Help with Abused, Rescue Teacup Chihuahua

[kstavert]

Hi Everyone.... I'm hoping that there is someone(s) here who has some experience/expertise/suggestions...

We rescued a tiny (5 lb) Teacup Chihuahua who was being abused by
her owner. How on earth anyone can abuse any animal, let alone one so
tiny...

Sadie will just about glue herself to my side when I sit. As soon as I go
to touch her or try to pick her up, she screatches and runs away.
Sometimes, she gets so frightened that she pees all over the place.

We've had to catch her for things like going to the vet or putting cedar
oil on her (to kill fleas and ticks). At first, she'd hide under the bed for
days and moan and shake and cry.

We cannot put a leash on her to take her for a walk.

She is really hilarious and plays wonderfully well with our other two
dogs. I'd love to help her get past her fears.

We need to be able to pick her up sometimes and want to do so
without traumatizing her further.

When I have treats for her, she forgets (to some degree)
that she is afraid but is always at the ready to jump and run.

She's been with us for about 10 months. There has been great
improvement in some areas.

Your help, suggestions and ideas will be greatly appreciated.
Karen

[LetsPlay]

Hi there,
thank you for rescuing an abused dog. It's a lot of work and it's great that you have the commitment to make her feel better.

I recommend that you practice picking her up a lot. Don't avoid picking her up and then only do it if you have to for uncomfortable things, like the vet or flea treatment. Make it part of your daily routine. Praise her, give her treats anything to make her realize that being picked up is great and nothing to fear.

It will take time, but it will work in the end.

John