Gaining trust in small dogs!

Sit on the floor and let them come to you, in their own time. Have treats to encourage them to come close, but let it happen on their terms.
 
piebaldsparkle said:
Sit on the floor and let them come to you, in their own time. Have treats to encourage them to come close, but let it happen on their terms.
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This^^^ dogs are inquisitive animals, never rush or force them to come forth, allow to do this in their own time, find their positive triggers, food balls, your own vocals. Other confident dogs.
 
Have been through this dilemma with an Italian Greyhound. We have had her 18 months and it took more than a year of patience and a sensible quiet routine to get her to be more forthcoming. She was the most nervous dog I have ever come across (and I've had a few). I gave titbits to begin with to get her to come to me and I always had to sit down, she wouldn't come near anyone if they were standing up. Everything we did in the early days had a small treat at the end of it.

Nodding off on the sofa is a good way to get them to lie quietly with you (if you've time for that) When you are perceived to be asleep then you are no threat (at least this is what our little girl seemed to think)

Generally a lot of patience and making our visitors largely ignore her eventually did the trick. Although she is still a nervous dog (I think she always will be to some extent) she will come and see different people now once they are seated. I rarely give treats now, she will do what is wanted because she wants to. Routine is the key.

It will probably take a year to condition the dog to how you want it to be, and the only way is to be consistent and patient.
 
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