Hi thanks for the comment. Her vision is fine though, I thought the same thing but it's just the way i look with my hair down that bothers her. Her hearing is fine, her sense of smell is also ok. She's just a scared dog I guess. I went to the trainer today and he told me she's a nervous dog. She's not very confident, she's curious but not very confident. So we have to give her a lot of space to find her confidence. The problem is we don't have her history so we don't know if she's born this way or it was acquired. I've been watching her and she's actually aggressive when she needs to be so I dunno if that's instinct or she's slowly gaining confidence. I went to visit the vet also coz it was on the way, and she told me she's not as jumpy anymore so there is some improvement. She recovers quick but it takes forever to sort of change how she sees the world. She fears it.

It's on and off when it comes to my hair, she's ok then later she's not. And i'm afraid she's being submissive when she sees me with my hair down, which is not good. I don't want her to fear me or anything. I want her to be a confident and happy dog.

The shock is from what happened the first time, and she'll get over it in time as she adjusts to your different 'looks'. It's sad that she's so timid... but as she learns to trust you she'll get better, and you'll see her true personality begin to emerge.

Walking a scared dog off leash can be dangerous, what if she gets frightened and runs off into traffic? I'd rather she be scared of the leash. You could try using a long leash on her and try to hold it so she can't feel it or realize it's there. Yorkies are so very quick... if she were to dart off you would never catch her.

Their noses are not a reliable indicator of health, unless it's non-stop runny or the dog is producing a lot of mucous, in which case they would be sick. Change in how her nose appears or runs or doesn't run would be something to mention to the vet, but from your description, she sounds normal.

As for if you're doing right or wrong... I think you're very perceptive in relation to her, alot more than many owners. You just need to relax a bit... and allow her to relax. If you're nervous she'll pick up on it and in turn be nervous too. You're very open-minded in trying to find ways to deal with her and to make her happy... what more could any doggie ask for?

My first adopted dog was scared to death if someone sneezed or coughed. He'd hide under the bed in a flash and would stay there for quite a while. It took him the longest time to get over doing that... like a year or more. I have never fiqured out what caused this fear in him... just kept trying to reassure him all was well. Now when I sneeze, he'll start for the bedroom, and I'll say 'It's okay' and he turns around and comes right back.

I was thinking that too, but she can see well enough to detect changes, whether seeing clearly or not we don't know. I would be more suspect if she was walking into things...

Thanks again, KJC. I don't think she has poor eye sight coz I've sort of tested it and she sees little things like cheese that I toss to her. Sometimes she can't smell it then I point to it and she'll go. Things have been ok for the past couple of days then tonight she did the frightened thing again. It's on and off. I dunno when it'll stop but it's distressing to see once she starts acting up.

I took her to the dog trainer a few days ago and she got exposed to this playful and really obedient Bichon puppy and she was scared at first but slowly started playing a bit with her. She was still her shy self but she was curious enough to chase the puppy which was good. When the puppy came up to me and was about to lick me though she got all defensive and tried to bite the dog. I dunno if that's a good thing or if she'll continue to do that coz I do plan on adopting another dog - a Puli. And it might be a problem for her to have a companion dog. I just want her to have a playmate coz sometimes people are so busy in my house that no one can really play with her. And she's so shy sometimes that she wouldn't play.

I've kept her on a leash now when I go out. I bought her a harness so it doesn't scare her as much anymore. She loves to go out now. After that alone time I gave her she now enjoys going out. She still gets scared but I see her so excited when she goes out or when I take her to my cousin's place where they have a garden. I hope she comes around soon. She's such a sweet and affectionate dog.

No defensive is not good... she may just need more socialization... maybe a traing class would help...

Great idea with the halter... those are best to use with small breeds...