Some trainers can actually make the problem worse. In-Depth Training . "Families can help a dog by finding a safe place for them," suggests Dr. Dodman. Yet for chihuahuas being shy or timid, it should be handled a bit differently. If your Chihuahua barks at night, read tip #5, #6 & #7. Here are six great tips on how to cope with a nervous dog from a dog mom who parents a truly scared dog. Play games, give him treats for being good and never yell at him. Share: Previous 20 Cats Who Are Totally Obsessed with Water. He has nipped the back of the legs of a couple teenagers that have visited, always when they are walking away from him – he’s lightning fast. Chihuahua aggression is the number one behavior issue reported by Chihuahua owners, so you are not alone. Some Chihuahuas can get aggressive at times- especially in regards to food aggression, or the “fight or flight” instinct.. Tail – What your little dog's tail for signs that he is becoming scared. Up Next 3 Reasons to Get Your Dog a Puzzle Toy. What they do understand is, “I’m terrified and it’s getting me a reward. Chihuahuas pick up quickly on their human companion's reactions. Some cases are genetic, however, most are created by the very people who really wanted the best for their dogs. Chihuahuas bark at night because they hear sounds that humans may not notice. Thanks for the info… my heart is breaking b/c our 9-month old chihuahua/schipperke and 8-pound “hybrid” is displaying aggression toward visitors to our house. “Oh, he’s upset now. I have listed the link to many of the articles that I think may help you. Most of the time, your Chihuahua will be your best friend. Don't continue to give or pay attention when your Chihuahua is misbehaving. The Chihuahua has never won Best in Show at the Westminster Kennel Club Show. Each form of aggression must be treated differently – the tools and techniques used to help a dog with dominance aggression will … Spend quality time with your Chi, daily, and multiple times per day if possible. For some Chihuahuas, simply giving them more of our time can make a huge difference in how they feel; for others, however, the chronic cycle of stress and anxiety can be impossible to relieve without help, particularly in cases of severe separation anxiety, extreme under-socialization or fear caused by a really dire event. It could be a neighbor coming home late, or animals running around. Breeders have a lot to do with how your dog will turn out. Territoriality, possession aggression, and fear are serious behavior problems. All dogs need to be socialized to be around people and other dogs. Any thoughts on dealing with a shedding dog? She's not scared of familiar people or dogs, as long as they don't DO anything frightening. Pets; Dogs; Reducing Separation Anxiety in Your Chihuahua; Reducing Separation Anxiety in Your Chihuahua . So, step one is to get your dog socialised from day one, not just with other puppies but with adult dogs as well. Even though frustration may set in with your furry friend’s vocal shenanigans, it’s pointless to yell at or punish your Chihuahua for barking. I was looking into getting another dog but most of the dogs to adopt are dogs that shed. She likes everyone and is very social. If they resort to excessive barking, tell them ‘stop’ or ‘quiet.’ Or take them walking at night to tire them out. The Fearful Anxious Nervous and Timid Dog Fearful and anxious dogs are one of the commonest behavioural problems in domestic dogs. She is a smooth haired Chihuahua that requires little to no grooming. Like move suddenly, growl, drop something, dance, etc. Once the pain, fear, possession aggression, or territoriality has been dealt with, the dog will no longer need to growl. Dealing with a fearful dog is a challenge. We have friends come and go and loves them too. It’s easy for humans to come to terms with being shy and know how to deal with it or how to help others with the affliction. Teresa K. Traverse is a Phoenix-based writer, editor, traveler and dog mom to Chihuahuas Autumn and Rocket. If you need hands-on help, please, please contact a trainer or animal behaviorist in your area for help. I currently have a yorkie and a mini schnauzer and they do not shed. Be calm, and don't look like you're scared or scary. Our instinct is to coddle and to hug, but there are better ways to handle the situation — ones that will teach your dog not to be afraid, anxious, or excitable. By Jacqueline O'Neil . She does need the coat to keep her warm. How to deal with an aggressive chihuahua. You cannot explain to a dog why it shouldn’t be scared, or tell the dog that the frightening thing won’t hurt it or is going away soon — they do not have the cognitive abilities to understand those concepts. Dog Scared of the Vet? Why? Is your dog scared of thunder? Rather than cuddling and pampering them before you walk out the door, go ahead and leave in a quiet, subtle manner without talking or making eye contact. Although he might have plenty of insecurities outside the protective walls of your home, he shouldn't be scared inside. We take a look at the most common fears and phobias in dogs and how you as a pet owner can help relieve your canine companion's stress. Don’t force visitors to come interact with your chihuahua. Allow your dog to have access to these areas if he's scared (if his place is under your bed, don't shut the door to your room or he won't be able to get in! Because she interprets your pats and soothing words as praise. Find out why dog puzzles are the best pet games for … Chihuahuas might be small, but for what they lack in size and leg length, they make up for in spirit. Never pet your dog when she’s scared. By comforting a fearful dog, you are rewarding what it’s doing in that moment: being scared. If it moves its face or body away, it means you are not allowed to contact with it. First, let’s get the bad out of the way: trying to help a dog afraid of fireworks by saying, "Johnny (that’s the dog) there will be fireworks tomorrow night. Summer storms are here, with their bright flashes and loud booms. When considering Chihuahua aggression and Chihuahua temperament, part of any dog's temperament comes down to how they were raised, explains Canna-Pet. When you’re dealing with a scared dog, you’ll want to comfort her, but that’s a major mistake. Step 7. I don't have carpet in the house, it is all luxury vinyl so I am sure it will be more noticeable on the floor. Your Chihuahua is small so unlike large dogs its easy to just pick them up, rather than deal with or check their aggression properly. Your chihuahua is timid and scares easily, forcing it to socialize with people won’t do any good in helping the situation. This spirit can make them hard to train, but it’s because they have a lot of spirit and stubbornness bred in. Always praise your puppy for being brave. Your chihuahua should mix with people and vaccinated dogs from day 1 and not be kept in a bubble of isolation. Most mature dogs catch a nap when their owners leave the house, but some pitch a fit when they’re home alone. Download royalty-free Scared chihuahua with his ears down on the white background in the studio stock photo 4294343 from Depositphotos collection of millions of premium high-resolution stock photos, vector images and illustrations. If your dog shakes and trembles during storms, or hides under the bed every Fourth of July, here are some steps you can take to help. Instead, give him attention and treats only when he is calm and ignore him when he is acting nervous or hyper. Booms, cracks, and pops that seem harmless to you may sound like the end of the world to your furry friend. Breeds. Whatever the breed or the size, Baby means business — and trying to get a muzzle on now is a game of fools. Riding in the car is fine, until she sees something unfamiliar out the window. Help your pup overcome his fears and grow up to be a confident, friendly dog. Thank you so much, I just discovered I have this exact problem - I have 2 Cavalier pups about 4 months old, one doesn't mind the collar at all, the other is terrified of it. ... “Baby” might be a 5-pound Chihuahua who looks like a possessed creature out of The Shining, or a 90-pound mutt with a lip curl and fire eyes worthy of a cameo in Game of Thrones. If possible, it should be sound proofed too." A scared puppy isn't happy and can feel afraid for many different reasons. Slowly, your Chi will learn to trust you. Read This. She is MY dog. That’s not because they’re intimidated or scared, but because they are so cold. Humans, however, often react in ways that unwittingly teach small dogs to continue to act nervous or hyper. I’ve had her since she was 2 months old. Find the tips and advice you need to handle fearful or anxious behavior in your puppy. In order for your Chihuahua to overcome this behavioral problem, you must work to downplay your exits and arrival. This shows your Chihuahua that leaving, and returning, isn't a big deal. Did you know that there are 21 different types of aggression in dogs? "A room without windows or even with the windows blocked off. If you get your chihuahua as a puppy, then it is vital he gets socialised with other dogs from an early age. That means you and your family need to spend plenty of quality time with him. We've found a few effective ways to deal with a dog's fear of thunder. If he sticks his nose near your plate when eating dinner, it's better to distract him than yell, "no." Then she requires a straight jacket. Dealing with Your Chihuahua’s Health Issues. The key to getting a dog to stop growling is not to suppress the growls, but rather to deal with the underlying problem. I live with my boyfriend who is at work all the time and she loves him too. Anything a puppy is praised for she’ll repeat again and again, so cringing behind your legs can become her learned reaction to anything new. Fear aggression is the most common form, even though many people mistake it for dominance aggression. Make sure they are the right trainer for Chihuahuas. Challenge your pup’s mental capabilities with dog puzzle games. If it licks you or doesn't move away, it likes you and you're ready to "be friends." Before you do whatever you want to with the dog, such as petting or giving it food, see if it likes you by placing your hand in front of its nose. Chihuahuas bark when they’re scared, excited, stressed, lonely, frustrated, or just plain bored. This is not to say that all aggressive Chihuahuas were improperly raised, but many instances of aggression boil down to lack of socialization. Desensitization is obviously called for, but desensitization to everything?! 3 thoughts on “ Teaching a Dog Not to Be Scared of a Leash or Collar ” Recalcitrant Truth Seeker August 5, 2016 at 4:10 pm. This is even more important if you have brought home littermates! 20 Cats Who Are Totally Obsessed with Water . Load more. [breeds] chihuahua/ pug mix, how to deal with shedding? Use firm, but not harsh commands consistently. All dog owners need to learn how to deal with canine aggression, and bring it under control quickly. Strangers, thunder claps, firework booms, garbage trucks, trips to the veterinarian, and other animals can cause your dog to become scared, anxious, or excitable. 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