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Need advice on timid behavior Ten months ago I rescued a 2 yr old female Yorkie. Her history as told to me was that she was a breeder in an Ohio puppy mill all her life. She never had a litter because of a prolapsed uterus. She will cuddle with me on the couch or bed, and play with me if I am on the floor. She will only come to me if I am on the floor. She will run and hide if anyone, including me, walks into a room. She will also run if I make the least little noise or movement when she is in my bed at night. She jumps down and runs off, then comes back up after awhile. She likes to play with my other Yorkie, a male, but will not eat in the same room as he is. She will only eat in my bedroom with the door closed. I don't understand the running away part, especially since she is comfortable around me. I have asked my vet about giving her something to help with her anxiety, but he told me to give her benedryl, which does nothing. Is there anyone who can give me some tips to gain her trust? I praise her when she doesn't run away, which is very rare. She is so sweet, but so scared and anxious all the time. I want to help her. |
I don't know if a Thundershirt would work for this but I have a timid little one who is scared of storms and the thundershirt works like a charm as long as I have it on him before the storm comes. He will sleep right through the storm. The shirt calms him a lot. The vet said it is a lot better than drugs. I know your situation is different but maybe the 'hugging' feeling of the shirt might make her feel a little more secure. Just a thought... I just wanted to add that they are a little expensive. I think they are around $36.00. |
It is simply going to take time. I adopted two pups about 4 years ago who came from a bad breeding situation. They still have some issues around other people. They are fine with me now...but that took a long time. Just allow her to come to you when she is comfortable and let her grow and learn that she is safe with you at her own pace. I would definitely not medicate. This is normal behavior for them...poor babies. Here is a link that might be helpful: ASPCA - Virtual Pet Behaviorist - Adopting a Puppy Mill Dog Bless you for adopting this precious baby. The baby steps she takes will be great moments for you to treasure! |
Thanks so much. I have never heard of this before. I am going to look into it. Patti |
thanks Lady Jane for the advice. I feel as if I have failed her because she is still so anxious, but I am trying. I will be patient. |
You have not failed her. It will take time. Her trust in people was broken, and that repair is done little by little. Don't feel like you are to blame, though. I bet she has already made great improvements from the time you first got her. |
Give her an extra hug from me..Like LJ said i believe time will make the difference for her |
I would invest in a Thundershirt. It's worked so well for Bogey during storms and car rides. Here is a stickey that might help as well. Sitting on the floor is a great way to be reassuring. You might also want to offer treats from you hand while sitting. I'd also suggest that you not try to reach for her and allow her to come to you instead. Good luck with your little girl. :) http://www.yorkietalk.com/forums/yor...ll-rescue.html |
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Sounds like your little girl has made a lot of progress. Who knows how BAD her situation really was and maybe she's afraid to get too "close" to you for fear of losing you and breaking her heart. As others have suggested, please give her space and time and let her develop complete trust in you. |
When I first got TinkerBelle at 9 months old, she was unsocialized and afraid of everything. Every little noise would make her jump, and she would run away from me when I got near her, and when I picked her up her little heart was beating 90 miles an hour. She hid under the bed and wouldn't come out. She didn't know what a toy was or how to play with the other dogs. She just turned 2, and you wouldn't know she's the same dog. She plays fetch with her toys, runs and plays with the other dogs, sleeps with me at night, and is learning to do some tricks and to "speak" when she wants a treat. So I guess what I'm saying is sometimes it takes a long time and a lot of patience. It took over a year for mine to calm down and learn to trust me. Your little girl may not ever be completely over being a puppy mill dog, but she will most likely eventually learn to trust you. It just might take a while. Best wishes and have a wonderful day. |
Linda (ladyjane) gave you the best advice. Just keep loving her and be patient, do not feel sorry for her. In your mind take a big eraser and clean her old story away, her real life began when she came to you. That way when you look at her your mental vibes are happy. She will feel that. Just start expecting her to fit in, let her adjust at her own pace, by letting her come to you. When you feel sad or sorry for her this makes her anxious, she doesn't know why you feel this way, this is the best life she ever had. Sad doesn't match with her here and now. |
Hi. Two months will not erase the memories of 2 years. But as others have said, given time and your continued love, she will gain your trust. I would think eventually she will fully comprehend that she is in a loving home and a better routine for her will evolve. Time should help. |
Thanks to all of you for encouraging me and giving me advice. Just knowing that others have gone through this and it has worked eventually for them is all I needed to hear. I just ordered a Thundershirt for her, and another one for my male Yorkie, Teddee. He is an anxious barker and gets very hyper when someone is here or outside in the neighborhood, so I figured it can't hurt. Thanks again, you have no idea how it has helped me.. |
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