Today is the first day I'm house sitting for a dog and since I've entered the apartment, she's been barking and hiding under the couch. What should I do?
She's a small chihuahua mix and I believe she has separation anxiety from her parents. Any ideas on how I can win her over? She has to take her medication but at this point she doesn't seem to want to come out from behind the couch.
Sometimes the best thing to do is to ignore. A fearful and anxious dog will feel threatened when feeling cornered and have no escape route. Hold some really smelly treats in your hand and keep your distance. Distance in dog language means respect. Don't make eye contact. Do you know what she likes?
You can try rolling a piece of sausage under the couch without you going too near. If she eats it, you can make a little sausage trail for her to come out. Once she's out, don't go towards her. Hold some sausages in your hand so she can see it and wait until she comes to you.