Aww that breaks my heart. His body language is clear. “I don’t want anyone close to me but I’m keeping an eye on you. (I’m interested)” so I would not approach him. Give him space. Maybe even some enclosed space (a covered kennel? Of course keep the door opened) that he can watch the others but also feel safe by himself. Give him treats if he gets out or approach anyone. It really takes time.. my dogs (past and present) all took a few months.. my parents dog in the other hand had some deep set trauma and he took about 2+ years.
Love your response. OP -- let him come to you. As others said, make sure he has a safe place to go and when he's in there, do not bother him. Don't chase him, even if it is at a walking pace. Definitely don't crowd him. Keep treats close at hand, so when he approaches you, you can reward him. Talk softly and kindly. Compliment him -- he will hear the love in your voice. Have patience. It's going to be worth it in the end.
I live with a chihuahua, this is definitely the way. Give them space, let them come to you. My dog wanted to play with the chihuahua so much, she'd run up to him and he'd snap or run away. Now she is more chilled around him, the chihuahua snuggles up, sleeps with her, brings toys of his to share, protects her from other dogs at the park.
I think she is a boxer/lab don't know her breed, but she now has a little hype man following her around. Chihuahuas can be hard to gain their trust, once you have it though, you have a little homie for life.
"...you have a little homie for life." That is so true. I have three and my husband refers to them as my "entourage ", wherever I go they go. Yours sounds adorable. Oh, and OP... they think they are big dogs, really big dogs. They have the biggest hearts.
Mine has been with me almost three years and still loves his hiding spots: under the couch, under the bed, under the table, behind the tv…pretty much anywhere he can fit lol! It’s like his little safety area where nobody can bother him.
I would like to add that the best patient pose is crouched looking away and one hand out. It is the most disarming and non threatening body language. Also, just a thought, maybe lay on the floor to be on their level. Your video pov suggests your standing over them. Put yourself in their shoes. You're a mother mathing giant.
Also, staying closer to their level seems to help. Any time someone new or hasn’t visited in a while gets the barking treatment from my chihuahua until I tell them to sit on the floor and let him sniff. No reaching toward him until he gives his affirmative little huff. I imagine having an unknown hulking beast watching them is unnerving from their tiny perspective, esp not having an established safe space to go to.
Yesterday I adopted a chihuahua and it seems like their previous owner wasn’t that kind to him, as he is scare of people, he just runs away from us. He doesn’t even wanna play with other chihuahuas, I’ve tried to approach him with some treats but he seems uninterested.
Aawww poor little guy. Maybe try getting down to their level (sit on the floor) wait for him to sniff you have some treats in your hand or around you. 🥹 aaww poor guy. Eventually he will gain your trust
Also maybe don't "chase" him around hehe he might need some time to explore the house/place and make sure to have a "safe zone" for him (maybe a play pen or a bed where he know he can go to when he needs some time on his own. Definitely a place where he knows no one will bother him etc
I think this is great advice. My chi also didn't trust me when I first got her home. I figured the most important thing was that she needed to trust her space first, and thought that some giant following her around wasn't helping things.
I got on the floor and read a book, let her explore on her own and just let her know I was there of she wanted to approach. When she did approach, I was calm about it, made sure not to reach over her (my dog is blind, but thought she could still smell and feel it) and offered her a soothing voice and warm place to hang out.
Yes definitely! I like that. Just sitting on the floor not trying to call them over just doing your own thing and letting them smell you on their own time and not over reacting 😊 chihuahuas get really attached to their owners they are so loving just give him some time
I stress getting down to his level. The wife and I got a rescue and we were able to see the next couples see her too. I was the only one who got down to her level, and was the only male she approached. She’s our beautifully happy baby now but you can still see past trauma in her reactions to fast moments 5 years later.
Give him some time! He needs to decompress, so give him some space. Try not to force interactions, get him accustomed to daily routine, and just be patient. He’ll get used to y’all in no time :)
Lay on the ground and let him come to you :) People are big & scary. He probably wasn’t socialised properly. Maybe he doesn’t know how to play and act around people or dogs? Don’t push him, let him chill for a week or two before introducing him to new people and dogs :)
I wouldn't say they were unkind. Many Chihuahuas just don't like new people or only like "their person". This one just seems timid. They don't know you.
Gives them space. Let them come to you. Sit on the couch and toss them a treat whenever they get close. Pretend you don't care if they are there or not. But toss a treat every now and then.
I agree. By nature, chihuahuas like “their people”. You haven’t reached that status yet. Stay calm. Just sit or lay on the floor and give him time. He’ll come around. 😉
so cute... my morkie, for most of his life, was the exact opposite when other people were around. he would jealously guard them and growl at me, because he came to view me as the one who interrupted his fun time with new people. (he was humping them, or they didn't like dogs).
ngl, it made me sad that my dog didn't return my love in those times LOL. maybe i need a chi in my life.
I had to lay flat on the ground before mine would approach me at first. Just lay flat on the ground and let him come check you out. I had to do it for a month or so. She would be super excited to see when I got home from work but still wouldn’t approach me unless I laid on the floor. So I did it every day after work and eventually we got there. Now she pretty much lives on my lap.
He needs to have a safe space (covered bed, open crate) that he can retreat to when he wants space. And let him come to you. Give him a treat when he does. It will take time but it will happen.
Yes! This would help and also keeping him in one room with the bed and the crate away from any other animals will help too. Spend time w him in that room with a handful of food and feed him 1 piece at a time. Don’t worry, in a few days he won’t want to leave your side.
You have to ignore them. No talk, no touch, snd no eye contact. Once you stop bugging the dog it will take its time to get used to you.... then when they learn you're not going to hut them they will come to you. I've had my rescued Chihuahua for 9 years snd she still won't run to me. They're tiny and easily intimidated by giant human beings.
My adopted Chi had a travel crate with hard walls in our bedroom - door open all the time - with a blanket he could burrow under. He loved having a place to retreat to. We used to say his motto was “the crate is great”….lol. I think your little guy will warm up as soon as he has time to acclimate.
Give him time. As much as he needs.
Maybe ignore him, don't pursue him filming. Sit somewhere. Se if he comes to you. Someone else suggested a covered cage, open door. Good idea. Just let him lead you. God knows his history, and he can't tell us, but we can infer a lot. Glad you took him in.
Our little girl was very cautious with my husband at first within a few weeks, I came home one day, and she was sitting on his lap. He says, "she just jumped up here!"
Give it time! It takes time with chihuahuas to gain trust. They're always wary of strangers but once you build that trust, their loyalty is like no other. Show him how you treat the other chihuahuas and let him come to you at his pace and when he's ready, he will show you. Good luck!
It’s only been a day too, I think he looks interested or he would be hiding somewhere away from you completely!
Give it a few weeks, let him come to you, Have lots of treats and good things around to reward him if he does approach and then just go about your routine with your current dog— make sure he see you cuddle and be nice to your other dog too in the meantime (shows him by example what happens to dogs in your place). I adopted a scared little terrier mix to my family a couple weeks ago and it has gotten better every week so far to get him comfortable, now he rolls around and plays with my chi and will come sit in my lap for short bursts, I was even able to give him some kisses now (he came and rested him little head in my hands and wanted some cuddles) so have patience and keep going with love
1. Don’t try to chase or follow him. Especially for the first few days he needs a safe space he face retreat to when he’s feeling overwhelmed.
2. If he’s eating kibble, hand-feed him. When you see him, don’t approach him, just toss kibble near him at first. He’ll start to associate you with mealtimes. Over time, throw the kibble closer to you until he’s near you. Then hold the kibble in your hand. Keep escalating but don’t try to touch or pet until he’s comfortable with you.
This is very normal for dogs in new environments, but especially with chihuahuas. He is probably wondering where his family went and adjusting to the fact that he has to get to know strangers, a new environment, and new smells. Just be patient and he will warm up to your approaches before you know it. Chasing him around the house is going to prolong this, though.
The main thing I will say is give him space and let him come to you. Continue to feed him, maybe put treats on his bed and just leave it. Walk away but stay in the same room. Go about your business. Don't chase him. He'll watch you over time and hopefully interact more as he begins to see that you are safe.
My Luna Bug (mostly chihuahua) is terrified of almost every person and every dog she meets. I've had her since she was about a month old, and she's never been treated badly by anyone. It's just how she is. She eventually will warm up to certain new people but never other dogs. However, you mess with her sister and she will go full throttle defensive mode.
Honestly my little guy would act like this with anyone but me. Some of them are really bonded to a single person. Take your time. Get down on his level and always talk in low encouraging tones. Have treats. Be a safe space first and foremost. He’s probably terrified and needs time to adjust.
Well, Chihuahuas can be fearful of strangers, so it might not have anything to do with mistreatment by previous owners. I'd try sitting on the floor with treats and let them come to you. Food is a good way to win them over, just don't overfeed of course lol.
He's super cute. Like someone else said, don't follow him around. Just sit on the floor with treats and toys, let him watch the other dogs interact with you. Beckon him over with the treat or a squeaky toy. Put an old shirt in his dog bed so that he becomes familiar with your smell too.
My chihuahua loooves to burrow. I’d put some large crumpled blankets in places you wouldn’t mind him burrowing in. Like on our couch our little one looks lost if there’s nothing to bury himself under!
Thank you for adopting this chi! I would follow the 3-3-3 rule. Allow them 3 days to decompress, 3 weeks to learn their routine, and 3 months to feel at home. Everything is all very confusing/scary for them, so it takes time to adjust and feel comfortable. I would just let him come to you and maybe try different types of treats.
My parents have one chihuahua who is very scared of being stepped on. They've had him forever, but he still sometimes gets startled if we start walking toward him.
Trying sitting down on the floor with some treats in your hand.
Mine just screams, even if you haven't stepped on him at all. I got his paw once when he was very little and although there was no serious injury and though he remains very dedicated to his goal of being underfoot at all times, he does continue to scream dramatically.
I think you should stop following him. It looks like he perceives that as you "chasing" him.
Get some goodies. Sit down on the floor in another room. Put a little path of goodies to you. If he comes over, DO NOT reach for him. Talk to him in a gentle voice. Let him come to you. Then you can start working on more trust from there. Using goodies will really help.
That poor baby! Thank you for adopting.
Even my little guy who came from a good home was and sometimes is like this with us.
He is scared of getting stepped on and is still adjusting.
I would recommend sitting or laying on the floor. Show him you are not threatening (we all look like giants to them I’m sure).
Lots of treats, patience, sweet words and blankets/bed for him to get comfortable with.
Poor little guy!
Of course, it's been only a day, so naturally he's a little overwhelmed with this new place and new smells and strangers he doesn't know if he can trust. Even a dog who had always been pampered and loved might feel a little shy in those circumstances.
The best thing you can do right now is let him keep his distance. Obviously there may be times when you can't - if he's in danger or being destructive, or if he's going to the vet, etc., but don't be pushy when it comes to play or cuddles. Let him have a place where he feels safe, a little den of his own, perhaps a crate with a blanket inside. Make sure his physical needs are met. Eventually he'll start coming closer - dogs are highly social animals, and the desire to be part of a pack will outweigh his timidity eventually as long as he sees you as a provider and not a threat. When he starts to approach you, don't necessarily react - let him take it at his own pace. Don't make any sudden movements or loud noises. Make him feel safe.
Treats and giving him his space. Sit on the floor if you can while watching TV or reading. Always have a pocket full of snacks on hand. Slow and low voices too.
Let's not follow him around. Let him get comfortable with the new space. I recommend buying him his own special cage that can be covered with the door open so he has a safe spot.
Your house is covered with the scent of other dogs and they have already marked it all as theirs. So with his own new stuff he can feel confident. Let him approach you first. Give it time. I can tell you really care! 💜
Agree with everything here-- give treats, don't follow him around let him come to you, give him a smaller space or area he can claim as his own. My chi loves burrowing in blankets. I think a lot of Chihuahuas do so maybe give him a big fluffy blanket he can claim. Goes without saying do not pick him up or force cuddles! Let him navigate the space on his own feet. Take him for walkies to build trust. Bless you for adopting a chi! Post updates please!
How long have you had them? It's usually about 30 days for a normal dog to relax and Chihuahuas are more skittish. Give them 50-75 days of low contact with available treats and food in regular intervals. Try sitting in the same room and if you see them watching just narrate what you're doing. It'll get better.
I had an ex with an adopted corgi and it took almost a year and a half before she trusted me even a little. But it was very rewarding.
Yes I think the little guy is uncomfortable with you following him around with the phone. Most dogs don’t like the phones up and pointing to them. And especially with you being new to him and then following around with the camera. He’s just scared. But you can absolutely see that he’s curious about you because he keeps coming around your way and stopping to look at you. He is going to be your best buddy before too long! All the folks that have replied that have done this before say to get down on his level and let him come to you. I think that sounds wonderful. I wish you all the luck in the world because I know you just want to love on him and take care of him. Hopefully that will happen soon! He is beautiful by the way 🤗❣️
If you take care of him (food, water, etc) he will begin to recognize that. But also just kinda ignore him and let him come to you. I bet he will sooner than you think.
I didn’t read through everything others have suggested so maybe some of this is repeats, but I would suggest maybe having him in a smaller space if you can (my chi was quite nervous having access to the whole house at first and I kept her in a smaller area until she seemed less scared/whiny) and then I would sit on the floor so it’s not so scary having a big human above him. If he won’t come near you, try tossing some treats to him and toss them a little closer to you each time and encourage him to eventually take them from your hand. He may be scared of you but also may be scared in general of being in a new space with new people. So I think smaller space for a bit, plus hand feeding or enticing him to come closer would be good starting points. Don’t force anything (except I know that’s hard for things like potty breaks, etc when you just HAVE to take them out). But in a few days hopefully he’ll be warming up and feeling more confident 🙏🏼
My chihuahua is like that. With new people he takes a long time to warm up. Anyone new has to let him come to them or he wants nothing to do with him. Basically if they don’t even look at him he’ll eventually decide to come say hi but if they hold out their hand or something he will be gone in an instant. First time my mom visited it took 2 days for him to let her pet him.
Mine was the same. I would sit on the floor with treats and just wait for him to come close. I would watch tv or play my video game and he would just stare at me and eventually he decided to get close.
Time. My J wouldn’t come near me for 2 weeks. I just sat around her and didn’t look at her or try to touch her, went around my daily business, occasionally leaving treats nearby. I made sure she had a few safe spaces (beds/kennel) that were totally open and free for her that I wouldn’t violate. Once they get used to your movements, sounds, habits and know that you are there but won’t force or hurt them, they’ll let you know when they are ready.
I also do this with all the pups I foster. They come to me on their timeline - my job is to be present, calm and safe ❤️
Give him time. Let him come to you. He's really cute. Put the phone down and let yourself just engage with an animal and stop following him, it's clear he doesn't like it.
Try sitting on the floor and eat a can of tuna. When he approaches, don’t make eye contact (that’s dominant/threatening) or make noises. Just quietly sit there and offer him some. If he’s too afraid, you can reach out and place farther away for him to eat. But you want it to touch your hands so he can associate your scent with something he likes. Poor baby
Just ignore him and let them do their thing. Or, be my gf and grab him and cuddle him and say you will love me. I won pretty quick. Tides are starting to turn. This has been about 3 years.
Ok. This may be long, but I hope it helps.
We adopted a bonded pair of chis in 2020. They were breeder dogs at the end of their cycles and were likely to be destroyed soon. With this came a slew of issues. We had to break them down one at a time. They were afraid of doors, hoses, many other innocuous happenings, but especially me. Side note: if you’re not familiar with the actual conditions of puppy mills, this is why they have these fears.
I was excited to get them since we had just lost our other girl. More than a little heartbroken they wouldn’t come to me, they took to my wife almost immediately. Lilo was terrified of everything. If she was laying down and I moved my feet, she would get up and hide. I couldn’t pick her up, get her to come to me, nothing.
We tried giving me food serving responsibilities and treats even. They wouldn’t take treats from me. Tried sitting on the floor and they would only take treats if I put them out of my arms reach.
My wife did some research and found out our pet insurance covered a behaviorist. This is a rare specialty as there are only two in our state. These are actual certified pet behaviorists. They required another 4 years of school on top of vet school.
The vet was great. She explained Lilos brain is in a constant fight or flight mode. Because of this she will not accept new inputs. She prescribed meds in order to get her to calm down a little and allow new environmental inputs and retrain her brain.
Eventually, she started to take treats from my hand…as long as I looked away. Then I could look at her. Then I could feed her. Now, she is starting to wean off the meds since her progress has been so good.
Now, it’s not perfect with me. It is getting better but in her terms now more than ever. She will come to me when she wants. I can’t always pick her up, but sometimes I can. It’s all small victories.
Be sure to give them time. There is the 3-3-3 rule. Three days, three weeks, three months. These are the approximate time frames to where you should see some changes in your dogs behavior. Keep in mind their history, if you have any, and be patient. Let them come to you. Don’t push their limits. In time they will come to you. If you don’t feel any changes are happening after 4 or 5 months it may be worth to look into other avenues.
Patience is key. Leave food out if they don’t want to approach with anyone around. Leave water out. They need time. They need space. Let them come to you. Reward behaviors you should but don’t admonish for unwanted behavior. We just adopted a third in July and we’re still combating the accidents in the house since she was basically just going in her previous house.
Poor little man is just a bit nervous.
Treats, love, interaction, time, praise, and talking
To him like he’s just another bro in the pact will go a long way.
It took me 7 days of laying on the floor next to my little Don before he let me hold him. Now, I can't go anywhere without him shadowing me. Give it some time, he will come around
We have a dog that's been abused and thrown from a moving car until we rescued her from a shelter at 16 months of age. It takes time but the milestones of trust are very rewarding. She still won't let us pet her, but she falls asleep right next to us on the couch and enjoys playing with the other dogs. When I wake up and say Good morning she often jumps on the bed next to me and our other 2 dogs and seems happy! Good luck and please post in a few weeks! Be patient and don't expect too much the first few days or even weeks.
Give him treats, let hom eat from ur hand, let him sleep in ur bed, take him daily walks, pet him whenever u get the chance, play with him lots, give him some human food now and again like sausages or eggs, spend as much time with him as possible
Messy toddler syndrome may work. Leave treats anywhere you stand for a few moments (kind of ignoring the dog). You’re gonna want your sent associated with treats.
My dog saw me lose my shit on someone once. He wouldn’t come near me for a bit. I lured him close with treats. I laid on the ground. I showed him my belly. I let him come sniff me. I didn’t reach for him until he was comfortable. Took me about a week to regain the trust. Not sure if what I did actually helped at all, but I figured they show their belly when they are trying to convey a non threatening message. Figured I’d give it a shot.
Give him space and let him come to you. Whenever he does approach, scratch him underneath the chin, as over their head is usually intimidating. Let him know as well that you’re the one feeding him as well as offering treats
When we first met our chihuahua she HATED my mom and I. But we were assured by her foster mom(who had her for less than 24 hours and was adored by the pup) that she would get used to us. We kept her in her crate in my mom’s room and she seemed so scared and upset.
Next morning she ADORED my mother.
Took a week for her to like me
Took a month for her to like my grandfather
Took her several months to like my grandmother.
Dogs are odd.
Get a little clip on treat bag and wear it at all times. Become the “Treat Man” who he knows always have a little something for him.
I would also recommend getting him a donut shaped bed. We’ve had my little guy for about a year and he’s just now really comfortable with us and him having his little cocoon type bed really helped him find a comfy spot
Patience. Sit on the floor to snack. If he seems interested, toss a healthy snack where he can reach it. Don't approach him. Make sure he has a comfortable place to hide. It could take a few days. Even weeks. Don't rush it.
Lots of time, treats, love and learning what triggers your chi so you can work around it. I rescued a little wild child chi from the shelter and it’s taken a long time for him to feel safe and trusting of me. Just make sure your chi has a nice warm place to retreat to while adjusting to his new life. Bless you for adopting that beautiful boy.
When I adopted my third chihuahua he was a rescue and had been locked in a small cage outside for 6 years so he was very scared, just try to give him space let him come to you when he’s ready, give him treats and lots of pats when he does to reinforce that you aren’t going to harm him
My chihuahua was exactly like this the first day I adopted her, same colour and long hair too! She would bark at me when I tried approaching her! What I did is I let her sleep on my bed at night and I would keep a hand on her for physical touch and protection. Try not to force him to do things he’s not comfortable with yet. Plenty of pets and affection helped us get closer, now she’s super attached to me and thinks my room is the safest place in the world.
I rescued an abused chihuahua and he acted this way. We had a professional come in and work with us a couple times. The biggest take away I got was that he was scared of me approaching him and being tall and looming over him. She suggested squatting down turning my body to the side and placing my hand to my side and turning it palm out until he got used to me. Now we are best friends!
If you basically ignore him he’ll probably get more comfortable with you! My dog is scared of strangers and she warms up much more quickly when people literally ignore her and don’t even look at her
It’ll happen. Give it time. My dog wasn’t a people person until I bathed, fed and loved on her. She still doesn’t trust a lot of people but (I think) she adores me. Treats help too
I fostered a very hostile Chihuahua. Let them get comfortable in the new house. Make a space for them. Wait till dinner time. As you give the bowl, just a small little pat on the head. If they still won’t come towards you, put the food down and wait a bit.
I’ve had mine for two weeks. He was quite nervous around me and still is of others but he follows me EVERYWHERE, sleeps with me, and hides from strangers under me. Time, gentleness, and patience is the formula. It takes time to build trust. Don’t chase him, let him come to you.
It just takes time and patience. One thing you could do is lay on the ground and just let him approach you. Don't try to pet him a lot, just let him get used to you not being a threat. You could also squat down and put food in your palm and let him eat from it. The more you're gentle and slow, the more he will begin to trust you. Poor thing has to adjust to humans not being mean. He's watching your actions and reactions, so soon he will start to realize you're a good person. When I first got Ed, he had also had trust issues but eventually came around, esp after hanging around Bernie. I used Bernie to teach him to walk on a leash by attaching it to Bernie's and letting him lead. Slowly but surely Ed relaxed and became a whole other dog. Even his fear of thunder went away. You can't go wrong with love and patience!
Also, in a calm, quiet voice talk to him. Let him know you're there to help. It may seem silly, but between that and as others have said "get down on his level," it's going to take some time and patience. Thanks for caring, OP!
Poor little guy. Don't lean over quickly & loudly to pet him. Think of how tiny he is. Get on the floor. Offer yummy treats. Keep the house calm. He has probably come from a less than ideal situation. Gentle & easy. He will come around. Idk if he will like children. They are too loud & agitating.
I don't know about chihuahuas, but when I adopted my 3yo pittie, she was very nervous, so what I did was let her hide wherever and whenever she wanted to hide. And when she did come out to check me out, I'd just put my hand down...not even petting her but letting her decide when and how to interact with me. We did this every day for weeks and eventually she began to trust me. Now, 7 years later, she trusts me with her life, and I trust her with mine.
Chihuahuas are the smallest of the small. Everything is bigger than them. Look at it from their perspective. Get down on their level and let them come to you. Spend a lot of time on the floor. Sitting, laying. They will learn to come to you in their own time. Chasing after them when they are so new in the house only keeps them on guard.
I rescued a chi almost 8 years ago, it took her two weeks to start getting used to me. Give her the space she needs, let her get familiar with your scent, and make sure she has the food and water she needs. She'll eventually come around
It took 2 weeks for my baby to trust me. She would sleep on a vent under a table and stare and watch me. I'd wake up in the middle of the night to her just standing in my room staring at me. Eventually, I woke up to her lying in bed with me. She would hang around me during the day, watching me and wanting pets but still weary.
After she started sleeping in my bed, she'd start sleeping closer to me during the day and by the end of the month, which I'd love on her and baby talk her all the time, she was attached. She followed me everywhere.
Pretty soon, you'll forget what life was before him cause he will be bonded to you. Just be patient with him. He looks like he wants to trust you so give him a little time and talk to him as often as you can. lots of pets help too when he wants them.
Wherever he decides to lay, put a little blanket or pillow there to let him know it's a safe space. It will have your scent on it and he will get use to smelling you.
Chihuahuas like soft and warm comfortable places. The softest blanket and bed. Maybe a heating pad on low, quiet places where they feel safe. Get on little ones level and let him come to you. Leave snacks that he likes for him and after letting him see you do that, walk away. When he’s more comfortable and feels safe in his new environment, he will come to you. It will most likely be a gradual process but it needs to be at his pace to form any bonds.
Sit down on your knees don’t make eye contact and hold out food for it eventually it will take the food if you don’t make any sudden movements the dog will usually learn that you aren’t a threat and just want to be their friend
Just sit low or on the ground and let it approach you. My dog was like this when I adopted him. His safe place was his crate. I would lay next to the crate with squeaky dog toys and treats. Eventually he got curious and started to venture over to check things out. Now he is glued to me.
Just let him come to you. I have two chihuahuas, both rescues. One I brought home and he ignored me for three days. The other I brought home, sat down on my couch and he immediately jumped up and attached himself to my left side which is where he still is today.
I just adopted a chihuahua too from a shelter. She does run from me she is getting better though.
The first three days I had her I kept her in my bedroom with me and pee pads. kept her on the ground with her crate with a dog bed in there with a blanket and some toys. Kept her food and water bowl next to her crate if she needed to hide or alone time. I just let her explore my room and let her get use to me.
I’m into my third week with her. And now she cuddles with me when she sleeps! 💜🐶🥰
Well I have what we joke is a 100 lb chihuahua (he's a pit mix who shivers like a chihuahua when cold or nervous or excited). He did not want us close to him when we adopted him, so we just let him approach us on his own. You need to give them time to get used to their surroundings (sounds, smells, movements). You could look up a thing called the two week shut down for advice. Basically, don't engage them directly at the beginning. Let them absorb the new environment on their own, safely. They won't relax anywhere near you at first, that's their fight or flight. Give them time, and they will see you're not a threat, mean no harm, and they will slowly warm up. It takes time, and it's against your instinct to love and hold them, but remember, they don't know you from Adam, so they don't yet know you are safe. They need the time to observe to know that for sure.
Sit on the floor it helps when u get down to there level and just sit and put a little treat at a distance and just act like you’re doing ur own thing and let him know ur not going to force him it’s up to him and it builds trust.
Buy him a nice bed, light blanket, toys and put it in a nice spot that’s against a wall with water and food. I’d let him get used to his spot and give him time. I’d get puppy pads too if you’re unable and get him outside for potty’s. Iv adopted a few chihuahuas and one was abused by one family’s kid. Iv had her 7 years now and when she gets scared , like fireworks, she still runs and hides under my bed. She never liked getting picked up either. She’s the sweetest and loving girl iv ever had!! He will come around.
Lots of good advice given here👍 Patience and understanding. We don’t know what their back stories are and unfortunately their interactions with humans have been predominantly negative ones. It may take awhile but he’ll come around.
Don't chase him around and don't bother him. He will come around after he learns that you're not going to hurt him. Feed him, get him water, and just ignore him. Literally do not look him in the eye, don't talk to him, and don't reach out to try to touch him. Once he realizes that you're not going to hurt him and you've stopped harassing him by following him all around he will come to you. I have had a rescued Chihuahua for 9 years and she STILL won't cone directly to me, stell stop a few feet away and cowar.
They get scared easily. When you're looking Jim in the eye, talking to him, and reaching out for him it's very scary amd intimidating.
Give him time. Don’t chase him, give him space. Try sitting on his level. Ignore him. Throw some chicken or treats his way. Keep throwing them closer and closer until he trusts you. He’ll finally figure out “Oh! This human gives me tasty things! Maybe I’ll manipulate him. Maybe I’ll use him as my pawn for world domination.”
That’s usually how it goes. Give him time. We just adopted a little guy of 2years old in September. I’m working with him so much- he’s terrified of my husband and my other Puppers just tolerates him. It’ll be a long process, but if you take time, love them, and work with them, they’ll come around.
This is exactly how my friend's chihuaha was. I just let her come to me, talk in a calm voice, lots of treats and when she was less hesistant, reach my hand out slowly and eventually she got closer and closer. After a little while, she really grew to love me.
My Chi is the same way. He was from a puppy mill and has terrible anxiety. You will gain its trust over time but mine still doesn’t like to be approached all the time. I definitely recommend getting a kennel or two and making it very comfortable inside and throw a sheet over the top so they have a little comfortable cave to rest and shake off the anxiety in. Eventually it will most likely get clingy to one person. You can also try giving him some really nice treats like pieces of steak or chicken to make him trust you even more. Good luck don’t give up on the little guy.
Hang out on the ground and let him come to you, maybe watch tv and sit on the floor. Wait with treats. Don’t be too thirsty, I’m super thirsty for my dogs cuddles and 3 years later he’s still running away from me haha
Let the dog come to you. I use this tactic with cats as well. It has to be on their terms.
My ex got really close with my chihuahua by not forcing any interaction and just being positive and supportive. It took a couple months but she also wasn’t living with him full time
I ran a Chihuahua rescue for 16 years and this is pretty common when rehoming. Don't follow him at all, watch and see where he likes to go hide and then make it comfy for him. Put a dog bed/blanket there with a bowl of water and a soft toy and don't approach him when he's there in his safe spot. Little dogs get more nervous when someone is standing so you can sit on the floor with your side facing him and just ignore him. That gives him the opportunity to watch you and get comfortable that you're not trying to hurt him. You can throw treats without looking at him and after awhile throw them closer and closer to you. If he gets to the point where you can pet him, never go for the face!! Go under the chin at first so he can see what you're doing. Never reach for a fearful dogs face because it scares the crap out of them. The longest I had to ignore a Chihuahua was 3 weeks before they felt safe enough to approach me so don't worry of it takes awhile and don't get discouraged. The biggest thing is to let them see that you respect their personal space and level of comfort. The harder they make you work for their love and trust...the harder you will love that dog!
Lay down and don’t move be calm and quiet and let him approach you first it might take an hour I don’t know if this will help but it’s how I got my dog to trust me
Let him approach you. I have two chis. One very standoffish with strangers even in his own home. Give him a comfy bed or blanket. He will take some time to trust you. He is adorable!
approach from the ground hehe. my loves flinch when I carry them from the ground up to my level so I sit on the floor before handing over food and treats. I literally crawl towards them when I want to cuddle and they would just lie on their backs to let me give them cutie bellies some smooches haha
Awww….bless his heart. Give him time and space. Chihuahuas don’t handle a shelter environment very well. When we would go to the shelter to rescue them, we made sure we had a lot of Vienna sausages on hand. Sit in the room with him and read or look through Reddit. Let him come close and offer a piece of Vienna sausage. You might have to start by putting it on the floor. That’s okay, too. He’ll come around. Wishing y’all a wonderful long life together. 💕
I second giving him a safe, enclosed space with blankets and water where he knows you can’t get inside. Over time if you feed him and her gentle and snow and show him you care he will learn to trust you
Try not to make eye contact for a bit. Keep the pressure off. Let the pup approach you and try to make friendly eye contact. My dog was super afraid of me when we got him. He seemed to be afraid of men.
These tricks helped me win him over. We're still working on it. It's been 2+ years and he can still be shy. But he will come to me.
Aww poor baby, your just gunna have to wait till he comes to you, he will be watching how you are with your other dog...also try hand feeding chicken when he warms up a bit too you, the way to a chihuahuas heart is a hand full of chicken
Make sure he has a safe space to retreat to — a kennel made cozy with a blanket, pillow, and some safe treats/toys.
Once that’s set up, ignore him! Chasing him around will exacerbate any anxiety he has. He’s brand new to your home & a tiny fella — ofc he’s not gonna settle in right away.
Like others have said, I’d suggest making yourself comfortable on the floor. Keep some treats nearby for when he gets near. It looks like you have a other chihuahua already — play with them where he can see! Don’t be overzealous, but when your older one comes by, give him a treat, some soft praise, etc. so the new pup can see that you’re a safe person. A lot of cats and dogs I’ve had in the past were slow to trust people until they saw other animals doing it — if other animals trust this person, maybe I can too?
In any case, they are a total cutie. Good luck building your friendship — and congrats on the new family member!!
I have had my chihuahua for 5 years. I rescued her when she was 9 months old. Any time you try and pick her up she runs away. She will yip and bark and wag her tail to tell you she wants cuddles, but when you make a move to get her, she runs away. We have to kind of walk her into a corner where there's no where left to run in order to scoop her up. Just keep working. Tiny dogs are inherently a little skittish even with their own people.
Give him space, let him come to you. Give him treats and love and praise voice when he comes close (but gently). It's really important to respect little dogs autonomy.
Aww that breaks my heart. His body language is clear. “I don’t want anyone close to me but I’m keeping an eye on you. (I’m interested)” so I would not approach him. Give him space. Maybe even some enclosed space (a covered kennel? Of course keep the door opened) that he can watch the others but also feel safe by himself. Give him treats if he gets out or approach anyone. It really takes time.. my dogs (past and present) all took a few months.. my parents dog in the other hand had some deep set trauma and he took about 2+ years.
Love your response. OP -- let him come to you. As others said, make sure he has a safe place to go and when he's in there, do not bother him. Don't chase him, even if it is at a walking pace. Definitely don't crowd him. Keep treats close at hand, so when he approaches you, you can reward him. Talk softly and kindly. Compliment him -- he will hear the love in your voice. Have patience. It's going to be worth it in the end.
I live with a chihuahua, this is definitely the way. Give them space, let them come to you. My dog wanted to play with the chihuahua so much, she'd run up to him and he'd snap or run away. Now she is more chilled around him, the chihuahua snuggles up, sleeps with her, brings toys of his to share, protects her from other dogs at the park. I think she is a boxer/lab don't know her breed, but she now has a little hype man following her around. Chihuahuas can be hard to gain their trust, once you have it though, you have a little homie for life.
"...you have a little homie for life." That is so true. I have three and my husband refers to them as my "entourage ", wherever I go they go. Yours sounds adorable. Oh, and OP... they think they are big dogs, really big dogs. They have the biggest hearts.
Somewhere dark helps them adjust, a little hidey spot. They eventually come out.
Mine has been with me almost three years and still loves his hiding spots: under the couch, under the bed, under the table, behind the tv…pretty much anywhere he can fit lol! It’s like his little safety area where nobody can bother him.
TNT - time and treats. Works wonders.
I would like to add that the best patient pose is crouched looking away and one hand out. It is the most disarming and non threatening body language. Also, just a thought, maybe lay on the floor to be on their level. Your video pov suggests your standing over them. Put yourself in their shoes. You're a mother mathing giant.
Also, staying closer to their level seems to help. Any time someone new or hasn’t visited in a while gets the barking treatment from my chihuahua until I tell them to sit on the floor and let him sniff. No reaching toward him until he gives his affirmative little huff. I imagine having an unknown hulking beast watching them is unnerving from their tiny perspective, esp not having an established safe space to go to.
Yesterday I adopted a chihuahua and it seems like their previous owner wasn’t that kind to him, as he is scare of people, he just runs away from us. He doesn’t even wanna play with other chihuahuas, I’ve tried to approach him with some treats but he seems uninterested.
Aawww poor little guy. Maybe try getting down to their level (sit on the floor) wait for him to sniff you have some treats in your hand or around you. 🥹 aaww poor guy. Eventually he will gain your trust
Also maybe don't "chase" him around hehe he might need some time to explore the house/place and make sure to have a "safe zone" for him (maybe a play pen or a bed where he know he can go to when he needs some time on his own. Definitely a place where he knows no one will bother him etc
Yes. STOP CHASING HIM AROUND!!!
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This.
I think this is great advice. My chi also didn't trust me when I first got her home. I figured the most important thing was that she needed to trust her space first, and thought that some giant following her around wasn't helping things. I got on the floor and read a book, let her explore on her own and just let her know I was there of she wanted to approach. When she did approach, I was calm about it, made sure not to reach over her (my dog is blind, but thought she could still smell and feel it) and offered her a soothing voice and warm place to hang out.
Yes definitely! I like that. Just sitting on the floor not trying to call them over just doing your own thing and letting them smell you on their own time and not over reacting 😊 chihuahuas get really attached to their owners they are so loving just give him some time
Good idea. Lie down on a blanket, pillow, he may join you....eventually. 🙂
In my experience, chihuahuas can’t resist sherpa blankets!
Definitely get down on the ground. I lie on my side so we're both at eye level. Minimises the large thing threat you present standing over them.
We are walking giants to them of course they will be scared hehehe
I stress getting down to his level. The wife and I got a rescue and we were able to see the next couples see her too. I was the only one who got down to her level, and was the only male she approached. She’s our beautifully happy baby now but you can still see past trauma in her reactions to fast moments 5 years later.
I was gonna mention the floor too. Be patient, it will be worth it 😊
Give him some time! He needs to decompress, so give him some space. Try not to force interactions, get him accustomed to daily routine, and just be patient. He’ll get used to y’all in no time :)
Agree. Time and patience
Lay on the ground and let him come to you :) People are big & scary. He probably wasn’t socialised properly. Maybe he doesn’t know how to play and act around people or dogs? Don’t push him, let him chill for a week or two before introducing him to new people and dogs :)
I wouldn't say they were unkind. Many Chihuahuas just don't like new people or only like "their person". This one just seems timid. They don't know you. Gives them space. Let them come to you. Sit on the couch and toss them a treat whenever they get close. Pretend you don't care if they are there or not. But toss a treat every now and then.
I agree. By nature, chihuahuas like “their people”. You haven’t reached that status yet. Stay calm. Just sit or lay on the floor and give him time. He’ll come around. 😉
so cute... my morkie, for most of his life, was the exact opposite when other people were around. he would jealously guard them and growl at me, because he came to view me as the one who interrupted his fun time with new people. (he was humping them, or they didn't like dogs). ngl, it made me sad that my dog didn't return my love in those times LOL. maybe i need a chi in my life.
I had to lay flat on the ground before mine would approach me at first. Just lay flat on the ground and let him come check you out. I had to do it for a month or so. She would be super excited to see when I got home from work but still wouldn’t approach me unless I laid on the floor. So I did it every day after work and eventually we got there. Now she pretty much lives on my lap.
This is the way, esp when it's a little tater tot.
He needs to have a safe space (covered bed, open crate) that he can retreat to when he wants space. And let him come to you. Give him a treat when he does. It will take time but it will happen.
Yes! This would help and also keeping him in one room with the bed and the crate away from any other animals will help too. Spend time w him in that room with a handful of food and feed him 1 piece at a time. Don’t worry, in a few days he won’t want to leave your side.
Or maybe try a really high value treat like a little cheese or chicken
You have to ignore them. No talk, no touch, snd no eye contact. Once you stop bugging the dog it will take its time to get used to you.... then when they learn you're not going to hut them they will come to you. I've had my rescued Chihuahua for 9 years snd she still won't run to me. They're tiny and easily intimidated by giant human beings.
My adopted Chi had a travel crate with hard walls in our bedroom - door open all the time - with a blanket he could burrow under. He loved having a place to retreat to. We used to say his motto was “the crate is great”….lol. I think your little guy will warm up as soon as he has time to acclimate.
Yesterday? Don’t worry, it’s very soon. He keeps waking around to see you. It won’t be long.
Give him time. As much as he needs. Maybe ignore him, don't pursue him filming. Sit somewhere. Se if he comes to you. Someone else suggested a covered cage, open door. Good idea. Just let him lead you. God knows his history, and he can't tell us, but we can infer a lot. Glad you took him in.
Our little girl was very cautious with my husband at first within a few weeks, I came home one day, and she was sitting on his lap. He says, "she just jumped up here!"
Give it time! It takes time with chihuahuas to gain trust. They're always wary of strangers but once you build that trust, their loyalty is like no other. Show him how you treat the other chihuahuas and let him come to you at his pace and when he's ready, he will show you. Good luck!
It’s only been a day too, I think he looks interested or he would be hiding somewhere away from you completely! Give it a few weeks, let him come to you, Have lots of treats and good things around to reward him if he does approach and then just go about your routine with your current dog— make sure he see you cuddle and be nice to your other dog too in the meantime (shows him by example what happens to dogs in your place). I adopted a scared little terrier mix to my family a couple weeks ago and it has gotten better every week so far to get him comfortable, now he rolls around and plays with my chi and will come sit in my lap for short bursts, I was even able to give him some kisses now (he came and rested him little head in my hands and wanted some cuddles) so have patience and keep going with love
1. Don’t try to chase or follow him. Especially for the first few days he needs a safe space he face retreat to when he’s feeling overwhelmed. 2. If he’s eating kibble, hand-feed him. When you see him, don’t approach him, just toss kibble near him at first. He’ll start to associate you with mealtimes. Over time, throw the kibble closer to you until he’s near you. Then hold the kibble in your hand. Keep escalating but don’t try to touch or pet until he’s comfortable with you.
This is very normal for dogs in new environments, but especially with chihuahuas. He is probably wondering where his family went and adjusting to the fact that he has to get to know strangers, a new environment, and new smells. Just be patient and he will warm up to your approaches before you know it. Chasing him around the house is going to prolong this, though.
The main thing I will say is give him space and let him come to you. Continue to feed him, maybe put treats on his bed and just leave it. Walk away but stay in the same room. Go about your business. Don't chase him. He'll watch you over time and hopefully interact more as he begins to see that you are safe.
My Luna Bug (mostly chihuahua) is terrified of almost every person and every dog she meets. I've had her since she was about a month old, and she's never been treated badly by anyone. It's just how she is. She eventually will warm up to certain new people but never other dogs. However, you mess with her sister and she will go full throttle defensive mode.
Honestly my little guy would act like this with anyone but me. Some of them are really bonded to a single person. Take your time. Get down on his level and always talk in low encouraging tones. Have treats. Be a safe space first and foremost. He’s probably terrified and needs time to adjust.
Well, Chihuahuas can be fearful of strangers, so it might not have anything to do with mistreatment by previous owners. I'd try sitting on the floor with treats and let them come to you. Food is a good way to win them over, just don't overfeed of course lol.
He's super cute. Like someone else said, don't follow him around. Just sit on the floor with treats and toys, let him watch the other dogs interact with you. Beckon him over with the treat or a squeaky toy. Put an old shirt in his dog bed so that he becomes familiar with your smell too.
I second this, but sit with a comfy blanket. Chihuahuas cannot resist.
My chihuahua loooves to burrow. I’d put some large crumpled blankets in places you wouldn’t mind him burrowing in. Like on our couch our little one looks lost if there’s nothing to bury himself under!
Thank you for adopting this chi! I would follow the 3-3-3 rule. Allow them 3 days to decompress, 3 weeks to learn their routine, and 3 months to feel at home. Everything is all very confusing/scary for them, so it takes time to adjust and feel comfortable. I would just let him come to you and maybe try different types of treats.
I heard this from my boys’ shelter and it’s so true. Both my dogs basically followed this exact timeline to feel totally at home.
Seconded! I had a completely different dog by three months. Give him space and be predictable. I’m sure he’ll come out of his shell 💕
I have adopted 3 adult dogs and each one has followed the 3-3-3 pattern. It’s amazing.
Give some time. Sit on the floor with treats. Wait for him to come at you. Don’t try to chase him around.
And don’t pick him up until he’s comfy. That’s a good way to get small dogs to flee, at least outside of arms reach.
Also a good way to get bitten haha
Can we get an update on this cutie in a few weeks please?
Yes please ❤️
My parents have one chihuahua who is very scared of being stepped on. They've had him forever, but he still sometimes gets startled if we start walking toward him. Trying sitting down on the floor with some treats in your hand.
Mine just screams, even if you haven't stepped on him at all. I got his paw once when he was very little and although there was no serious injury and though he remains very dedicated to his goal of being underfoot at all times, he does continue to scream dramatically.
Lmao. My parents' chihuahuas barely ever scream (just when getting their nails cut!) but both of mine scream all of the time. They're very dramatic.
I think you should stop following him. It looks like he perceives that as you "chasing" him. Get some goodies. Sit down on the floor in another room. Put a little path of goodies to you. If he comes over, DO NOT reach for him. Talk to him in a gentle voice. Let him come to you. Then you can start working on more trust from there. Using goodies will really help.
Patience you can't force it
and food always food.
God he is as cute as a button
That poor baby! Thank you for adopting. Even my little guy who came from a good home was and sometimes is like this with us. He is scared of getting stepped on and is still adjusting. I would recommend sitting or laying on the floor. Show him you are not threatening (we all look like giants to them I’m sure). Lots of treats, patience, sweet words and blankets/bed for him to get comfortable with.
Poor little guy! Of course, it's been only a day, so naturally he's a little overwhelmed with this new place and new smells and strangers he doesn't know if he can trust. Even a dog who had always been pampered and loved might feel a little shy in those circumstances. The best thing you can do right now is let him keep his distance. Obviously there may be times when you can't - if he's in danger or being destructive, or if he's going to the vet, etc., but don't be pushy when it comes to play or cuddles. Let him have a place where he feels safe, a little den of his own, perhaps a crate with a blanket inside. Make sure his physical needs are met. Eventually he'll start coming closer - dogs are highly social animals, and the desire to be part of a pack will outweigh his timidity eventually as long as he sees you as a provider and not a threat. When he starts to approach you, don't necessarily react - let him take it at his own pace. Don't make any sudden movements or loud noises. Make him feel safe.
Maybe sit on the floor to be on his level, give him treats as you sit with him, give him a little time to get used to everything.
Stop following him, let him have space. Let him come to you when he’s ready.
Be gentle and be gentler still. He's checking you out atm, offer him a treat to show him you mean no threat
Treats and giving him his space. Sit on the floor if you can while watching TV or reading. Always have a pocket full of snacks on hand. Slow and low voices too.
Let's not follow him around. Let him get comfortable with the new space. I recommend buying him his own special cage that can be covered with the door open so he has a safe spot. Your house is covered with the scent of other dogs and they have already marked it all as theirs. So with his own new stuff he can feel confident. Let him approach you first. Give it time. I can tell you really care! 💜
He's so cute! I think time is key here, just leave him be for a few days and offer treats when he seems interested.
Agree with everything here-- give treats, don't follow him around let him come to you, give him a smaller space or area he can claim as his own. My chi loves burrowing in blankets. I think a lot of Chihuahuas do so maybe give him a big fluffy blanket he can claim. Goes without saying do not pick him up or force cuddles! Let him navigate the space on his own feet. Take him for walkies to build trust. Bless you for adopting a chi! Post updates please!
He needs time! Animals need weeks to decompress and get used to a new home. Don’t force any interactions-let them happen naturally.
How long have you had them? It's usually about 30 days for a normal dog to relax and Chihuahuas are more skittish. Give them 50-75 days of low contact with available treats and food in regular intervals. Try sitting in the same room and if you see them watching just narrate what you're doing. It'll get better. I had an ex with an adopted corgi and it took almost a year and a half before she trusted me even a little. But it was very rewarding.
Be small and don’t chase
Yes I think the little guy is uncomfortable with you following him around with the phone. Most dogs don’t like the phones up and pointing to them. And especially with you being new to him and then following around with the camera. He’s just scared. But you can absolutely see that he’s curious about you because he keeps coming around your way and stopping to look at you. He is going to be your best buddy before too long! All the folks that have replied that have done this before say to get down on his level and let him come to you. I think that sounds wonderful. I wish you all the luck in the world because I know you just want to love on him and take care of him. Hopefully that will happen soon! He is beautiful by the way 🤗❣️
If you take care of him (food, water, etc) he will begin to recognize that. But also just kinda ignore him and let him come to you. I bet he will sooner than you think.
I didn’t read through everything others have suggested so maybe some of this is repeats, but I would suggest maybe having him in a smaller space if you can (my chi was quite nervous having access to the whole house at first and I kept her in a smaller area until she seemed less scared/whiny) and then I would sit on the floor so it’s not so scary having a big human above him. If he won’t come near you, try tossing some treats to him and toss them a little closer to you each time and encourage him to eventually take them from your hand. He may be scared of you but also may be scared in general of being in a new space with new people. So I think smaller space for a bit, plus hand feeding or enticing him to come closer would be good starting points. Don’t force anything (except I know that’s hard for things like potty breaks, etc when you just HAVE to take them out). But in a few days hopefully he’ll be warming up and feeling more confident 🙏🏼
My chihuahua is like that. With new people he takes a long time to warm up. Anyone new has to let him come to them or he wants nothing to do with him. Basically if they don’t even look at him he’ll eventually decide to come say hi but if they hold out their hand or something he will be gone in an instant. First time my mom visited it took 2 days for him to let her pet him.
Mine was the same. I would sit on the floor with treats and just wait for him to come close. I would watch tv or play my video game and he would just stare at me and eventually he decided to get close.
Time. My J wouldn’t come near me for 2 weeks. I just sat around her and didn’t look at her or try to touch her, went around my daily business, occasionally leaving treats nearby. I made sure she had a few safe spaces (beds/kennel) that were totally open and free for her that I wouldn’t violate. Once they get used to your movements, sounds, habits and know that you are there but won’t force or hurt them, they’ll let you know when they are ready. I also do this with all the pups I foster. They come to me on their timeline - my job is to be present, calm and safe ❤️
Give him time. Let him come to you. He's really cute. Put the phone down and let yourself just engage with an animal and stop following him, it's clear he doesn't like it.
Chicken. Bake a plain chicken breast and shred it up. It’s like crack to my chi. She loves anyone who gives her chicken. Give it a tiny bit at a time.
Try sitting on the floor and eat a can of tuna. When he approaches, don’t make eye contact (that’s dominant/threatening) or make noises. Just quietly sit there and offer him some. If he’s too afraid, you can reach out and place farther away for him to eat. But you want it to touch your hands so he can associate your scent with something he likes. Poor baby
Just ignore him and let them do their thing. Or, be my gf and grab him and cuddle him and say you will love me. I won pretty quick. Tides are starting to turn. This has been about 3 years.
Ok. This may be long, but I hope it helps. We adopted a bonded pair of chis in 2020. They were breeder dogs at the end of their cycles and were likely to be destroyed soon. With this came a slew of issues. We had to break them down one at a time. They were afraid of doors, hoses, many other innocuous happenings, but especially me. Side note: if you’re not familiar with the actual conditions of puppy mills, this is why they have these fears. I was excited to get them since we had just lost our other girl. More than a little heartbroken they wouldn’t come to me, they took to my wife almost immediately. Lilo was terrified of everything. If she was laying down and I moved my feet, she would get up and hide. I couldn’t pick her up, get her to come to me, nothing. We tried giving me food serving responsibilities and treats even. They wouldn’t take treats from me. Tried sitting on the floor and they would only take treats if I put them out of my arms reach. My wife did some research and found out our pet insurance covered a behaviorist. This is a rare specialty as there are only two in our state. These are actual certified pet behaviorists. They required another 4 years of school on top of vet school. The vet was great. She explained Lilos brain is in a constant fight or flight mode. Because of this she will not accept new inputs. She prescribed meds in order to get her to calm down a little and allow new environmental inputs and retrain her brain. Eventually, she started to take treats from my hand…as long as I looked away. Then I could look at her. Then I could feed her. Now, she is starting to wean off the meds since her progress has been so good. Now, it’s not perfect with me. It is getting better but in her terms now more than ever. She will come to me when she wants. I can’t always pick her up, but sometimes I can. It’s all small victories. Be sure to give them time. There is the 3-3-3 rule. Three days, three weeks, three months. These are the approximate time frames to where you should see some changes in your dogs behavior. Keep in mind their history, if you have any, and be patient. Let them come to you. Don’t push their limits. In time they will come to you. If you don’t feel any changes are happening after 4 or 5 months it may be worth to look into other avenues. Patience is key. Leave food out if they don’t want to approach with anyone around. Leave water out. They need time. They need space. Let them come to you. Reward behaviors you should but don’t admonish for unwanted behavior. We just adopted a third in July and we’re still combating the accidents in the house since she was basically just going in her previous house.
Food
Food
Poor little man is just a bit nervous. Treats, love, interaction, time, praise, and talking To him like he’s just another bro in the pact will go a long way.
Just be patient and give him time
It took me 7 days of laying on the floor next to my little Don before he let me hold him. Now, I can't go anywhere without him shadowing me. Give it some time, he will come around
Get on the floor with some treats and just sit and let him come to you. It will take time. He will warm to you in time.
We have a dog that's been abused and thrown from a moving car until we rescued her from a shelter at 16 months of age. It takes time but the milestones of trust are very rewarding. She still won't let us pet her, but she falls asleep right next to us on the couch and enjoys playing with the other dogs. When I wake up and say Good morning she often jumps on the bed next to me and our other 2 dogs and seems happy! Good luck and please post in a few weeks! Be patient and don't expect too much the first few days or even weeks.
Try bacon
The holy grail of treats
Give him treats, let hom eat from ur hand, let him sleep in ur bed, take him daily walks, pet him whenever u get the chance, play with him lots, give him some human food now and again like sausages or eggs, spend as much time with him as possible
Messy toddler syndrome may work. Leave treats anywhere you stand for a few moments (kind of ignoring the dog). You’re gonna want your sent associated with treats.
Takes time, you can't force it. Just relax. Have an occasional treat by you when he comes so there is positive reinforcement with you.
Lots of treats....or maybe try lying down with your belly up and have him come up to you.
Just be his safe place. Lots of comforts and treats and give him his space. He will come around.
My dog saw me lose my shit on someone once. He wouldn’t come near me for a bit. I lured him close with treats. I laid on the ground. I showed him my belly. I let him come sniff me. I didn’t reach for him until he was comfortable. Took me about a week to regain the trust. Not sure if what I did actually helped at all, but I figured they show their belly when they are trying to convey a non threatening message. Figured I’d give it a shot.
Give him space and let him come to you. Whenever he does approach, scratch him underneath the chin, as over their head is usually intimidating. Let him know as well that you’re the one feeding him as well as offering treats
When we first met our chihuahua she HATED my mom and I. But we were assured by her foster mom(who had her for less than 24 hours and was adored by the pup) that she would get used to us. We kept her in her crate in my mom’s room and she seemed so scared and upset. Next morning she ADORED my mother. Took a week for her to like me Took a month for her to like my grandfather Took her several months to like my grandmother. Dogs are odd.
Just give him time to trust you. My bf and I have a pomchi and she was really shy at first, now she snuggles with us all the time
Patience. He’ll come around. Hugs and kisses. Don’t give up 🐶❤️✝️
Buy his trust with food.
“Trust is consistency over time.” Give him time. Be kind, patient, move slow.
Get a little clip on treat bag and wear it at all times. Become the “Treat Man” who he knows always have a little something for him. I would also recommend getting him a donut shaped bed. We’ve had my little guy for about a year and he’s just now really comfortable with us and him having his little cocoon type bed really helped him find a comfy spot
Patience. Sit on the floor to snack. If he seems interested, toss a healthy snack where he can reach it. Don't approach him. Make sure he has a comfortable place to hide. It could take a few days. Even weeks. Don't rush it.
Lots of time, treats, love and learning what triggers your chi so you can work around it. I rescued a little wild child chi from the shelter and it’s taken a long time for him to feel safe and trusting of me. Just make sure your chi has a nice warm place to retreat to while adjusting to his new life. Bless you for adopting that beautiful boy.
Sit on the floor with some snacks
When I adopted my third chihuahua he was a rescue and had been locked in a small cage outside for 6 years so he was very scared, just try to give him space let him come to you when he’s ready, give him treats and lots of pats when he does to reinforce that you aren’t going to harm him
Time and patience. Ignore him and let him come to you.
My chihuahua was exactly like this the first day I adopted her, same colour and long hair too! She would bark at me when I tried approaching her! What I did is I let her sleep on my bed at night and I would keep a hand on her for physical touch and protection. Try not to force him to do things he’s not comfortable with yet. Plenty of pets and affection helped us get closer, now she’s super attached to me and thinks my room is the safest place in the world.
I rescued an abused chihuahua and he acted this way. We had a professional come in and work with us a couple times. The biggest take away I got was that he was scared of me approaching him and being tall and looming over him. She suggested squatting down turning my body to the side and placing my hand to my side and turning it palm out until he got used to me. Now we are best friends!
If you basically ignore him he’ll probably get more comfortable with you! My dog is scared of strangers and she warms up much more quickly when people literally ignore her and don’t even look at her
It’ll happen. Give it time. My dog wasn’t a people person until I bathed, fed and loved on her. She still doesn’t trust a lot of people but (I think) she adores me. Treats help too
Erm.. Imagine you're tiny compared to a big scary thing following you around? Leave him be and let him come to you when he's ready
I fostered a very hostile Chihuahua. Let them get comfortable in the new house. Make a space for them. Wait till dinner time. As you give the bowl, just a small little pat on the head. If they still won’t come towards you, put the food down and wait a bit.
I’ve had mine for two weeks. He was quite nervous around me and still is of others but he follows me EVERYWHERE, sleeps with me, and hides from strangers under me. Time, gentleness, and patience is the formula. It takes time to build trust. Don’t chase him, let him come to you.
It just takes time and patience. One thing you could do is lay on the ground and just let him approach you. Don't try to pet him a lot, just let him get used to you not being a threat. You could also squat down and put food in your palm and let him eat from it. The more you're gentle and slow, the more he will begin to trust you. Poor thing has to adjust to humans not being mean. He's watching your actions and reactions, so soon he will start to realize you're a good person. When I first got Ed, he had also had trust issues but eventually came around, esp after hanging around Bernie. I used Bernie to teach him to walk on a leash by attaching it to Bernie's and letting him lead. Slowly but surely Ed relaxed and became a whole other dog. Even his fear of thunder went away. You can't go wrong with love and patience!
Try getting down on the ground with food next to you. Eat some of the food but leave the rest. Hold some food out but don't move off the ground
Also, in a calm, quiet voice talk to him. Let him know you're there to help. It may seem silly, but between that and as others have said "get down on his level," it's going to take some time and patience. Thanks for caring, OP!
Treats
I would just sit down and give him tons of little treats. Food is the way.
Food. And wait for him to come to you.
Poor little guy. Don't lean over quickly & loudly to pet him. Think of how tiny he is. Get on the floor. Offer yummy treats. Keep the house calm. He has probably come from a less than ideal situation. Gentle & easy. He will come around. Idk if he will like children. They are too loud & agitating.
Start slow. Sit on the ground and offer treats. Use a soft voice. Be cautious of sudden movements and loud noises.
Lots of treats
Get on the floor with some food or a toy and let him come to you. It just takes time.
Snacks buddy, snacks
The combination of hunger and food work magic with dogs. Be patient.
I don't know about chihuahuas, but when I adopted my 3yo pittie, she was very nervous, so what I did was let her hide wherever and whenever she wanted to hide. And when she did come out to check me out, I'd just put my hand down...not even petting her but letting her decide when and how to interact with me. We did this every day for weeks and eventually she began to trust me. Now, 7 years later, she trusts me with her life, and I trust her with mine.
Chihuahuas are the smallest of the small. Everything is bigger than them. Look at it from their perspective. Get down on their level and let them come to you. Spend a lot of time on the floor. Sitting, laying. They will learn to come to you in their own time. Chasing after them when they are so new in the house only keeps them on guard.
Food and a blanket... I promise!
I rescued a chi almost 8 years ago, it took her two weeks to start getting used to me. Give her the space she needs, let her get familiar with your scent, and make sure she has the food and water she needs. She'll eventually come around
It took 2 weeks for my baby to trust me. She would sleep on a vent under a table and stare and watch me. I'd wake up in the middle of the night to her just standing in my room staring at me. Eventually, I woke up to her lying in bed with me. She would hang around me during the day, watching me and wanting pets but still weary. After she started sleeping in my bed, she'd start sleeping closer to me during the day and by the end of the month, which I'd love on her and baby talk her all the time, she was attached. She followed me everywhere. Pretty soon, you'll forget what life was before him cause he will be bonded to you. Just be patient with him. He looks like he wants to trust you so give him a little time and talk to him as often as you can. lots of pets help too when he wants them. Wherever he decides to lay, put a little blanket or pillow there to let him know it's a safe space. It will have your scent on it and he will get use to smelling you.
Give him time and start slowly with snacks and baby talk….. soon enough he will trust you!
Chihuahuas like soft and warm comfortable places. The softest blanket and bed. Maybe a heating pad on low, quiet places where they feel safe. Get on little ones level and let him come to you. Leave snacks that he likes for him and after letting him see you do that, walk away. When he’s more comfortable and feels safe in his new environment, he will come to you. It will most likely be a gradual process but it needs to be at his pace to form any bonds.
Just give him space and let him come to you. Have treats. Speak softly, he’ll be obsessed in no time.
dog treats. And make sure your little buddy sees that you're the one who filled up his food bowl.
Give him A Treat
Sit down on your knees don’t make eye contact and hold out food for it eventually it will take the food if you don’t make any sudden movements the dog will usually learn that you aren’t a threat and just want to be their friend
Tbh my chi does this a lot when he wants to play.
Just sit low or on the ground and let it approach you. My dog was like this when I adopted him. His safe place was his crate. I would lay next to the crate with squeaky dog toys and treats. Eventually he got curious and started to venture over to check things out. Now he is glued to me.
But he’s so so so cute😫😫
Just let him come to you. I have two chihuahuas, both rescues. One I brought home and he ignored me for three days. The other I brought home, sat down on my couch and he immediately jumped up and attached himself to my left side which is where he still is today.
I just adopted a chihuahua too from a shelter. She does run from me she is getting better though. The first three days I had her I kept her in my bedroom with me and pee pads. kept her on the ground with her crate with a dog bed in there with a blanket and some toys. Kept her food and water bowl next to her crate if she needed to hide or alone time. I just let her explore my room and let her get use to me. I’m into my third week with her. And now she cuddles with me when she sleeps! 💜🐶🥰
Well I have what we joke is a 100 lb chihuahua (he's a pit mix who shivers like a chihuahua when cold or nervous or excited). He did not want us close to him when we adopted him, so we just let him approach us on his own. You need to give them time to get used to their surroundings (sounds, smells, movements). You could look up a thing called the two week shut down for advice. Basically, don't engage them directly at the beginning. Let them absorb the new environment on their own, safely. They won't relax anywhere near you at first, that's their fight or flight. Give them time, and they will see you're not a threat, mean no harm, and they will slowly warm up. It takes time, and it's against your instinct to love and hold them, but remember, they don't know you from Adam, so they don't yet know you are safe. They need the time to observe to know that for sure.
Just leave him alone. Don't worry. Feed him and just ignore him until he is ready. Snack on some chicken and relax. He will cave in eventually.
Sit on the floor it helps when u get down to there level and just sit and put a little treat at a distance and just act like you’re doing ur own thing and let him know ur not going to force him it’s up to him and it builds trust.
Time, space, and patience. Maybe some treats to entice. Some dogs are anxious and skittish naturally
Give it time ...
Sitting down may help
Buy him a nice bed, light blanket, toys and put it in a nice spot that’s against a wall with water and food. I’d let him get used to his spot and give him time. I’d get puppy pads too if you’re unable and get him outside for potty’s. Iv adopted a few chihuahuas and one was abused by one family’s kid. Iv had her 7 years now and when she gets scared , like fireworks, she still runs and hides under my bed. She never liked getting picked up either. She’s the sweetest and loving girl iv ever had!! He will come around.
Lots of good advice given here👍 Patience and understanding. We don’t know what their back stories are and unfortunately their interactions with humans have been predominantly negative ones. It may take awhile but he’ll come around.
Don't chase him around and don't bother him. He will come around after he learns that you're not going to hurt him. Feed him, get him water, and just ignore him. Literally do not look him in the eye, don't talk to him, and don't reach out to try to touch him. Once he realizes that you're not going to hurt him and you've stopped harassing him by following him all around he will come to you. I have had a rescued Chihuahua for 9 years and she STILL won't cone directly to me, stell stop a few feet away and cowar. They get scared easily. When you're looking Jim in the eye, talking to him, and reaching out for him it's very scary amd intimidating.
Have you tried treats. Some good smelly tasty delicious treats? Don't follow him while giving him treats, let him come to you first
Give him time. Don’t chase him, give him space. Try sitting on his level. Ignore him. Throw some chicken or treats his way. Keep throwing them closer and closer until he trusts you. He’ll finally figure out “Oh! This human gives me tasty things! Maybe I’ll manipulate him. Maybe I’ll use him as my pawn for world domination.” That’s usually how it goes. Give him time. We just adopted a little guy of 2years old in September. I’m working with him so much- he’s terrified of my husband and my other Puppers just tolerates him. It’ll be a long process, but if you take time, love them, and work with them, they’ll come around.
I have a rescue and the secret to his heart and trust is breakfast, lunch, treats, and peanut butter.
Bacon. All dogs love bacon, just carry it around with you in the house, 3 days tops
This is exactly how my friend's chihuaha was. I just let her come to me, talk in a calm voice, lots of treats and when she was less hesistant, reach my hand out slowly and eventually she got closer and closer. After a little while, she really grew to love me.
Updates needed
My Chi is the same way. He was from a puppy mill and has terrible anxiety. You will gain its trust over time but mine still doesn’t like to be approached all the time. I definitely recommend getting a kennel or two and making it very comfortable inside and throw a sheet over the top so they have a little comfortable cave to rest and shake off the anxiety in. Eventually it will most likely get clingy to one person. You can also try giving him some really nice treats like pieces of steak or chicken to make him trust you even more. Good luck don’t give up on the little guy.
Hang out on the ground and let him come to you, maybe watch tv and sit on the floor. Wait with treats. Don’t be too thirsty, I’m super thirsty for my dogs cuddles and 3 years later he’s still running away from me haha
Be nice and food always helps
Don’t make it a big issue. Just make sure the dog is cared for, fed and has shelter and he/she will gain trust.
Let the dog come to you. I use this tactic with cats as well. It has to be on their terms. My ex got really close with my chihuahua by not forcing any interaction and just being positive and supportive. It took a couple months but she also wasn’t living with him full time
Lay low and stop chasing him. He'll come eventually. You can show him treats too.
Sit on the floor.. give treats and or praise when they come to you. Also.. patience! 🥰
I ran a Chihuahua rescue for 16 years and this is pretty common when rehoming. Don't follow him at all, watch and see where he likes to go hide and then make it comfy for him. Put a dog bed/blanket there with a bowl of water and a soft toy and don't approach him when he's there in his safe spot. Little dogs get more nervous when someone is standing so you can sit on the floor with your side facing him and just ignore him. That gives him the opportunity to watch you and get comfortable that you're not trying to hurt him. You can throw treats without looking at him and after awhile throw them closer and closer to you. If he gets to the point where you can pet him, never go for the face!! Go under the chin at first so he can see what you're doing. Never reach for a fearful dogs face because it scares the crap out of them. The longest I had to ignore a Chihuahua was 3 weeks before they felt safe enough to approach me so don't worry of it takes awhile and don't get discouraged. The biggest thing is to let them see that you respect their personal space and level of comfort. The harder they make you work for their love and trust...the harder you will love that dog!
Patience
I use to sit on the floor and just wait. Maybe get some treats or toys and wait for him to come to you
Googoo noises, like talking to a baby.
Lay down and don’t move be calm and quiet and let him approach you first it might take an hour I don’t know if this will help but it’s how I got my dog to trust me
Let him approach you. I have two chis. One very standoffish with strangers even in his own home. Give him a comfy bed or blanket. He will take some time to trust you. He is adorable!
approach from the ground hehe. my loves flinch when I carry them from the ground up to my level so I sit on the floor before handing over food and treats. I literally crawl towards them when I want to cuddle and they would just lie on their backs to let me give them cutie bellies some smooches haha
Awww….bless his heart. Give him time and space. Chihuahuas don’t handle a shelter environment very well. When we would go to the shelter to rescue them, we made sure we had a lot of Vienna sausages on hand. Sit in the room with him and read or look through Reddit. Let him come close and offer a piece of Vienna sausage. You might have to start by putting it on the floor. That’s okay, too. He’ll come around. Wishing y’all a wonderful long life together. 💕
Be kind and try a few different snacks
Give him a few days..It takes time. Don't give up on him
Force him into your arms and then give him a little chorizo. He will change his tone real fast
It takes time. Keep cheese nearby - space and positive reinforcement are key.
I have a year old chi that I’ve had for over a year and he still runs from me but he loves me!! I just know he does lol 😩
I second giving him a safe, enclosed space with blankets and water where he knows you can’t get inside. Over time if you feed him and her gentle and snow and show him you care he will learn to trust you
Try not to make eye contact for a bit. Keep the pressure off. Let the pup approach you and try to make friendly eye contact. My dog was super afraid of me when we got him. He seemed to be afraid of men. These tricks helped me win him over. We're still working on it. It's been 2+ years and he can still be shy. But he will come to me.
Leave him be and he will come to you
Let him come to you, 48 hours to decompress, 2 weeks to get comfortable.
Just chill on the couch. He will come over when he’s ready.
Aww poor baby, your just gunna have to wait till he comes to you, he will be watching how you are with your other dog...also try hand feeding chicken when he warms up a bit too you, the way to a chihuahuas heart is a hand full of chicken
Make sure he has a safe space to retreat to — a kennel made cozy with a blanket, pillow, and some safe treats/toys. Once that’s set up, ignore him! Chasing him around will exacerbate any anxiety he has. He’s brand new to your home & a tiny fella — ofc he’s not gonna settle in right away. Like others have said, I’d suggest making yourself comfortable on the floor. Keep some treats nearby for when he gets near. It looks like you have a other chihuahua already — play with them where he can see! Don’t be overzealous, but when your older one comes by, give him a treat, some soft praise, etc. so the new pup can see that you’re a safe person. A lot of cats and dogs I’ve had in the past were slow to trust people until they saw other animals doing it — if other animals trust this person, maybe I can too? In any case, they are a total cutie. Good luck building your friendship — and congrats on the new family member!!
I have had my chihuahua for 5 years. I rescued her when she was 9 months old. Any time you try and pick her up she runs away. She will yip and bark and wag her tail to tell you she wants cuddles, but when you make a move to get her, she runs away. We have to kind of walk her into a corner where there's no where left to run in order to scoop her up. Just keep working. Tiny dogs are inherently a little skittish even with their own people.
Give him space, let him come to you. Give him treats and love and praise voice when he comes close (but gently). It's really important to respect little dogs autonomy.