Timid chihuahua

Question
Hi,

We are having problems with a new chihuahua we got last Saturday, 12/23.  Sweetie is three years old and we got her from a breeder who said her puppies don't survive because she is too small (she's only 3 1/2 lbs.).  She just had puppies that didn't survive about 4 weeks ago now and she still has a bad discharge which I read can last for up to 8 weeks after giving birth.  Anyway, she is extremely timid and scared now that she is with us, and we need advice as to how we should handle this.  I know we've only had her under a week, but she was actually coming to me the first day or two and following me around the house until I put a diaper on her because of the mess.  I think that is what set her back, and now she runs from me and will submissive urinate if I reach out to her.  I suppose putting the diaper on her was a really bad thing, but the mess is just awful and she seemed to be adjusting, but not since I put the diaper on.  I hope she will trust me again at some point.

My daughter suggested carrying her around with me constantly to try to help with bonding, which I have been doing now all day yesterday and today (that worked with our first adult chihuahua who was not nearly as timid as this one when we got her).  She's very still when I'm holding her and doesn't try to get away at all.  I suppose she's just scared stiff, but she doesn't seem to mind the holding and will lay her head on my arm.  But the minute I put her down, I have a hard time catching her again.  My question is, what should I do at this point?  What is the best way to go about acclimating her to our home?  Should I hold her a lot, or just let her sit in her corner and wait for her to approach?  We don't know if this is a lack of socialization, or if she was abused or what.  Either way, we don't expect immediate improvement and realize this could take time...hopefully she WILL become confident at some point.  I just don't want to go about it the wrong way.

Thanks for any help you can give us!
Beverly

Answer
Dear Beverly,
Thanks for the question. This is a very difficult if not impossible case to address on-line. I haven't seen your pup so anything I write here is speculation.

You are probably right about her being "just scared stiff". Her "stiff" behavior could be learned helplessness or distress. One of the most difficult aspects is that you need to interact with her (at some level) just to take care of her. Again, if she is constantly pressed into interacting AND she is "stiff", her prognosis for recovery is not good.

It's good that she was following you around. At least she was not always in a constant state of stress. Will she READILY eat when you are in the same room? from your hand? If so, hand feed her or feed her when you are nearby.

If not, I wouldn't try to coax her or entice her to come to you with food. Instead place a few pieces on the floor and walk away. Repeat several times. If she won't eat in front of you, walk into another room (after placing a few pieces on the floor where she can see them).

Will she walk and explore when people are nearby or does she hide in a corner? Does she have a crate? She may feel safer in a crate, placed in a quiet corner.

There are many things one could do, but every suggestion and subsequent step is dependent on how the dog reacts (something I can't know from here) and how the previous suggestion worked out.

In addition, a professional needs to actually observe the behavior and decide on the best first steps for treatment. For now, focus on feeding her and caring for her without adding stress.

Unfortunately some extremely abnormal timid pups never "become confident" without an extensive program. If she is in constant stress, she can't learn anything. She may need pharmacological intervention.

I suggest you look for a veterinary behaviorist, they'll have DACVB after their name. If there is not one close to you, perhaps there is vet that specializes in behavior modification. Ask your vet.

A CAAB would also be a good choice- that's a Certified Applied Animal Behaviorist.

If you must seek help from a trainer look for trainer that has experience working with fearful, abnormal dogs.

Look for a trainer that belongs to a professional membership organization. Here's one organization  http://www.apdt.com

Here's a web link for two CAABs, Patricia McConnell and Emily Weiss.

http://www.dogsbestfriendtraining.com/

http://www.emilyweiss.com

If you happen to live close to me (Memphis TN), I can help.

http://www.howsbentley.com

I have no information about the breeder or the history of your pup. Anything I state here is speculation. Was this the first time she this bitch was bred? I question the breeder's knowledge and/or motivation for attempting to breed a abnormally timid dog.  

In summary, you'll need some professional help. Sorry I can't offer a helpful strategy.

Happy Training!
Alan