Poor little guy has been traumatized which is causing his high anxiety. I would try Rescue Remedy, it is a calming aid and works very well without any side effects. I would take him for long walks, but give the Rescue Remedy (Dr Foster and Smith,com sells it) 1/2 an hour before you walk him. I also think that it would help to build up his confidence if you walked him on a leash around the yard when he has to do his business, and if he starts to bark for no reason, just give a light tug on the leash and say Shhh! in a sharp voice. It will take some time for him to get over his fears, so be vigilant with daily walks of half to one hour where he can see and hear lot s of people and sounds and learn that the sounds won't hurt him.
Peggy -------Original Message------- From: [email protected] Date: 9/28/2013 10:40:08 PM To: [email protected] Subject: [Chihuahuas] Barking Rider I haven't been on for a long time but I have a very important question about our 3 year old, male Chihuahua. The last year has been very hard on him. Our neighbours who have now been evicted, had 5 kids, who were his living hell. They tried to poison him twice and every time I let him out they would be there to throw bricks at him, or any thing that could hurt him. As soon as I found out I started going out with him to protect him and because of them he is now barking at every thing that walks by the house, or he imagines that some thing is there and we can't find anything. Now he is barking a great deal during the day and evening. Now he thinks every one outside our home is his enemy. We took him to the vet and had him put on a special calm diet and some medication but the medication made him start biting every one he saw. So we had to stop it. What can I do to stop his barking???? Every thing else about this dog we love but the constant barking and pacing is getting on every ones nerves. Please help us with him, I just love him so much. Blanche and Rider
