Hi everyone I am new to the forum. I recently rescued an 8 year old chihauhau and his name is Bruiser. Unfortunately for Bruiser much of his life hasn't been all sun shine and rainbows. Bruiser was dropped off at a high kill shelter by his past owner. Bruiser was automatically placed for euthanasia because he wasn't seen as adoptable. He came into the kill shelter with a broken jaw and a torn ear. It was easy to see that he was abused because he would shy away from human contact. A local shelter saw him and rescued him out of the kill shelter. He then was placed in another shelter. Bruiser was always looked over because of his age and the fact that he has a slight disability. He lived in the shelter for almost 2 years before I came and adopted him. Now he lives with my mom and I and our two other rescue dogs and he loves it. Bruiser and I have really bonded over the short time that I have had him. But unfortunately I can say the same about him and my mom. He growls at her if she comes to pet him, sometimes he even growls if she just tells him he is a good boy. I told her to try to reforce his good behavior with treats when he is nice to her. I completely understand he is still new and we are giving him the space and time he needs. But I would really like him to get along with her. I have never had a chihauhau and don't know if this is a common trait for the breed. If you could just give me some suggestions on how to make him feel more comfortable with her that would be great! He is overweight so I am trying to limit his treat intake. Thank you so much for your help!
-Hillary
-Hillary