fear biting in a rescue dog

Question
Kristin - Thanks very much for your insight; it was very helpful. May I add a little more info and ask one more thing? This tiny chi is a very timid little boy. He does not growl and allows me to take food out of his mouth. I can reach into his crate to pet him; he seems to crave the attention. Once he is picked up, he cuddles, snuggles, gives face rubs and kisses. He loves to tunnel around my legs under the blanket. I am noticing as his hair grows that he has numerous bite scars on his back and tummy. (I hope that does not mean he was used as bait in a dog fighting situation). I think you hit the nail on the head, he is probably not used to being handled, or handled gently. When I try to pick him up he shrieks either in pain or fear. (The  Vet could not find any acute injuries). Given the fact that he is so afraid, and that I have to earn every ounce of his trust, is it still OK to use the spray bottle? I just want to be sure that I don't complicate things for this poor little lamb.

Answer
Well if you want,instead of using the bottle you can clap your hands,or shake a can of pennies in it and say 'no' these methods work pretty well for jumpy dogs,but some dogs it doesn't work-so you can try clapping your hands or shaking a can of pennies in it first,and if those don't work,go for the spray bottle