Rescued Bichon all of a sudden begins to act afraid?

[moochesmama]

Hi Everyone - I thought someone here might have some insight into this that would help.

A friend of mine who lives in Minnesota just adopted a rescue Bichon/Yorkie - female 4-5 years old. The dog has been in multiple homes and a couple fosters - which I thought was suspicious for a small breed when I talked to her a few days ago. When I talked to her early in the week the dog was doing fine and had been there 4 or 5 days. A day or two later she started acting afraid. This is what Jennifer wrote:

"We need some help. Things with our cute little new family member are not going very well. We were doing fine the first few days, a few accidents, but nothing major. In fact, things were picking up by Tuesday and Wed, but yesterday and today they are starting to go downhill fast. She seems to be really afraid of things (like Peter) all of the sudden, she spends most of the day hiding, either under the bed or under my desk. She won't go out, or if she does she just shakes. She is also having more and more accidents (yes, I am sure it is from her not wanting to go out). This morning she hid under the bed until a little after 9 and just shook. We are not sure what to do. It is really feeling like we might not be the right fit for her. Do you have any tips? She is 4 and I think may have had a tough time, I had to add to that. HELP! We are willing to try a bit longer, but being with us seems to be stressing her out."

Jennifer has two cats and two little girls. The girls are young but very well behaved and gentle. She said that the dog and cats were beginning to play. I think her husband is home and works out of the house all day - so is home with the dog mostly. She also told me that she is not crate-trained but they were working on it. I don't think they've limited her activities or access to the house. I did email her to tell her about the two week shutdown and also to make sure she is not sick. It just sounds weird for a dog to start acting frightened AFTER a few days.

Any suggestions??

[Violet]

I would put a leash on her and keep ehr right by her side 24 7 . something has obviously spooked her (possibly being dumped repeatedly) and shes probably afraid ti will happen again. Doing an umbilical makes it impossible for her to hide and easier for ehr mom to keep tabs on her. Plus adds to bonding potentially.

[Cheshirekatt]

Crate shut down for two weeks at least.

[airwalk]

Sounds like Tigger Vi...just a bit different reaction.

I agree that she needs some time to adjust.