My Small Dog Is Driving Me Insane, Need Advice?

1. MamaBas Says

   There is always a reason why a dog ends up in a Shelter, and you have discovered why your dog did – in spades by the sound of it. If I were you, I’d go back to the Shelter with her, and see if somebody will sit down with you and discuss the problems you are having with her, with suggestions about how these might be overcome. Adopting can be a delight, but often means extra work training out the behaviours you don’t want, as well as what you want her to be doing. She’s absolutely bound to be ‘needy’ for the first weeks, if not months, depending on what’s gone on in her life up to now.
   Obviously the human food thing should not be encouraged, much as it’s hard to see them not eating. You could overcome that by adding just a small amount of boiled chicken to her proper dog food, and adding some warm water to bring up the smell of the dry food too. You have to harden your heart and ut the bowl down at the time you feed her, and if it’s not eaten, pick it up again until the next time – binning what’s left over at the end of the day. NO treats, NO human food at least not until she starts to eat her proper food – otherwise she’s not going to be hungry.
   Crates, wire ones, should be strong enough to contain a chi/pom mix! And it sounds as if she needs to be in there when you are not at home – but not for longer than 4 hours without the ability to empty.
   I don’t believe in ‘punishing’ a dog – correcting yes, but reward the good, ignore/prevent/avoid the bad is far better.
   ps Sorry but I’m just slightly smiling at the vision of you punting her like a football off your balcony. Not funny I know but ………………………call that my warped UK sense of humour.

2. Baby Girl Due in June 2012 Says

   You need to work with her! But her a toy that she likes & keep the trash hidden or shut the door behind you also just before you leave bring treats out and when you see her go potty reward her she can’t come back in until she potties or if your concerned about her get a dog sitter do she won’t chew up anything and buy a baby gate to put on the kitchen so she can’t be by you or turn on the tv for her

3. J.E.B. Says

   If I were you I would take the dog back to where you rescued her from if she’s that destructive and needy.
   I can’t possibly imagine how she managed to escape the crate if it was properly secured. I’ve had several dogs and none have ever been able to get out once they’re locked.
   This seems like a very trollish question.

4. Tee Says

   First of all, how long have you had her?
   She is experiencing anxiety. You need to find a crate that works. If she has been with you for several months I might say, she is not getting what she needs as far as metal stimulation. Ot learning what is acceptable in your home. What have you done to work with her? I hope you haven’t been yelling or hitting! this will create a severely nervous and anxious dog.
   If she has only been with you for a few days, them you need to allow her to settle in. You still need to correct her. You can’t allow a new dog in to your home and not correct her for a few weeks. A new addition needs to learn the ropes but never correct by yelling. You will alienate her more.
   Please reply on the length of time you have had her and send me an email. I can help you with her. I have 4 at home, all but 1 from a rescue and 2 were puppy mill dogs. One has been with us for 2 months and is a chihuahua and she is doing well. I hope there is a way I can help you. It would be bad for this dog to be returned and I honestly believe she will be fine eventually.
   Consistency and routine are VERY important for new adoptees.
   Add: I week is not long at all. I really would like to help. It’s sad the previous owners took so little care with her. She is likely expecting the same treatment and is quite afraid. She has no idea what is going on. You need to build her confidence and this will take time. She wants to eb near you because she is insecure. This wears off. Please keep in contact me. I can get you thru this.

5. care4myp Says

   Hiii,
   its an individual perception. what you are finding irritating of the dog, a few dog lover find it absolutely adorable that the dog follows you everywhere and stuff…
   in the initial perioud, no dog poops outside easily unless trained…i have been facing the same problem…bt i m being patient. i take my dog out for a long walk and she wont pee or poop anywhere and the moment, we will land up home, she will go in the corner of my back-yard and poop…this is natural…
   i am not sure but i think you have adopted a dog when you dont hv time for the dog and you have gone by the look and size of the dog which is a big mistake…a chihuahua is a one owner dog, very possessive and too attached to the owner and is jealous of others who get close to his owner…anyways, no point discussing this as you hv already got the dog…
   I would suggest you to get some time for the dog, be very very patient…
   About the food, you need to give her homecooked food…like boiled boneless chicken, chicken with rice, rice with vegetables…you can add your “expensive” dog food in this mixture so that she will get used to eaching your dogfood that you have bought…bt do not feed her the food you make for yourself cuz it wl hv spices, salt and oil which is harmful…
   Wish you luck

6. UHave2BeKiddingMe-Clueing in the Says

   As I tell others “shelter dogs do not have issues they have VOLUMES”
   The dog is in the shelter for a reson. Not being housebroken is one of the number one reasons
   dogs are dumped at pounds and “rescues”.
   Clearly the crate you had was not strong enough.
   I think the easiest solution here would be for you to return the dog.
   You wanted a pet not a project.
   I am sure if you wanted an ill behaved dog to train you would not be here.
   Return the dog.
   Might I suggest you go to a reputable breeder and find a retired show dog that is needing to be placed. People forget that reputable breeders are a great source to get an adult dog that does not have issues. A trained dog, with health tests, and a known background.
   ADD: The “lifestyle change” was that they finally had it with this awful dog.
   Do not feel like you are stuck with this dog.
   Return it.

7. Anonymous Says

   With the weeing and pooing in the house, you can deter it with lavender oil or duo (washing powder, it has to be duo as it contains something in it that deters pets from doing it in the same spot).
   You need to get her some kind of toy that you can put treats in to distract her.
   And with the food, try buying pet mince and mix some pasta and veg into it for her. It works out cheaper and is a lot healthier.
   Try not to punish her for the bad (as hard ad it is sometimes!) But try to reward her when she does good. Dogs don’t respond well to negativity, praise them and they’ll remember it forever.
   It can be very difficult, but persistance pays off

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