My dog is so timid! I need help!

monchee · Jan 17, 2006, 12:51 PM

Hi!

I just got a new chihuahua from this breeder about 5 days ago. He was even timid at the breeders house! He doesn't know how to socialize with us at all. Im guessing the breeder didn't spend much time with him. I pet him and cuddle him a lot, but I can't seem to get him out of it! I would really like him to play with me and stuff, but he's so scared. Please help! :)

labman · Jan 17, 2006, 09:32 PM

You didn't say how old he is. 6 weeks is the earliest puppies should ever be removed from their mother and litter. Before that, they have important socialization to learn and will not pay too much attention to anything except their mother and litter mates. Remove them too soon or too late, and it is hard to develop a good temperament. Even though they aren't very interested in people at first, it is important for the breeder to handle the puppies from the day they are born. When I been there when my friend's' dogs were whelping, usually I wasn't trusted to do much more than cuddle puppies once they were cleaned up and needed warmth.

Give him lots of attention. See if he will respond to a rolled ball. Gently roll him over in your lap and rub his belly. Post back with his age, and I should have more suggestions.

monchee · Jan 18, 2006, 01:04 PM

He just turned one year old on Jan. 6th.

Thanks

labman · Jan 18, 2006, 02:36 PM

The first 12 to 16 weeks of a dog's life are extremely important. Fail to get them out of the kennel and around people by 7-8 weeks and it may well cause them to not relate well to new people. Early neglect can't always be overcome. You could work on some of the confidence building techniques. Will he play tug of war? If so, let him win. Also start obedience training. Your praise for his success in it will help too. The dogs see all the
People and dogs in the household as a pack with each having their own rank in
The pack and a top dog. Life is much easier if the 2 legged pack members
Outrank the 4 legged ones. You can learn to play the role of top dog by
Reading some books or going to a good obedience class. A good obedience class
Or book is about you being top dog, not about rewarding standard commands with
A treat. Start at http://www.dogsbestfriend.com/. Many people make a big mistake thinking cute little dogs don't need obedience training and end up with a Napoleon.