Re: [Chihuahuas] New member and need some advice.

[Kay Lewis]

First off do what ever you have to do to get this woman to give up the dog.  Neglect is a horrible form of abuse.    He needs quality time, just being held and loved and played with.   Walks outside when he is scared shitless of every sound do more harm then good.   If it is absolutely necessary to have him outside, then hold and carry him until he get's use to the sounds. Try to take him someplace not so busy. He needs a good stable home,  and once adjusted to that then he can be socialized slowly by introducing him to one person at a time.  You and that person set on the floor and let the dog  sniff and  get comfortable with that person slowly, and do the same with several people.    In the house play time if he will run after a toys or even follow you around at a good walk will give him all the exercise he needs,    A Chi really only needs about 1 bath a month, and if a short or smooth coat can be gently rubbed down with a warm damp cloth between baths.  If long coat, brushed gently daily.   If he suddenly started growling/nipping, and didn't do that before then it's is possible he's hurting someplace that is getting touched.  My gut feelings tell me this poor dog is being abused when your not there to see it.  I'd bet money that if placed in a cheerful, kind, loving home, he would bloom into a beautiful little dog after a time. THE PROBLEM IS NOT THE DOG, THE PROBLEM IS HOW HE IS HANDLED. You do realize that when he get's hungry enough he will eat.  Set his food down, show it to him and let him eat or go hungry, after  not more then two hours  take the food away if he has not eaten. Next feeding time do the same with fresh food, and repeat.  He will eat when he gets hungry enough. May even take a two or three days.  I do not recommend this for a puppy under 6 months of age as they need to eat three times a day. But I repeat what I first said.  Get this dog out of that place.  No one should have a animal of any kind that they neglect or don't have time for. Kay CB Enterprises wrote: Hey check this out http://www.dogpsychologycenter.com/ He is the Dog Whisperer. He does shows on National Geographic where he works with hard headed owners and dogs. he is AWESOME!! Stevie -----Original Message----- From: Chihuahuas@yahoogroups.com [mailto:Chihuahuas@yahoogroups.com]On Behalf Of Julio Fuentes Sent: Monday, February 06, 2006 1:47 PM To: Chihuahuas@yahoogroups.com Subject: [Chihuahuas] New member and need some advice. Hello, so glad to see a Group like this exists. I am having one hell of a time with Chico. I met this Lady who own Chico and he was 4 years old at the time. I take him for walks because she never had time to do anything with him except feed him and bath him. It has been just about 8 months now and for the first time he growled at me when I put a towel around him to dry him off. He did it to (owner) a couple of times and she just stopped bathing him and drying him off. He is scared of everything. When we are walking he damn near runs into the trees because of the sound of the cars. We took him to a class at Petsmart for Chihuahua's only. That didn't work and we took him to a class for Puppy's and that is only partially working. We are trying to get him socialized as much as possible but at 4 years old I think he has his own mind. Now he pulls this stunt where he won't take treat unless we pet him and almost praise him and then he eats. Damnest thing I have ever seen. I have heard of the Horse Whisperer but what about a Dog Psychologist, any such thing? Something has to give here. " Lets talk about our wonderful little friends! Join today! " Yahoo! Groups Links " Lets talk about our wonderful little friends! Join today! " SPONSORED LINKS Breed charm dog italian Dog breed gift Dog breed t shirt Dog breed charm Dog breed shirts Chihuahua YAHOO! GROUPS LINKS  Visit your group "Chihuahuas" on the web.    To unsubscribe from this group, send an email to:  [EMAIL PROTECTED]    Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to the Yahoo! Terms of Service.