cat toys that have catnip in them. But there are some good mice and birdies that they love. How is she doing?  Is she coming out of her shell at all lately?  You know I care, so please do not hesitate to write back anytime. Warm Regards, Susan

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QUESTION: Thanks again!!!And i will try some cat toys and see if he likes them any better.I just went on a 2 day trip like two weeks ago and i took him with me.It was like a family reunion thing and little kids were asking me if they could hold him and touch him and stuff.I let them pick him up and hold him and also pet him.He was really shakey and when they were holding him he was pulling away towards me so should i just ignore him when he pulls away or take him from the people holding him??Thanks for your help!!Whitney

Answer
Hi Whitney, My rule of thumb with my little dogs and their clients is this: if the person is calm, sitting quietly and unafraid, I will put the dog in the persons lap facing me. I nod my head an smile at her telling her she is being so gentle and sweet to "_____", whoever is holding her. I do not allow anyone to grab a small dog from behind unexpectedly.  It is bad for anyone to do even if the dog is a nice and calm dog. It teaches people bad behavior towards little dogs and we need to be their representatives.  Thank you again for writing and for any feedback or nomination you may have filled out.  If you haven't please take the time to do so as it is the only way for us to make sure we are reaching people online, which is much harder to judge than being in a class situation.  Thanks again. Regards, Susan