Recognizing “Pancaking”
Chihuahuas do have to worry about predators. Hawks, owls, and other large birds of prey can easily swoop down and carry off a puppy or adult Chi. Perhaps as a result of the breed's early ancestry and the necessity for self-preservation, the Chihuahua has a unique reaction to certain sudden overhead movements.
Pancaking, as Chi owners call it, is when a Chihuahua literally flattens herself on the ground. A large shadow passing overhead or the slightest sound in the trees can trigger this defensive reaction. If a Chihuahua pancakes from time to time, it does not mean she is timid, shy, or fearful. This is a natural reaction.
Overreacting
If you find your Chi pancakes frequently for nonthreatening movements (the ceiling fan) or sounds (a jet overhead), you can help her recognize these things are not dangerous through one of the following training techniques:
Do nothing. Dogs will take their lead from their humans. If the sound or movement doesn't scare you, and you don't react to your Chi's pancaking, over time the dog will often realize there's nothing to be afraid of.
Reward good behavior. Find your Chi's comfort zone (the distance away from the object at which the Chihuahua remains calm) and reward good, calm behavior. Work in inches toward the object and continue to reward good behavior.
Desensitize your dog. If your Chi pancakes for a particular sound, such as when a jet passes overhead, you may find you have success in eliminating this behavior by playing a tape of jets (softly at first) over and over again until your Chi becomes accustomed to the sound.
Do Not Comfort Your Chi
The one thing you do not want to do is scoop up your Chi in your arms and comfort her — no matter how badly her pancaking pulls on your heartstrings. Comforting a dog when she is frightened will only make her reaction worse the next time. Why? Because your Chi sees your hugging and cooing as a reward for her behavior, thus reinforcing the exact behavior you want to eliminate.
