I’m looking after a very timid rescue chihuahua. Since the sit started yesterday morning she has refused to go out for her toilet walk and hasn’t used the pee pad. Her owner said she can hold on for long periods, but I’m concerned she may not be drinking (I haven’t sighted her doing so). She has permitted me to pat her a couple of times, but as soon as I make a move for the lead she gets spooked. Any advice would be welcome…
Is there a fenced back yard? I wonder if carrying her outside and allowing her to hang out (under your supervision) would be helpful? No expectations, just see what happens. Also make sure bowl and water are clean…it could always be a health issue but sounds more like anxiety. Give her space and put yourself in positions for her to access you on her term (sit on the floor quietly). If she continues not to drink or go, maybe call the 24/7 vet line. Good luck and i hope all goes well and she warms up to you, soon!
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Hello @Dee I was in a similar situation a few weeks ago while looking after a Chiweenee (chihuahua / daschund mix). In meeting the pup, I was met with barking, avoidance, and the pup would hide in various places. After the first night and on the next morning, I looked for the pup to take out for a walk/potty break. I found him hiding under the HO’s bed. I called and called him to come downstairs—nothing. I jangled his leash / harness—nothing. By afternoon, I tried again to entice him with his leash / harness to come downstairs—nothing again.
The pup had a doggie door, but he would need to come downstairs, if he needed to go potty. But he was not willing to do that, because I was downstairs. I called the HO and explained the situation and she stated that he was ‘being stubborn and was an independent guy.’ Well, I didn’t know if his bladder knew that. Well, by evening, I decided to jangle his leash again and lo and behold, he came downstairs. And when I asked him if he was ready to go for a walk–he did a happy dance—probably was a pee dance. 
The pup was nervous, but slowly warmed up as I was patient and gave him time and space. Afterall, I was a stranger in his home. By day 3, he was licking my face.
The pup you are caring for is also nervous and needs to be made felt safe and comfortable. The more comfortable and safe the pup is made to feel, he/she will come around to drinking water, eating, and going potty.
If you haven’t done so already, try offering treats. Continue to be patient and let us know how things are going.
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When sit pets hide from me at the outset, I talk to them periodically in a relaxed voice and say their name as part of my conversation, without calling them. That way, they get used to my presence and it helps them emerge. I also try to stay low key, not make loud noises or do other stuff that might startle or scare them. So far, that’s even worked with timid cats.
If I were in a fix and the pet can eat treats, I’d consider leaving a few in a trail, with their harness at the end of it.
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Thank you all for your advice. We seemed to have turned a corner this morning, she ate her dinner through the night and I managed to get the lead on her this morning trauma-free. She even enjoyed her sniffy walk and wagged her tail when I gave her breakfast! Thanks again…
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