This sounds really tough—adopting a dog with severe fear issues like this is challenging, and it's okay to feel overwhelmed. That GIF captures classic extreme fear response: piloerection (hair standing up), cornering, and involuntary defecation from terror. This is a stress response, not spite or "anger at the world"—it's a dog whose nervous system is in full fight-or-flight (or freeze/flood) mode.
Keep the leash on for now. Your instinct is right. Safety for both of you comes first. The old owner's advice to just "take it off" ignores the biting/snaring risk. Use it to move him calmly without cornering or forcing interactions. Avoid yanking or escalating.
Don't approach directly. Give him space. Many fearful dogs improve with "ignore and toss treats" — sit sideways, no eye contact, soft voice, and gently toss high-value treats (chicken, cheese, hot dogs) from a distance. Let him choose to approach.
Crate consideration: A properly introduced crate can be a safe "den" where he feels secure, not a punishment. Make it positive with treats, meals, and a comfy bed in a quiet area. Never force him in when scared or use it long-term as isolation. Some fearful dogs benefit from it for decompression; others find it trapping. Test carefully.
Constant defecation when approached is likely fear-induced (stress colitis or loss of control from adrenaline).
Establish a calm potty routine: consistent times, low-pressure outdoor spots, praise/treats for success far from triggers.
Reduce overall stress: quiet environment, predictable schedule, no forced handling.
Many fearful dogs improve significantly with time, patience, and counter-conditioning/desensitization (gradual exposure + positive associations). But it can take weeks to months—sometimes longer for severe cases.

>>5131240
Key steps:
1. Decompression period: Give him weeks to just settle without big expectations. Minimal pressure, lots of space.
2. Professional help urgently: Find a force-free certified behaviorist or veterinary behaviorist (not just any trainer). Look for IAABC, CPDT, or Fear Free certified. They can assess for pain/medical contributors and create a tailored plan. Meds (anti-anxiety) may help in severe cases.
3. Positive reinforcement only. No punishment—it worsens fear.
4. Build trust slowly: Treats for any calm behavior, short positive sessions, confidence-building games.

This level of fear + aggression (biting, snarling) isn't something every owner can handle, especially with constant messes and safety risks. You're not a failure if it's too much—rehabilitation isn't guaranteed, and quality of life for both matters.
Shelter return: Contact them honestly with details. Many have behavior resources or foster networks. Returning sooner is often better than after more stress. Be transparent with any potential new adopter too.
You're doing the right thing by seeking guidance instead of forcing it. Prioritize a vet visit and behaviorist consult this week. In the meantime, protect yourself, manage the environment, and give him (and you) some breathing room. If you share more details (age, breed, how long you've had him), I can try to refine suggestions. Hang in there.

>>5131214
1) Stop being a wuss. He's a tiny fucking dog. You do not need a leash to control him. That's just you being weak as shit. Wear some gloves and long sleeves.
2) Why do you need to take him to different rooms? Stop. Stop being a retard. Set up ONE room for him, a room that you can easily clean and control. Do not force him out of that room until he is comfortable. Put stuff in there to make him feel secure. Barriers between you and him help.
3) While he is in that room, spend time there. Do not force interaction with him. Just be in the room, a lot. Don't approach him. Don't even make direct eye contact. He will eventually figure out that you are feeding him and existing with him and not harming him. This could take a long ass time. Could be weeks. Maybe more. Don't bother trying to lure him in with treats. That's just you being impatient and at this stage it's useless possibly detrimental as he's fear motivated, not food motivated (for now).
4) Stick to a consistent schedule for feeding and cleaning the area.
5) You can absolutely give him up. Just don't lie to the next person or facility about the dog.

OP is either a known troll called chihuahua anon, or someone who's pretending to be him. That gif has been posted on this board way back in 2019.
https://desuarchive.org/an/search/image/xG2tus8FBQFQrY55BLA7jg/

>>5131241
I agree that medication is needed for this dog. He requires sedation in order to function because right now it’s a constant cycle of bowel emptying and snarling. I’m not totally sure he’s eaten anything yet.

>>5131260
I’m hardly a wuss. This is a demonic little dog full of anger and feces. I wouldn’t feel right giving him up. He is my responsibility to correct.

>>5131260
This is the right approach. Too many people "adopt" an animal and don't know the first thing about how to acclimatize animals.

>>5131592
>>5131593
You're right that this level of reactivity (constant fear-pooping + snarling) is exhausting and unsustainable for both of you. The fact that you're committed to fixing it instead of immediately rehoming shows real responsibility. That said, do not attempt to sedate him yourself. Human meds or random over-the-counter stuff can be extremely dangerous (or fatal) for small dogs. Only a vet should prescribe anything.
1. Vet visit ASAP (ideally today or tomorrow)
- Explain the full picture: extreme fear, involuntary defecation on approach, snarling/biting, possible not eating.
- Ask for a full physical + fecal exam to rule out pain, parasites, GI issues, or underlying medical problems making the fear worse.
- Request a referral to a veterinary behaviorist or at minimum a strong anti-anxiety medication (things like trazodone, fluoxetine, or short-term sedation options) to lower his baseline stress so behavior work can actually start. Many dogs in this state need the chemical help to break the panic cycle.
2. While waiting for the appointment
- Minimize triggers. Keep interactions minimal and low-pressure. Use the leash only when necessary for safety/movement, but give him as much space as possible.
- Feeding: Try leaving high-value food (boiled chicken, wet food, or puppy mush) in his safe area without approaching. Remove it after 15-20 minutes and try again later. Some fearful dogs eat only when completely alone.
- Crate or safe zone: If he’s not already in one, set up a covered crate in a quiet corner with soft bedding, a frozen stuffed Kong, and white noise. Make it the “good place” — never force him in.
- Cleanup: Enzymatic cleaner for accidents. The constant poop is likely pure stress — it should improve once his anxiety drops.

>>5131743
If after the vet and a behaviorist consult it’s still unmanageable (constant mess, biting risk, not eating, etc.), it’s not a failure on your part to consider rehoming to someone more experienced with severe fear cases or even a breed-specific rescue. Your responsibility includes making sure he has a good quality of life — sometimes that means the right home, not forcing it.
Keep me posted on what the vet says. We can adjust the plan from there. You’ve got this for now — one step at a time.

>>5131214
It sounds like the prior owner probably abused the shit out of him

>>5131743
>>5131744
Just stop with the AI spam

>>5131756
Look, I'm not here to spam you with walls of text. You said the dog is in a bad cycle of fear-pooping and snarling, not eating, and you feel responsible to fix it.

Short version:
Take him to a vet today if possible. Tell them exactly what's happening. They can check for medical issues and prescribe proper anxiety meds (nothing you should do yourself).

While you wait:
- Give him maximum space.
- Leave food and water down and walk away.
- Only use the leash when you absolutely have to move him.
- Clean messes with enzymatic cleaner and move on.

If meds + basic management don't start calming him in the next week or two, this might be more than one person can handle. No shame in that.

What did the vet say, or what's your next move?

>>5131764
Who the fuck are you talking to? I am the OP, not that other man. I'm not retarded like him, but this chi is definitely experiencing mental and emotional challenges at the moment that extend beyond my ability to comprehend as a dog owner. He’s clearly been the
victim of rape in his previous house. I have been trying to soothe him by calmly saying "it's ok boy, I'm not the one who rapes you." That seems to work a little. Everytime i go near him he goes stiff as a board and is all like "oh, is it rape-o-clock now?"

(�/�#��Dp��
�<3193I aOP390 �&��H��ok�B�E�[��
:zQ����i�ɪ�Z&

(�/�#��Dp@�@<3124die����u��f�,&8j