Help introvert RT

we bought a 2 yr old RT from a breeder and she has been afraid of everything, she will only go near my husband and growls at the kids and myself and has lost weight and will not eat, she is afraid of her own shadow. will they come out of this? or should we take her back?

Hi Colleen. You don't say how long you have the dog for now. If she is brand new to your family, she may be having a hard time making the transition because rats bond extremely hard to their people. If you don't see any progress in say 2 months, than perhaps, you should consider returning her to the breeder. A legit. breeder will take back their dogs without a problem. Have you called the breeder to discuss this issue? Were you told why the dog was being rehomed at 2 years? Was the dog used as breeding stock? Perhaps, the dog wasn't socialized well and not a pet but a commodity for the breeder. What I would do in the meantime, is try to speak in soft tones around her, don't look at her directly and don't approach her. Let her come to you when she is ready. Let her get used to you and your kids scent in a passive way, rather than you reaching out to her. Best of luck.

further to my earlier comment, if the Rt was used as a breeding dog and kept outside in a kennel for her 2 years, then please do not return to the "breeder" and I use that term loosely. She may take much more than 2 months to adjust. I would also have her checked out for Heartworm which can only be detected via a bloodtest and not a fecal exam. Chances are she is infected if she was left outside to be bitten by Mosquitoes all day and night. I would also use caution with her around your kids as she may bite out of fear. She will have to learn to trust you and your family. Living inside with people is probably all new to her. Create a special area for her to go to feel safe. But you also may want to consider putting her on leash and tying the leash to your pants loop so that she has to go where you go and she'll have to learn to look to you for instructions. Try getting down on her level and feeding her out of your hand and then with time as she settles a bit, have your kids join in. Give her a chance and some time and PLEASE make sure she is spayed and do not breed her.

Try watching the "Dog Whisperer" Friday nights,7 pm on the National Geographic Channel. Hes helped me w/ my aggressive Ratty. He was emotionally abused when i got him. As Caesar says... you have to be the pack leader !!!!!!
Good Luck

Hi Colleen. I live in Temple just north of Austin. Sorry your rattie is having transition problems. Sounds like he has either never been around females & children or was mistreated by them in his past. As I see your post is from last year.....curious if he is still having problems. The not eating and weight loss sounds like a health problem. Has that been ruled out by your vet?