posted 03-03-2003 02:41 PM         

Now, best thing for you to do is get a book on Chiuauas and terriers then realize both those traits are in this one tiny little dog. I applaud you for taking on this task, but your dog will repay you with un conditional love, but first, you must learn some doggie language. My suggestion is Positive Enforcement training...since your dealing with a fearful dog. This takes LOTS of time to correct, remember to be patient and not expect too much from the dog at once. Give the dog weeks of repetitous training and then, expect to see results, but not after only one session or so.

posted 03-03-2003 05:16 PM         

This one is tricky...does your dog believe you have left? or is she kinda sensing you are in the apartment? I bet she can tell your still there!

When you hear she starts to dig at the door..make a loud noise to startle her or a very low tone voice, then when she stops say "good girl" in a very high pitch tone. Using your voice at different levels will help teach your dog when she has done good and when she has done bad, that way you do not need to use physical corrections.

But do not allow her to do something you don't like and tearing at the carpet is a definate no no...so be sure to tell her that!

Also, she might just be bored so try to leave something for her to play with or chew (you might already do that, so what you need to do is make the toy that much more interesting...play with the ball and have a great time with it on your own...this will have the dog wanting it because you do!)

posted 03-03-2003 07:45 PM         

You are dealing with a fearful animal and I think it is important that you understand patients and taking things slowly will benefit you greatly. Don't ask too much of your dog. She is scared and afraid of being alone, especially since you make her feel so safe.
We do not know what has hapened in this dogs past to create such issues (I sure can come up with a few senarios) so it is important to tackle this thing one step at a time, very very slowly.

I would think she is crying when she knows you are there so to get your attention to let her out; however, I could be wrong.

I recently started reading a book that explains wolves communicating with eachother during a hunt or in the wild. Wolves do not use any barking..maybe a growl when the other dogs step out of line, but the only way wolves communicate with eachother is through eyes and body language...if you can understand that, then you will realize what a great sense your dog has of its surroundings. So when you say you think the dog thinks your gone, I'm pretty sure she knows your still there...she has such a great sense of smell and hearing that it would be very difficult to trick her in a tiny apartment.

I don't know much about the motion sensors, but something says it wouldn't be that great of an idea as the dog can learn she's causing the alarm to go off...I dunno depends how smart the lil girl is!

And as per the toys...you have to play with the toys on your own or with someone else in the house to show her it's Lots and Lots of fun...trust me once she sees how much you love that toy...she's gonna want to check it out!

posted 03-04-2003 01:32 PM         

There are plenty of knowledgeable people here on dog behavior that can help you, but it is best to take the dog to atleast a basic obedience class. They are fairly cheep and are lots of fun Also, the book recomended by rottymommy is a GREAT book on problem dogs. That was one of the first books I read and has helped me understand my dog 100% better.

Keep playing with her she will start to pick up on it, just be patient.

posted 03-04-2003 01:36 PM           

As for her being overly submissive, ignore that type of behavior, and only pay attention to her when she seems to be calm and not fearful. You also might want to start working with her on simple obedience commands, as this can also help to improve a dog's confidence levels.