Jackie, the Timid Chihuahua

Not everyone has a dog that can impersonate Elvis, but I do. Jackie, a 9-lb, 5-year-old Chihuahua, has a jealous nature. When her "stepsister," Farley, approaches my lap for attention, Jackie, snuggled next to me, will raise her head, curl up the right side of her muzzle, and emit a growl. It's really funny, but I try not to laugh or encourage it. The consequence is Jackie is put on the floor and Farley is petted. Then Jackie is returned to my lap and they are petted together.

So far, it is working. Jackie is growling less, though she has perfected the art of "shooting daggers" with her large, doll-like eyes. Today, for instance, she and Farley can sit side-by-side, fur barely touching, being petted. There is tolerance and resignation, but no growling.

What is it with little dogs? My Pomeranian, Sable, was the same way. Jealous, closed-hearted, territorial. Resistant to being part of a pack. Ready to assume the worst. Making her fears come true. It seems she thinks if she growls first, she'll have "shown them" before they can intimidate her.
I've known people like this, and I bet you have too. One was a smart, young, petite woman who was raised in Manhattan. This was the reason she gave for being more worldly-wise than anyone from Ohio could hope to be. Everyone, she thought, was out to take advantage of everyone else. As a result, she was in perpetual conflict – with friends, family co-inheritors of property, co-workers and a taxi driver we encountered while out of town on business. Stress swirled around her like Pigpen's blanket, punctuated by times, one hopes, of more pleasurable drama.

Jackie is like this. The only time she really looks at peace is when she is asleep. She does enjoy playing with Tyler, our Pekingese, and will allow him to chase her around the room until he catches her underneath a dining room chair and they nuzzle and sniff with pleasure. But she looks nervous, even in play. Even when she is happy, there's an anxiousness about her as if she expect her worst fear at any moment to come true.

Have you had a dog who was perpetually anxious and defensive? Do you think it's the breed, or past experience? At what times does he seem the happiest and most well-adjusted? How does he find his inner bliss and do you allow enough time for this on a regular basis? I'd like to hear your comments.

Also, here are two good articles on "Fear and Fear Aggression" and "Aggression Between Dogs" by Debra F. Horwitz DVM Diplomate ACVB, Veterinary Behavior Consultations, St. Louis, Missouri.

Also, if you are interested in Jackie--she is becoming somewhat well-known through whimsical drawings of her, available through Cafe Press and Art of Ohio.