Wonderful, Deanna... thanks from me too. We've only had Benji since January. She is just now starting to enjoy being on my lap but not here at home. In the car, camper, vet office... she actually requests it by putting her paw on me. Maybe we have too many soft comfy warm beds around for her <G> I hope that one day she will come running to me but I'm willing to wait as long as it takes. mj and benji
________________________________ From: Deanna Corey <[email protected]> To: [email protected] Sent: Wed, September 29, 2010 9:35:14 AM Subject: Re: [Chihuahuas] Normal Behavior? C.M., What you are describbing to me is a CHi that doesn't love or trust you yet. He watches you because he is unsure of your intentions or motives...he runs when you reach for him because the trust is not there and he doesn't come when you call because he has no reason to. My suggestions would be to start spending LOTS of time doing nothing but being with him...take him wherever you go...snuggle with him, sleep with him, tote him around, play with him and feed him from your hand...hold his food bowl in your lap and give him bites from your hands. He needs to see you as the giver of all things good...love, affection, warmth, food, and fun. You need to build a relationship with him BEFORE you attempt training...thats my philosophy on dogs and it has always worked. Build the relationship first as that gives them a reason to want to please you. Many times I think dogs respond out of fear to their owners...not out of love. So just relax...let go of your expectations and just love on that dog!!! 24/7! Waggin' Tails in The Dog Park, Deanna and The Dog Park Pack: Nugget, Shuai-Li, Bella, Mouse, Myrtle, Mable, Caleb and Maxine!!! www.joys4toys.com ________________________________ From: C.M. <[email protected]> To: [email protected] Sent: Tue, September 28, 2010 6:41:52 PM Subject: [Chihuahuas] Normal Behavior? Hi folks, My new chi watches me most of the time. But when I look at him, he stops whatever he's doing, including eating, until I look away. And he won't go potty while I'm looking at him. He'll wait 'til I look away or he'll walk out of my sight range. Is this normal? And what do you think it means? Also, he still won't come to me when I call him, (I even try calling him to me in Spanish!). but he will saunter over whenever he feels like it. When I put my hand down to pet him or pick him up, he runs away. He was a stray and I've had him now for one month. Any suggestions? Thanks
