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Linda Hempler, an expert in the Chihuahua breed and owner of ChiChisAndMe.com

Hi! I’m Linda, a Chihuahua breed expert with over 30 years of experience. I have dedicated my career to studying, understanding and ultimately becoming one of the leading authorities on Chihuahuas. 

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5 Signs That Your Rescued Dog Was Abused

Did You Rescue Your Chihuahua?

If you did, then you are to be commended. Thank you on behalf of all of us! But, are you now having behavior issues that you are having trouble dealing with? Do you just not know what to do anymore? There are 5 signs your dog was abused.

Sadly, many Chihuahuas that have been rescued come from previous homes in which they experienced abuse. Children often suffer from behavior problems when they are brought up in an abusive home. But do dogs? The answer is an emphatic YES. How do you know if your dog was abused? There are signs your dog has been

Not All Abuse is Physical Abuse

Not all abuse leaves visible physical scars. Just like children dogs can be verbally and emotionally abused. All dogs are susceptible to it, and it is unacceptable for any dog to have to endure it, but doesn’t it seem especially heinous when it is a tiny little Chihuahua?

dog was abused
Body language of this Chihuahua shows signs of possible abuse

Emotional abuse can leave scars that may not be visible, but they can be even more debilitating. So, if you rescued a Chihuahua that could possibly have been abused in the past and you are now having behavior issues it is important that you recognize the signs before you can begin to help.

They are:

  1. Food aggression
  2. Separation Anxiety
  3. Antisocial behavior
  4. Submission
  5. Idiopathic fear

Food Aggression with treats is pretty easy to spot, but there are several others to watch out for that could be caused by emotional abuse. Food aggression generally stems from having to fight other dogs for food, as in a puppy mill situation, or in the case of an animal hoarder situation. Signs to look for are;

  • Frantic and rapid eating even sometimes to the point of choking
  • Standing over the bowl and refusing to move when you come near
  • Refusing to leave his food bowl even when you are calling him
  • Growling when approached by either a human or another pet
  • Snarling or snapping at anything or anyone that comes near while he is eating

Any of these issues could be dangerous, especially when children are in the house. If you are experiencing any of these issues, consult your veterinarian who may suggest an animal behaviorist.



Depending on how severe and the type of aggression is shown, don’t try to correct it on your own unless you are sure you know what you are doing. Don’t Miss: How to Stop Your Chihuahua’s Aggression.

Separation Anxiety can happen especially if the Chihuahua has been rehomed before. There are different degrees of separation anxiety. Usually, if the dog’s anxiety is severe, being abandoned or rehomed is the reason. But, not always. Signs your dog was abused;

  • Destructive behavior
  • Excessive howling, whining, or barking
  • Pacing, panicking and shaking
  • Urinating and or defecating

There are many things you can do to help if your Chi suffers from separation anxiety, from crate training to medication, depending on the severity.

Don’t Miss: Training Your Chihuahua, Part V, Housebreaking

Antisocial Behavior can happen when a dog is never allowed to be around other dogs or never allowed near other dogs. Dogs are naturally social beings. They prefer to be in the company of humans or other dogs. In a situation where a dog is never taken for walks will never encounter other dogs, or if the owner always crosses the street or always pulls back on the leash when they see another dog, this can cause a dog to become anxious when he does happen to encounter another dog.

signs dog was abused

Submission or when a dog is trying to say, “I’m not a threat”. If a dog has been hit or constantly yelled at, to try to avoid it he or she will show submission, trying to communicate the only way he knows how. Signs to look for are;

  • rolling over on the back with belly up
  • submissive urination
  • ears back and flat against the head
  • a toothy grin (not to be confused with a snarl)

Idiopathic Fear is excessive anxiety, sometimes brought on by an inexplicable trigger and is often caused by a stressful or traumatic event in their life. Signs to look for are;

  • pacing
  • flattened ears and tail between the legs
  • cowering, hiding
  • hair raised on the back of the neck
  • drooling
  • trembling
  • panting
  • whimpering
  • yawning
  • incontinence either urine or bowels

In Conclusion

If you suspect that your rescued dog was abused in any way, talk to your veterinarian who might be able to recommend a professional animal behaviorist or look for a professional trainer in your area that is trained to help dogs with these kinds of issues.

Do you know someone who would benefit from or enjoy reading this article? Be sure to share it with them!

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Anita
Anita
4 years ago

Linda, I have a chichi that is 7 now that I have had since she was 4 weeks old rescued from a lady who was not allowing babies to nurse from mother feeding her adult wet down Pedegree dog food only agreed to take her cause I knew I could care for her better put her on puppy formula and wet natural balance puppy food she didn’t know how to sit properly or walk she’s always been with me but acts like she’s been abused by Cowering especially when I go to leave as I put her in the kitchen when I leave I give her treats and she has her blankets and little bed and I also give her something I’ve worn the night before so she can smell me but she still shakes and seems so sad for I am usually home with here 24/7 what else can I do ? she has her buddy Jax the cat for company they groom each other so cute 🥰

Sheila
Sheila
1 year ago
Reply to  Linda

I Don’t make any kind of scene either when I leave or when I come home either. Now my chichis act like its no biggie. I know this post is years late but I didn’t see this answer. Thank you

Carrie A Hatfield
Carrie A Hatfield
4 years ago

I rescued a long hair Chihuahua 2 years old from the Humane society, I suspected she was abused but after reading this I know she was abused cause she shows all 4 of the five signs the only one she doesn’t show is about the food, i feel so bad for her it makes me feel sad.

Nancy
Nancy
5 years ago

Sounds interesting, would like to learn more about Chihuahua’s.

Erin
6 years ago

We have had a rescue chi-mix for almost 2 years and he still whines most of the day and holds himself in a submissive pose constanty. It had occured to me that maybe he was abused, but reading this article and seeing his symptoms spelled out so clearly, I’m in tears. Thank you for this post and helping me understand this little guy!

Ann Eccher
Ann Eccher
6 years ago

We rescued our first dog (Heidi) 2 1/2 years ago – she was a four pound stray senior chi who we caught and decided to keep! She was an ABSOLUTE ANGEL and brought such joy to our home. We recently lost her to a massive seizure/stroke. It was devastating, but we decided to adopt another senior chi. We have had Maemie for about a month and a half now. She is 8-10 years old and is a doll. She has bonded with me and follows me everywhere. But she has gotten quite aggressive when my daughter or husband tries to pet her – or even look at her sometimes! She snarls, growls, barks and snaps at them! They just want to love and cuddle her, but she has gotten sooooo moody and will only let them touch her sometimes. My daughter does online schooling so she is with her all day. The only time she does it to me is if shes sleeping and I wake her to take her outside to go potty before I go to work. I try to verbally wake her first- but shes a super hard sleeper. She will look at me and start growling but I just say no maam I am going to pick you up now – and I pick her up and shes fine. I just want her to be happy and we all want to enjoy her. Shes only 5 pounds but she is super scary when she snarls and snaps and I don’t want it to continue. We live in a rural area, so trainers are not really easy to find around here. What should I try? Thank you so much!

Ann Eccher
Ann Eccher
6 years ago
Reply to  Linda

Thank you so much for your response! I do see some of the possessiveness in her. But it also happens a lot when I am not around or when I’m not even home. Whenever anyone goes to pet her she growls and even nips. Its like she doesn’t want to be touched or bothered at all. If shes sitting next to my daughter (Emma) and Emma just moves a little or looks over at her and makes eye contact then she barks and growls at her. But, of course, I can touch her anytime I want to. I’d like to be able to take her out to petco or lowes and get her out and about but I’m afraid someone will reach to pet her and she will bite them.

Rhonda Holley
6 years ago

I recently got a Chihuahua and this is my first time having a dog. Prince just turned 1 in February and he’s been with me for about three weeks now. I learned from his first/original owner that she had just recently taken him back from her son, who was abusing him for making mistakes with house training, so I am Prince’s third owner. I recently took Prince to a local vet to receive his first vaccinations and I must say that it was better than I initially thought it would be. Well, things have been “okay” ,but I really do desire for them to be so much better. Prince is a very timid; he shakes nervously when I may call him, even to give him a treat or to pick him up to hold him or to put him in the car to ride somewhere. My mother has a male Pomeranian and I asked her to bring him over, so that Prince and him could meet. Well, it wasn’t to bad,but because they were both males they were basically at one another trying to mark territory. I also try to take him around my family and friends or from time to time they may stop by,but Prince growls and barks and here lately it has gotten worse. I tell him “No”, but he still does it while he’s trying to run and hide. Recently, he’s gotten to the point where he poops and urinates on the floor instead of on the training pads, that I have so nicely put in three different areas of the house. I have asked from advice from a couple of my friends that have house dogs and most have told me to purchase a crate and try to train him by taking him out at the same time in the morning and in the afternoon, but when he goes outside he doesn’t use the bathroom,but shortly after going back in he goes on the training pad. I also purchased a training pad tray because when he urinates it usually soaks through or he simply makes a mess(which is expected sometimes) by stepping in it and tracking it on the floor. Prince is scared of everyone and everything. He jumps and shakes nervously the majority of the time. I really desire to keep him because he’s really good company and he needs a good home, but he’s just adding task after task for me along with stress and frustration. I’m to the point that I just don’t know what to do anymore. I just desire Prince to be a happy, obedient, and social dog. I may be trying to many different things at one time;I don’t know,but I’m just trying to find something that will work. HELP!!

Stephanie Seger
6 years ago

This is so sad, but an unfortunate reality so many dogs face. It’s wonderful many of these dogs get rescued, but you’re right, it’s not always easy to bring a dog back from abuse. It often takes years and some never fully recover. Terrific and informative post!

Cathy Armato
6 years ago

I’m so glad you included the emotional side of abuse, not all abuse is physical. These are very helpful points. If you suspect your pet has been abused you can train and act accordingly to help them.
Love & Biscuits,
Dogs Luv Us and We Luv Them

Kamira G.
6 years ago

Interesting post. Honestly, this is a great topic and one I wouldn’t normally think about off hand. I think you’ve made some very important pionts and these tips can help others. Pinning this one.

Beth
Beth
6 years ago

It is good to know the signs of things to be on the lookout for, as it might be the first step in helping the dog overcome a difficult past. Rescues make awesome companions.

Sweet Purrfections
Sweet Purrfections
6 years ago

I don’t think my mom’s dog was abused, but he is food reactive. We think he came from a puppy mill and was considered a “designer” dog. He’s a joy, but he has had some health issues.

The Dash Kitten Crew
6 years ago

Many people may not realise that an adopted pup’s manners and fears may stem from abuse. It is vital to seek veterinary help. We all feel helpless, or actually want to remedy behaviour. I cant understand animal abuse, from kicking to declawing it is all brutal and barbaric.

Bernard Lima-Chavez
Bernard Lima-Chavez
6 years ago

It’s so important that pet parents understand that each pet is different with different needs, wants, likes, dislikes and personalities. We all need to take the time to learn who our pet(s) are, educate ourselves on any of his/her behaviors that we are concerned about and then seek professional help when needed, especially aggressive behaviors. There are so many causes and a great many solutions! Thankfully, there are many resources available. Thank you for writing this.

Talent Hounds
6 years ago

We adopted Kilo the Pug aged 2 and he had been through 4 homes already- not sure where he was born or bought originally. He resource guards and had never been socialized properly or trained. It has been extremely difficult, time-consuming and expensive to deal with these issues. We use positive methods and he has improved immensely over 3 years. We just avoid triggers where possible and keep reinforcing the good.He is the most affectionate funny little love bug with family and people he knows now but I am not sure he will ever be completely relaxed around food once he tastes it no matter how well we train “wait” and “drop it” and “it’s your choice” etc.

Ruth Epstein
Ruth Epstein
6 years ago

Great information. When I rescued Layla I read her surrender papers which made her out to be a monster but she is the total opposite since being with me. She to this day is afraid of the rain whether indoors or out but I have figured out a solution and it seems to be working. I hate people that hurt innocent animals and that is why we must be their voices.

Irene McHugh
6 years ago

Such good information here about signs to look for in a recently adopted dog. When I meet rescue pups whose people are open about behavioral struggles due to abuse, I try to offer an appropriate level of praise when the dog accomplishes that thing they’re currently working on. Both the dog and their person deserve the kudos!

Tenacious Little Terrier

Mr. N has separation anxiety probably due to over-crating in his first home. I’ve read that dogs can be genetically predisposed to having SA though so it’s not all nurture or lack thereof.

Anita Aurit
6 years ago

This is such an important post. What many people believe is a “personality problem” in an adopted pet is often a reaction to past abuse. Helping people to know what to look for helps further the bond and relationship between the human and the fur kid.

Jill - CharityPaws
6 years ago

Great article! This is actually useful for any breed. As a pittie mom of an abused girl – I see so many of these signs, even after a year and a half in our home. It is sad to think of what a dog has been through……..

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