Anxious dog

Adly812

I have a little chihuahua x yorkie (tiny little dog). I’ve had her since 12 weeks old. And I live alone, we have a very close bond and she’s very well trained. I am not surprised as it’s been a progressive development watching how reliant she is on me. Ever since a baby she’s been totally glued to me. But it’s very unhealthy as she won’t touch food while I’m out, she won’t even touch her favourite treat. She also licks incessantly which I thought were allergies, but in fact mostly it’s down to her soothing herself and keeping herself busy.
She is very intuitive of my stress levels and movements and knows something’s up just by my actions.
Lately she’s been vomiting up in the morning (just a bit of indigested food) when i go out. She’s got zero confidence and very nervous in nature.
What can you do to help this behaviour..

MovingForwards

Take her to the vet to have her checked over and make sure there is no underlying condition.

Then go to some behaviour and train classes as it's easier to learn what to do by being shown, than try and do it by books and YouTube videos.

Does she socialise with other dogs when out for a walk?

Adly812

Nope , she’s so tiny and had a fair few scary encounters so now has little dog syndrome and growls at any dog she says, to try make herself seem bold.
She likes cats though.

I know this little dog very very well and I get why she’s the way she is, but it’s a matter of trying to make her love me less lol. Not sounding awful, she just needs to gain some confidence to be alone.
I mean if I go to the bathroom she’s up from being snoring asleep and will chase after me ��

[Deleted User]

Me and my 'house tiger'! (aka the Bengal cat) live alone and she's really struggling now we're away from home for a week or two. Refusing to eat her usual food and hiding away. Even though she's been socialised with the family dog once every week since I had her in the lead up for now and I got her from a house with a barking dog and where she forced two older resident cats to retreat outdoors so became a rehome because of.

((Hadn't realised about the follow into bathroom until now.))

Adly812

arrrr. I think some animals are really dependable and sometimes it’s hard to give them the courage they clearly are lacking and need.
I am house sitting at the moment and she’s extra clingy to me now. When I went out to the car, she just sits at the front door on the mat staring at the door for me to return, then I have a shower and she sits on the bath mat.... she’s also got into a habit of being sick in the morning when I’m out at the gym...

elsien

:You need to find some calm dogs for her to learn to be around, as a starting point.
You don't pick her up when other dogs come near, do you because that's really counterproductive.
Little dogs are well able to stand up for themselves. My bull terrier was chased off by a yorkie a while back - he just backed off looking completely bemused. :rotfl:

I do think you need proper behavioural help. It's unfair on your dog to be so stressed all the time.

yksi

I'm not sure it's just the confidence to be alone that she needs - she needs time without you, first, so that she won't get herself into a state anytime you're away. I would recommend you find a dog-loving person to befriend her. A friend of mine has found this site absolutely wonderful. https://www.borrowmydoggy.com It pairs people who wish they had a pooch with those who have one.

In the beginning you could just have someone visit and spend time with her, and once she is comfortable with them, you could quietly sneak out for ten minutes and see how she copes with her new friend while you're gone. The friend will be there to reassure her if she gets upset.

One other thing, I do wonder if your dog has figured out when you are leaving and getting herself worked up about it. My aunt had a dog that went nuts every time she left the house, so we watched her. Aunt was making a theatrical goodbye ritual along with putting on the shoes, picking up the car keys etc. The dog knew what this meant and if she didn't take the dog with her, the howling and stress commenced. The problem was the "routine". My aunt broke it by randomly putting on her shoes, picking up the keys, walking outside for five minutes, coming home and ignoring the dog. Eventually, the dog no longer expected an outing every time the keys and shoes were involved and things were much calmer.

Adly812

yksi wrote: »

I'm not sure it's just the confidence to be alone that she needs - she needs time without you, first, so that she won't get herself into a state anytime you're away..

That is a marvellous idea !!! I think that would do her the world of good. To be accustomed to different company. She has never been without me. I’ve left her for ten days longest in her life, and I had my mum stay with her. My mum is like Dr Doolittle and Blue adores her. When my mums around she doesn’t even come near me. My mums got a way with most animals in fact as she’s soooo fun and loving. However sadly my mum lives abroad. So apart from her Blue my dog is never without me.
Maybe she should get some time out and I’ll ask a friend to watch over her.

And yes she knows my every move. When I leave, sometimes Blue is fast asleep and I pick up my purse and she’s up like a shot. I never make loud goodbyes. But Blue has every move of mine sussed out.

Adly812

elsien wrote: »

:
You don't pick her up when other dogs come near, do you because that's really counterproductive.
Little dogs are well able to stand up for themselves.

No I,don’t always pick her up. But blue has been attacked more than once. Quite awful in fact and given she’s 2kilos, she has been sooo brave. I can’t blame her for the way she behaves sometimes with dogs. As her encounters haven’t always been good. However when she gets to know the dog and spends time she calms down. It’s only when she’s unsure.

vaani

You should take her to the vet for indigestion and you should consult a dog trainer for her nervous nature.