Every Chihuahua has a mind of its own. Some will be wary of strangers, some will be scared of loud noise and some Chihuahuas may be afraid of other dogs. There are some Chihuahuas who will go right up to a Pit Bull and challenge him! (Not such a great idea, but it has been done!). However, there are many owners who will say that their Chihuahua is afraid of other dogs; this is not uncommon.
Your dog may have a very real and logical reason for their fear. In come cases this will be because of a previous experience. If a Chihuahua has been in a dog fight and lost, they may be always have a fear or a strange dog and this is justifiably so. Other times it will be pure natural instinct that the smaller animal is afraid of the larger one. Since the Chihuahua is the smallest breed possible; the chances are good that your dog will be smaller than any other that you come across.
The first element to teaching your Chihuahua to not be afraid of other dogs is to show him or her that you are there to protect them. Now, keep in mind that at the same time you do not want to put yourself in a situation in which you are having to get between your Chihuahua and a vicious and dangerous dog! The way to avoid this is to bring your dog into a safe outside environment. If your town has leash laws and you see a larger dog roaming around, do not hesitate to call the authorities. This step will also protect the dog that is running loose; most likely a dog that is allowed to roam free does not have the best of owners. The dog authorities will hopefully be able to determine where the dog belongs and check out its living conditions.
Note: Car behavioral issues is just a fraction of the many quirks a Chi can have. If you are concerned about your Chi's emotional (and physical) health...Learn how you can know what the animal behaviorists and other professionals keep closely guarded. Click to here to find out.
Socialize!
Most Chihuahuas become extremely attached to their owner and may simply feel intimidated around larger dogs. The key is to help your Chihuahua become friends with dogs. If your Chihuahua is very afraid of other dogs, this must be done in a controlled environment and done at a slow pace.
It will help if you have a friend, neighbor, co-worker or family member who has another dog; one that is trained and friendly. You should set up a "play date". This should be done in your home or a quiet park that your Chihuahua is very comfortable with so that he or she feels as if they are in their own territory.
When the other dog comes over, you should get down on its level to talk nicely and pat them. This will show your dog that you are accepting the other dog and that you do not see him as a threat. Have the other owner hold their dog in a sitting position and encourage your Chihuahua to come over to say hello.
If your Chihuahua simply refuses, as long as you are sure the other dog is friendly, allow the two to roam around the room and give them time to warm up to each other. If in a park, allow for 6-8 feet of leash length to let your dog have some freedom to go over to the other dog when they are good and ready.
If the other dog nips at all, remove them at once. When you do find a good play mate for your Chihuahua, try to arrange time each week for the dogs to get to know each other. In time, once your Chihuahua sees that there is no danger, they should slowly come out of their shell. Before you know it, your Chihuahua will no longer be afraid of other dogs.
