Ask linda

 E: weechime@aol.com 

A. First,  he probably has never had the training he needed, but you can correct  that as he learns trust from you and feels secure in his new home and  family. Patience is the most important tool you have to work with him;  next is consistency. He probably has to learn a new name as well.  Sometimes if they do not respond to their given/new name, try changing  it to one he likes better and responds to, then stick to it. Call him by  it often until he is used to hearing it. However, repeatedly changing  his name will not help. Please, do not yell at him or call him in a  harsh tone if you want him to come to you. Second, start by standing  only a few steps away from him with a treat, then call him. Start off  with small steps in training and stick with it. Third, Having him on a  leash will help in your commands; just don't yank the leash when calling  him; a light tug is best if needed. Then, when he responds to your  command, reward him with a very "special treat" he really likes (just  one or two pieces) or praises him with lots of positive attention.  Remember only one training command until he has that down perfectly  before starting a new one.

*****

I'm writing to thank you on behalf of my son  Chris. About eight months ago, my family rescued an adult chihuahua mix.  We fell in love right away, but Odin has a lot of anxiety. Even after  obedience classes, Odin was still wreaking havoc in our home. It was  extremely stressful, and I wasn't sure if we'd be able to keep him, but  my son was determined. Chris came across your web page  www.chihuahuasweelove.com/home, and we can't express how grateful we are for all the information and resources you've provided.

He's  actually managed to get Odin under control, thanks in part to the tips  and resources from your site. Turns out, what Odin needed was several  weeks of constant supervision and training, not weekly group classes. We  also got a lot of use from this helpful online guide

https://www.angieslist.com/articles/bringing-home-your-new-pet-how-pet-proof-your-home.htm on pet-proofing your home, and I desperately wish I'd read something like this sooner.

This  experience has also inspired Chris to become a veterinarian someday,  and I think your validation would encourage him to continue working  toward that goal!

Thank you again,