I have 2 dogs (brothers) i rescued, they were abandoned in a backyard, and they wont let me touch them

[Lynda6]

I have 2 dogs (Chihuahua -mix  brothers, about 1 years old at the time) I rescued, they were abandoned in a backyard, and they wont let me touch them, I have had them for about 1 1/2 years now. They love me, and are so excited to see me, they will eat out of my hand, and get along great with my other dogs. However, if you try to pet them they run away, and if you get the chance to pet them when they are not looking they scream in fear. no matter how much i try to coax them, nothing works. Does anyone have any ideas, someday I would love to hold them.

[Navy_mom_of_2]

No I didn't see pictures of your pups!  I'll see if I can find them.  I love dogs!!

[Lynda6]

oh..... thank you soooo much, your very sweet!  I would love to get Ceasar out, that would be awesome! Did you see the pictures of the puppies?
Lynda :)

[Navy_mom_of_2]

There are few people out there who are as patient and caring as you are to take on these two poor babies who have obviously lead a hard life.  At least they have a loving, warm, forever home and by the way they act, they feel secure with you even if they won't let you touch them.  All of the above advice might help...or it might not.  It might be that there will be nothing more you can do to get them to accept you petting them.  Either they were abused as you have suggested or maybe they have never really been handled by anyone.  I hate to sound negative.   It's hard to say what's going on in their little minds.  If you have the money maybe you can call on The Dog Whisperer, Caesar Millan.  You're probably laughing right now but, really!  If anyone can break them out of their shells, he can!  
Whatever you continue to do, good luck!  And please know that there are people out here who are admiring you for being such a good person!  God Bless you!!   :o)  

[Lynda6]

HI, i have had Cujo and Boo Boo about 1 1/2 years now. I will try your suggestions, oh, i am very patient, and i do love them. Lynda :)

[seeana]

It will happen, just play on the floor with your other dogs lie on your tummy, try and get lower than them.Ignore them play with toys throw the ball a little way for the others cuddle and kiss the other dogs, all the time  pretending they are not there, even if they come closer dont look at them.
Boo Boo sounds wonderful so protective bless him ...they only had each other  poor little scraps.
You have all the time in the world do not get impatient do not rush.
Sometimes if they catch your eye have a chat to them softly.Never ever move towards them.
Tell them how sorry you are and you really care for them,its all in the tone of your voice gentle and sorry for them.
How long has it been since you took them in ??? .
I have always talked to my dogs and now we have a running conversation, its so speciel ..... Clumbers gurgle its hilarious never heard any other breeds do that.

[Lynda6]

Thanks for your help, I will try this also, your right Boo Boo the brother that is a little bit bigger than Cujo definatly dominates him, he really tell him what to do, and he mothers him all the time. i have seen him playfully scold Cujo basically tell him "dont let her touch you, stay away from her" whenever he tries to come to me. lol  Separate is a good idea, it will be  a chalenge they are always together. Lynda :)

[Meech]

I would work with them separately, as someone else indicated they are reinforcing each others behavior. It appears they were abused and don't trust humans.  You must reestablish the trust before you will be able to handle them. If you are trying to pet them on the head or back, the dog will consider that as you trying to dominate them. When you have food in your hand, entice the dog to you, but don't give them the food or touch them until they are calm and relaxed. Don't rush it, be patient. The dog has to come to you and accept you, not the other way around. When the dog is relaxed and calm, you can give them the treat and attempt to pet them under the chin. Very gently and not too much.  This approach worked very well for a German Shepherd that lived near me and doesn't like anyone. His mom and I can now visit in his back yard and I can pet/feed and more importantly control him when necessary. I am the only person who can take care of him when my neighbor goes out of town. I would recommend either watching the Dog Whisperer on the National Geographic Channel or buying/renting/checking out from the library the Dog Whisperer DVDs.  Look for the episodes where he is helping people to gain trust of their dogs.  One in particular I remember was a basset hound named Sadie who didn't trust her Dad. Your pups may be a little more diificult, but be patient!  

[Lynda6]

wow great idea, thanks, i will try it tonight, and let you know. Thanks!!!

[deadgamegrrl]

What about if you put something like peanut butter on an area like the back of your leg or your back and then just laid very still without making any eye contact with them?  Would their stomachs overpower their fear?  I know this technique is used to get a dog to go into a crate voluntarily (you put the pb on the back inside wall of the crate)  If it did work you could keep moving where you put the treat to force them to climb on you/go close to your face or arms etc.  As far as eye contact, any direct look is considered dominant by dogs so don't meet their eyes at any time while trying to get them to accept you.  Since they are excited to see you and will eat from your hand I wonder if this would work.  (Of course, you are going to ge extremely popular with the other dogs if it doesn't lol).

[Lynda6]

Hi, thanks for the help, I have had 4 other dogs around them all the time, they love the other dogs and interact with them just fine, and they see me loving and holding them, and playing with them, but they still wont let me touch them. Hummmmm

[seeana]

Sorry you have your own dogs but just the same go out of your way to play and have fun.They Will come round just let them do it in thier time.

[seeana]

It will take a lot of time,have you got  a friend with a gentle dog who wont worry about other dogs ?? let them see that this dog is not scared and will trust you.
its harder because there are two of them and they are reinforcing each others behaviour,
If they see a happy well adjusted playful and confident dog they will realise that there are other ways to live.

Do that a few times just carry on as though they are not there, throw a ball have fun let it sink in, they will be watching and learning.At this time let them make all the moves.

Please let us know how you go as it could help others.
Good on you for taking this on.... you are an Angel.  

[Lynda6]

i think they were very abused

[Lynda6]

HI, thanks for your reply,  :)     No, they wont come in bed with me, once in a while they will play and paw at me if i lay face down and pretend i dont see them on the bed. They do come when i call them, but..."no touching" lol    I call them "My Untouchables"  ha

[ginger899]

Will they creep into bed with you? What would happen if you were lying on the sofa and called them to you? Would they get up with you?