Need insight into behavior problems for rescue dog?

I really want to adopt a small chihuahua mix dog from a local rescue, but I'm not sure how much of the dog's behavior can be shaped or altered with patience and training, and how much is the nature of the breed. The dog is very energetic and doesn't show much interest in interacting with people. Not hostile, just indifferent. Dog is one year old and has had no socialization with people. Is it unrealistic for me to hope that the dog might calm down with time and training? I have not adopted the dog yet.Need insight into behavior problems for rescue dog?
You can try to work with this dog, but it will take training, time and patience. There is no way to know how far you can get with it. The dog may be afraid of people so seems indifferent. Scared dogs will often zone out or shut down rather than run away or growl. They seem nicer, but they can be just as scared. Please visit this site to learn how to work with this dog should you decide to get her.



The page on games %26amp; exercises has good tips for how to start off with her.



www.fearfuldogs.comNeed insight into behavior problems for rescue dog?
No. I rescued a Siberian Husky, at the age of 1.5. She had been beaten, and lived in a crate all her life. She didn't wag her tail, give kisses, or even know her name when I bought her from the guy, it took me a year to teach her how to give her paw. (Giving the paw is a trust symbol.) It is going to take a lot of time, and the dog may never be normal again, but what you can do is try to make sure the dog has a good life. Your best bet would be to enroll in some obedience classes if you do decide to adopt. But not for the first few weeks, just focus on praise, give the dog a treat just for looking at you in the eyes, teach the come command first by just holding out a piece of food, backing up and saying ';come'; Then work on sit, don't teach the down until the dog has become comfortable with you, because downing a dog is a submissive position.
We have 2 Chihuahuas and they r great... a 1 yr old is still a puppy and will not out grow that until they are about 3ish when they are more full grown. Between 6 months and 1 yr is a good time to start a more formal training. Pet-Smart has a really good training class' for all ages.. The dog maybe distant until they get use to you and the surroundings and they determine what their territory is.. being a dog from a shelter they may have been abused or at least hit for something and are afraid yet til they get to know you and trust you...you just need to love them and re insure them they are wanted and they belong. Speak nicely but firm and always reward them for good acts and treat them with an extra goody for love... Good luck