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?
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:
- Food aggression
- Separation Anxiety
- Antisocial behavior
- Submission
- 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.
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.
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 🥰
Hi Anita! It sounds like you are doing all the right things, however, do you ever put her in the kitchen when you aren’t leaving? Dogs soon decern your routines. try to change things up. put her in the kitchen, do all the things you do before you leave, and then don’t leave. go about your normal activities, but make sure she knows that you are still there. just for 10-15 minutes then let her out or whatever it is you do when you return home. do this fairly often. when you do actually leave just ignore her for a few minutes right before you leave and when you return. If you are stressing over the fact that you are leaving or feel guilty about leaving her, she picks up on that and becomes anxious too. Soon, she won’t know when you are actually leaving and when you aren’t and will remain calm when you put her in the kitchen. I hope that helps. Thanks for the question! ~ 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
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.
Hi Carrie,
I’m afraid that is not an uncommon occurrence. It is very sad indeed! But with the love and care that you continue to show to her, gradually the bad abusive experiences will be forgotten as they become replaced with love and the good experiences that you will have together! Thank you so much for your comment! ~ Linda
Sounds interesting, would like to learn more about Chihuahua’s.
Hi Nancy,
Then you’ve come to the right place! You’ll find all kinds of information about Chihuahuas. General information, such as “How Smart Are Chihuahuas”? and “What is a Brindle Chihuahua”? Health Information such as; “What do you know about Chihuahuas and gum disease”? and “What is Backward Sneezing”? as well as training and behavior tips and advice. Such as “Why you should never walk a Chihuahua without a harness”? and “Why you should never tease a Chihuahua”?
Any specific questions you may contact me or email me.
Thank you for your comment, I hope to see you here often 🙂
Linda
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!
Erin,
Thank you so much for your comment. I read it with tears in my eyes. I just don’t understand how anyone could abuse a tiny innocent little creature! As mentioned in the article, it might be helpful to get some help from an animal behaviorist. Preferably one that has experience working with animals that have been abused. Here is a good article that might give you some insight about how to find a good trainer that would also help. Just keep in mind there is a big difference between an animal behaviorist and a dog trainer.
I know that hiring a behaviorist can be expensive, but if it is at all possible for you to do so, it would be a good investment. It would mean a happier life to enjoy together for both of you.
Good luck and thank you so much for your comment! Knowing that I am actually helping people is what makes all the work involved with running this website worth it!
Wishing you and your little guy a long and happy life together!
Linda
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!
Hi Ann,
Thank you for your question. This is such a common problem among Chihuahuas! There are several reasons that this may happen. I think, in this case, she has decided that you are her property and she is aggressively guarding you, as her property just like a dog may guard his food or a toy. Also, something that I think may apply to your situation is that since Maemie (love that name) is already 8 to 10 years old, you probably don’t know what her situation has been before. This behavior may have been allowed before and she thinks that it is okay. This is all new to her also. You need to establish that this behavior is not going to be allowed anymore. The following article I wrote a while back may be helpful in your situation. It has some suggestions that you can do to correct this behavior. Number one, do not let her get away with it anymore. Yes, I know how scary they can be when they growl, snarl, and show their teeth. That is what dogs do when they perceive a threat. Not that she sees your other family members as a threat to her, but she perceives them as a threat to getting to close to you, her property. You and your husband and daughter can not show fear. If she sees that she isn’t scaring you, then she sees that that tactic is not working. Hopefully, snarling and looking scary is all she will do, and that is usually the case with most dogs that do it. But, if she should bite, it probably won’t be more than a nip. If that happens, Immediately isolate her somewhere for a little while. You must be consistent. You can’t let her get away with it one time and not another, that only confuses her.
The following two articles will explain more and I think you will find them helpful. I hope this helps. If after trying the following suggestions and you have more questions, please don’t hesitate to email me at linda@chichisandme.com
Thanks again for your question and good luck. It will take effort on the part of all three of you, but I promise it will be worth it when you no longer have to deal with this behavior.
HOW TO STOP CHIHUAHUA AGGRESSION
HOW TO PREVENT CHIHUAHUA AGGRESSION
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.
Hi Ann,
From your description, I strongly believe that she was abused at some point in her life and she is afraid of people. I think lots of socialization would help. Also, known as conditioning. She needs to learn that people will not hurt her. Do you have friends or family that like dogs? Start with them and your daughter and husband. Does she like treats? Make sure they are tiny treats. Then have your daughter, husband, friends, and family have treats in their pocket or where they can quickly and easily access them. Every single time they go near her, give her a treat. At this point, tell them not to try to touch her. It will take time, but eventually, she will associate people with good things. When she no longer shows any sign of aggression when they come near, then they can reach out to pet her, slowly. This is important: Never reach over her head to pet her, dogs perceive that as aggression toward them. Gradually she will start to associate people with pleasure. In the process of doing this treat her every time, to begin with, then gradually start treating her every other time or every two or three times. Eventually, she won’t need the treats, she will begin to view petting and affection as pleasurable and won’t need the treats.
Please do this three times a day for about 5 minutes each time. It will take time and consistency and cooperation from your husband and daughter, but, when you start to get frustrated (and you and they will), remember that this little dog has probably been mistreated in the past and is understandably wary of people. Never yell, at her, I’m sure her abuser or abusers in the past have. Don’t let anyone tease her with a treat or a toy. Have you seen the videos on YouTube where the person is pretending to take a toy or treat away from a Chihuahua and the dog growls and shows their teeth with a curled lip? They are usually titled “cute or funny Chihuahua”. It’s not funny and that is how the dog became aggressive with treats or toys in the first place. They will be sorry someday when a child not knowing any better tries to take something away from the dog and the child gets bit. You know what will happen to the poor little dog that just did what his owner taught him to do? He will most likely have to be put to sleep after biting a child. I wish I could let all these people know how sad it is for that poor little dog. Not “cute or funny” at all!
I’ve begun a series of training posts that also may help. Meamie needs to learn the basics also, but while trying to get her to accept people only work on “sit” and “stay” at other times throughout the day. Like, teach her “sit” before she eats or before playtime. Then after she has “sit” learned, make her “sit and stay” before she eats.
I don’t want her or you to get overwhelmed and give up, though. As I said, it will take time and lots of patience, but again, you will be happy and proud when she no longer is afraid of people and she will also be happier. And most of all you will have saved this little dog’s life and given her a happy life. I’ve given you the link to the first of the training series and I think it will also help you to understand how to approach the training process.
Good luck, I am here if you have any more questions. I’d love to hear about her progress, so don’t hesitate to let me know.
Best wishes always,
Linda
Training Series, Part I
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!!
Hello Rhonda,
I have been away for a few days, I’m so sorry for the delay in my reply. I completely understand your frustration! Please don’t give up on Prince. A dog like him will just get worse with each new living space and new owner. I do think you are trying too many things at once. For now, concentrate on socializing and potty training. You do need to socialize him with other dogs, people, and situations. You need to do that as often in a week as you can. Take him to the local pet store, to the dog park, wherever there are other dogs and people. You are doing a good job taking him to meet your family’s dogs, just keep doing it. As long as he and the other dog are not being aggressive with each other. They may growl and snarl at each other, but that is okay, just leave them alone and let the two of them work it out on their own. he will soon get used to it and realize that he doesn’t have to be afraid. It may take a little time. You are going to need a lot of patience with Prince. Abused dogs are like people, it will take him time to trust you. All this will take a little while, but it will be so worth it and all the patience and hard work will last a lifetime and you will have a wonderful friend and companion. Just keep that in mind when you get frustrated.
As far as the potty training goes, if you want him to go outside to potty, then you need to get rid of the potty pads. The reason is that it is confusing to him. He won’t understand why he can go inside sometimes but not always. When you take him outside, he doesn’t understand that he is supposed to go potty there.
Your friends are right about using a crate. If you don’t want to use a crate, then close off a small space in the house where it is okay if he has an accident, because he will while he is learning. If you follow the instructions in this post, he will be potty trained in no time, but you have to be consistent. You can’t do it one day and not the other. Just like babies, dogs need routines to learn the rules and what you expect from him.
So, for now just work on socializing him and potty training. When he is comfortable with dogs and people and is potty trained, then you can work on anything else that he needs to learn.
Good luck and please, let me know how things are going and how you and Prince are doing.
6-fail-proof steps to housebreaking your puppy
Thank you for your comment, and best wishes,
Linda
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!
Stephanie,
Thank you very much for the positive feedback! It is very much appreciated.
I have visited your site before and I appreciate your support of big dogs. Although my passion is Chihuahuas and educating Chi parents with a goal of changing their reputation as “mean little yappy dogs”, I love all dogs and most of my family have bigger dogs. One son has a Great Dane and one has a Pit Bull mix.
Thanks again,
Linda
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
Hello Cathy,
Thank you for the kind words. It is true, we know that people can suffer emotional abuse and that they need help to work through it and to live a better life. But, I don’t think people even think about the fact that dogs can suffer emotional abuse also. It is very sad that people or animals have to suffer any kind of abuse. 🙁
Love & biscuits to you and your fur babies too. That is so cute. 🙂
Thank you again
Linda
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.
Hello Kamira,
Thank you for the kind words and positive feedback. It is much appreciated! I visited your site too. I like the nice clean design, easy to follow and find whatever it is you are looking for.
Thank you again,
Linda
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.
Hi Beth,
Yes, I think that somehow rescue dogs just know that their loving human may have saved their lives and are that much more devoted to them.
I visited your website. I really like the design. Do you do your own photography? Wonderful pictures. I’m working at learning to get better at capturing my dogs at their cutest. Well, that’s nearly always. 🙂
Thank you very much for your comment! I appreciate it!
Linda
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.
Hi sweet purrfections 🙂
I’m sorry to hear about your mom’s dog’s health issues :(. There are ways to change their food reactive behavior. I would be glad to help if your mom wants it. Just have her email me.
Oh, don’t get me started on “designer” dogs. Most of them (there are always exceptions to the rule) come from unscrupulous breeders that know they can charge more money for a “designer dog”. Some of them aren’t even bred with the two breeds that they claim they are.
I visited your site. Your cat(s) are absolutely gorgeous! I’ve had many cats in my life, but I always wanted a beautiful long-haired cat. I love the design of your site too. Very playful. Just like cats!
Thanks very much for your comment, I really appreciate it!
Linda
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.
Hi Dash Kitten Crew 🙂
Thank you for your comment, I really appreciate it! Veterinary advice is a good idea to make sure they have no medical issues, but sadly, most of them are clueless about behavior issues. However, they can probably recommend a good animal trainer/behaviorist in their area if it is necessary.
I don’t have cats, ( I have had many in my life though) but I can’t understand how people don’t realize how very cruel declawing is! I never have, never would!
Thanks again,
Linda
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.
Hi Bernard,
I couldn’t have said it better myself. 🙂
Thank you for your comment!
Linda
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.
Hi Susan,
First, I love the name Kilo. 🙂 It sounds like you are doing all the right things. I try to get the message across to my readers just how important socialization is for ALL breeds, but especially Chihuahuas and other small breed dogs. All I can say is you may be right about his never being completely relaxed around food, but I know you will keep trying and with patience and consistency, he may surprise you.
Thank you very much for your comment!
Linda
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.
Hi Ruth,
I’ve very glad your “little monster” found you and that you found her. I wish you both a long and joyful life together! I just don’t understand people that are deliberately cruel, whether it’s to animals or children. They are both so innocent and can not defend themselves.
Thank you very much for your comment!
Linda
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!
Hi Irene,
I agree! People that adopt and care for previously abused dogs deserve all the kudos and support they can get! Caring for a previously abused dog takes consistency and lots of patience.
Thank you for your comment!
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.
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.
Hi Anita,
Thank you so much for your comment and the positive feedback! I have talked to people that have told me their dog has “personality problems” when I’m pretty sure that previous abuse was the real problem. Education is the key to help Chi parents and their fur babies live their best life together.
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……..
Hi Jill,
I know! I just can’t even fathom why or how any human being could be cruel to an innocent animal or child! They so depend on us for everything.
Thanks for your comment!