New Chihuahua owner in need of Help!

[mexicogringo]

HI everyone.... I got my first Chi today and I need some advice and help.. Sorry to ask BUT I didn't know where else to turn!!

Her name is Sadey, and she is a 4 year old AKC Registred Short hair. I got her from a Breeder (I say that VERY loosly) that didnt want her , because she had problems having puppies.. she had to have c sections, but only had 2 to 3 pups, so they fixed her, and now she was useless to them (SAD)

She was tied up outside with a slew of other Chi's.... Dirty, infested with fleas, hot.. miserable. etc....

I got her home after bathing her.. and found out she isnt house broken.,, ( was told she was partially) anyway... she pees on the kitchen rug.. its el cheapo.. so I will let it stay the pee pad for a day untill I can get some help , advice.. also I need to get her a leash so I can take her out in the grass.. (I can take her in my courtyard, but no grass) anyway.. My main concern is she is terribly scared..... I know these are nervous dogs, BUT she acts like I am going to kill her.. She runs from me, and cowers, etc.. I am trying to talk soft to her, etc.. BUT I am worried she wont come around...

My thinking is she is scared because she has been in a PACK of other chi's and stuck outside (unless pregnent then she was allowed inside) So I am thinking she will come around and start to trust me in a few days.. Am I right?

How long does it take for an adult chi to get used to thier new home where they arent terrified of thier new friend ?? (me)

I have been around other Chi-s and they would lick me, and be friendly even though I was a s tranger BUT Sadety seems like she is terrified of me..

Please help me with any advice possible!

Thanks

[Psistidan]

It sounds like you have a typical puppy mill dog that has been abused and has never known what being a pet is or that you mean no harm. She is in a completely new situation and it will take a lot of time and a lot of patience to get her to be like a typical Chihuahua. If I were you, I'd find a trainer that can evaluate her and give you some tips. It sounds like a good episode of "The Dog Whisperer". I would contact Cesar Millan at [Registered users can see links. ] They are always looking for cases like yours. Thank you for saving this dog. Not many people would be willing to take on such a challenge.

[mexicogringo]

She at times seems to start getting better (wagging tail a little) then like now she seems worse..

Any tips on what to do to try and help things along? I got her a nice comfy bed, a stuffed toy, squeek toys, chew toys (she ignores them all)... and I try and talk softyly to her all the time..

Thanks

P.s.. I tried to add a photo, but since apapernty this site doens thost photoes, I tried to add one from photobucket and I need many posts before I can add things..... (you know.. security reasons I assume)..lol

[Psistidan]

If she has the background you stated, she probably does not know what to do with toys. If she has a crate, I would let her be in the crate with the door open and just let her come out and explore when she wants to. If she does not have a crate, it may be a good idea to get one. Dogs love to have a little den to hide in. It would help for her to have one of your clothing items with your scent on it, like a tee shirt or pillow case, in there so she can cuddle with it like she used to with the other Chi's.
It will be a slow process and you have to go at the dogs pace. You can't force her to do much. If sounds like you are doing the right thing. Being calm and relatively quiet will also help her trust issues. Not too much baby talking and just sitting quietly. The best thing would be if she would come to you instead of you going to her. When she does that, you will know that you have broken a barrier. Just let her get comfortable and eventually she will get braver and friendlier. Try feeding her in the crate and leaving treats in there. She will see it as a safe place and once she knows she has a "safe place" she may be willing to explore her surroundings and even realize that you are not "the bad guy" or girl, I don't know which fits you.

[mexicogringo]

Thanks for the response.. And I agree.. I will just let it happen.. She seems to be getting a little better... Keep you posted!

And GUY bu the way!

[Psistidan]

Originally Posted by mexicogringo

Thanks for the response..
And GUY bu the way!

I should have figured that out. Otherwise you would be mexicogringa!