My dog won't let me catch her

Z
Zoe24 Icon representing the flag French
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Hi everyone,

I've had a little female Chihuahua for three months now. She's settled in well with us but at times she won't let herself be caught – and of course, it's usually when we're trying to pick her up to keep her out of harm's way... as a result, we can't really let her off the lead, which is a shame.

She seems a bit fearful even though nobody has ever hurt her... mind you, she's a right little monkey because she certainly knows how to ask to be picked up when we're on the sofa!

Any ideas on how to get her to stop this behaviour?

Thanks

Translated from French
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14 answers
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    • Kikaah
    Kikaah Icon representing the flag French
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    Even if there’s danger around, she’ll come back to you as long as you don’t try to grab her. Avoid picking her up as much as possible; you don’t want her turning into one of those snappy Chihuahuas you see far too often.
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    Z
    Zoe24 Icon representing the flag French
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    Actually, I’ve been working on her recall using treats... as long as there’s no danger, everything is fine and she comes back quite well! We live in the countryside and there isn't much traffic, so I’d like to let her off the lead a bit more, but when a car does come along, it’s dangerous... other dogs can be a worry too. I know I should let them meet, but she’s so tiny that one snap and that would be it... and yes, I’m a bit of a worrier (I can't help it!). On the plus side, I’m trying my best to stop picking her up when we pass another dog on a lead.

    I’m going to work harder on that recall!

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    Kikaah
    Kikaah Icon representing the flag French
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    It’s not natural for a dog to be carried; they might like a cuddle, but they’d much rather have their paws on the ground. Besides, if you’re trying to grab her when there’s a danger (what sort? A road, for example? If that’s the case, don’t risk letting her off the lead in those areas without having at least a basic recall), you’re probably bordering on panic mode (or at least feeling stressed) and running towards the dog—which is the perfect recipe for making her bolt. Work on her recall so that she comes to you, rather than the other way around.
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    Docline
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    For goodness sake! You don't "catch" a dog!!

    You call them and they come back; or you shout "stop!" in an emergency and they don't budge.

    This is all part of the training that every owner has to put in.

    Recall training is usually worked on before lead training; returning to the owner must always be more rewarding than anything else in the environment. So, you should call them back for a few seconds of cuddles, a treat, etc., and not just because playtime is over! 🙂

    Translated from French

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