new chi pup seems terrified of other dogs

Question
We just got a 12-week-old chihuahua puppy from a loving breeder/groomer.  She several dogs of various ages and sizes in her home as well as having had strange dogs in her home that she was grooming.  Our new puppy is very loving and sweet but a bit on the timid side and is inexplicably terrified of other dogs.  She trembles, whines, barks and snaps at them.  I've heard that socialization is the key to helping her overcome this, but it doesn't seem to be doing a lot of good.  Do you have any suggestions for training her out of her anxiety?

Answer
Hi Bridgette:  You have changed her pack and she is stressed.  In a few days she will be much better.  Give her a place in your home that is quiet and not near too many other pets.  Make sure she has a crate to sleep in with lots of toys and blankets.....

The key is to introduce her slowly to one or two others....She needs to learn to trust you as her pack leader.  She needs to bond with you first and then bond with the other pack memeber.  ( the pack is everyone in your home  -  humans and pets ----)

Try to shelter for a few days.  A Chi doggie is small and can get hurt by other pets or people.  Make sure everyone knows how to approach her and safety issues.  

I have a friend that wrote a book called " The Human Pack" -
very good read!!!  You can buy it at Amazon.com and other book stores.




Best wishes,

Marie Peppers
The Doggie Chalet
NuVet Plus the Best Pet Vitamin in the USA
http://www.nuvet.com/81098