new long haired chihuahua

Question
we just got a new long haired chihuahua . we have had her three days she is very skittish hard to catch acts like she is scared of every thing if you do catch her she will set in your lap no problem .she will potty outside on a leash she is not eating very well.she came from a house with several dogs some of them chihuahuas. her name is bridgett arleine, she is about 8 months old please give us advise thank you very much
                                        martin and brenda

Answer
Hi Martin and Brenda...

Three days is a very short time for an 8 month old dog to feel comfortable in a new home.  How are you keeping her in your home?  Is she in a small area or is she being given run of the house?  What do you mean when you say she's "hard to catch"?  How are you "catching" her? Do you know what she was being fed at her first home?  Are you able to call them and ask?  Even if she was being fed a poor quality food, you can start with feeding her what she's use to and then add in a high quality food gradually as you reduce the original food.  Are you thinking that she's not eating due to the stress of changing homes?

Dogs are pack animals and I have no doubt that she misses the "pack" of dogs that she was with and is very confused by this huge change in her life.  She should be kept in a small area (like in the kitchen or a bedroom) during this adjustment period so that she can get use to things gradually and not be so overwhelmed.  Additionally, you won't have a need to "catch" her which I'm sure is frightening for her. Giving her the run of the whole house is way too overwhelming right now.  Is anyone else living in your home?  Kids?  Is anyone home with her during the day?  Do you have other dogs?   

If you could get back to me with answers to some of the questions that I've asked, I'd love to help you more.

Jo Ann