Thanks to all of you for the wonderful advice. I may smell like bacon for a while; but mostly I've learned from y'all to be patient and just plain old love the heck out of this little dog. Even though I've had him for only a month, I can't imagine not having him. He's gained weight; his hair is growing back; he's starting to play with toys. But I think you're right - he doesn't know me or trust me yet.
Patience is definitely a virtue! Carolyn I tried to attach a picture of him with his big brother. ________________________________ From: mj turner <[email protected]> To: [email protected] Sent: Wed, September 29, 2010 10:00:03 AM Subject: Re: [Chihuahuas] Normal Behavior? When we adopted our little girl back in January one of the best pieces of advise I got was not to look her in the eye ... so even when we were giving her a treat she wouldn't come if we were looking but as soon as we turned away she would come. Evidently in the dog world looking in the eye is a threat. She is finally over that, sigh..... the other thing she did and still does is jerk her head from side to side when she is feeling threatened ( I don't ever threaten her so I don't know what that's all about... it's when I put her food down, call her and wait.... but, if I move away the head jerking stops and she comes for her food. That too is getting less and less. She was a breeder for 4+ years and is just now learning to be our pet. Your little one sounds just like our Benji girl. She still doesn't come to me when I call but she will now go someplace where I can pet her or pick her up when necessary. Sounds like we've got twins. I'll sure be interested to hear how you do and what works for you. I did find that the not looking at her really made a big difference. She doesn't mind now. Good luck. mj and Benji ________________________________ From: C.M. <[email protected]> To: [email protected] Sent: Tue, September 28, 2010 6:41:52 PM Subject: [Chihuahuas] Normal Behavior? Hi folks, My new chi watches me most of the time. But when I look at him, he stops whatever he's doing, including eating, until I look away. And he won't go potty while I'm looking at him. He'll wait 'til I look away or he'll walk out of my sight range. Is this normal? And what do you think it means? Also, he still won't come to me when I call him, (I even try calling him to me in Spanish!). but he will saunter over whenever he feels like it. When I put my hand down to pet him or pick him up, he runs away. He was a stray and I've had him now for one month. Any suggestions? Thanks
