QuestionI just acquired a 4 yr old pom, Chloe. she doesn't bark much (a blessing), shivers when meeting people (i figure social skills were not important in her early years). she loves carrots, will not get on hard wood/slick type flooring, but has no problem w/carpet. has to be ENCOURAGED to go up/down stairs. is housebroken (GREAT). does not enjoy playing w/toys at all. i feed her twice a day, dry food, but she doesn't always eat much. is NOT leash trained, but i like that as she gets her business over & goes back inside. i have never had so SMALL a dog, so not sure what is expected (eating, playing, etc.) any help you could give would be geatly appreciated.
i'm VERY glad i found your website. it's offered good information.
Sandi
AnswerIt sounds like your Pom wasn't socilaized as a pup and you can try to undo that damage by taking her everywhere you can and introducing her to as many new situations and people as you can. It will be a long haul but not impossible. The shivering is out of fear-desensitizing her will help this. Toys may or may not become fun for her. I have some that could care less. Keep trying-she may not have been played with so doesn't understand that they can be fun.
Depending on what you mean by small. :) SInce that is relative. ;) You can just free feed-offer her a bowl of food all the time-leave it out for her to take what she wants when she want. She will sleep and may need to emininate very few 3-6 hours. Sounds like you have housetraining under control.
It sounds like you are enjoying her and the best you can do is offer her lots of attention and patience.
Best of luck!
-Trish
www.geminipoms.com
