Hello all, not been on here for a very long time, hope you're all well. Dilemma... Myself and my son work at our local Council Offices, last Friday a man handed over a Miniature Pinscher bitch which he "found" and made a hasty exit without leaving any details of himself or where he "found" her. The Dog Warden scanned her and couldn't find a microchip, they then took her to the local vet for a routine check-up and they couldn't find a microchip but my son wasn't happy with her upset tummy so took her to our vet and he found a microchip but it had migrated to the shoulder area and had somehow snapped in half so was unreadable! There was then a debate between our vet and our local authority legal department as to whether the chip should be surgically removed for hopeful identification but the law stated that the procedure should not take place as it was not in the dogs best interest health wise. This little dog took an instant like to my son and due to her extremely timid behaviour it was decided she would do her seven days at my house instead of the local authority kennels waiting for her distraught owner to contact the warden, local vets, rescue centres etc all who knew she was missing and with us.  She got on great with my three dogs at home, Yorkshire Terrier, Bichon and Yorkie x JRT and fitted in with the whole family like she had always been there! Sadly no one has come forward or reported her missing, I've trawled the internet for lost/stolen MP's. My mother has had a telephone conversation with MP Rescue in Devon and a week later it's not so dandy at home. She has severe separation anxiety and cannot be left and when I have to leave her to get shopping, go to the office etc she has to be crated and barks the whole time and gets distressed (I've had to crate her as she has destroyed the carpet by the door in my lounge) and she is beginning boss my 10 year old Yorkie x JRT bitch about and has actually gone for her three times now. She hates push bikes, joggers and lorries and will aggressively lunge at all and has an extremely strong hunting instinct and is constantly on the look out for victims from cats, birds and any wildlife really.
The Dog Warden, lady at Battersea Dogs Home and I suspect that the man who handed her in could've been her owner and just couldn't handle her difficult behaviour. It's so sad as she is a dear little thing with so much love to give as she is soooo affectionate, she loves her walks and is a very intelligent alert little girl.
My question is (although I know I can't get it answered but any advice would be fab) are there any experienced Miniature Pinscher owners out there that could tell me whether this behaviour is normal for this breed? My first wish is to get a call from the Dog Warden saying she's has a distraught owner on the phone reporting that they have lost their MP and she goes back home but I am doubtful of that now, my next wish is to hear from someone with MP experience that this is typical behaviour of this breed and I can then hopefully try and find someone who has owned one before and will understand this loving little Miss Dynamite and give her what she needs. Thank you x

Min pins are feisty and tend to want to be top dog, if they can. I don' think she sounds unusual for her breed, especially the trauma she will have undergone at losing (at least) one home and owner and having to fit into somewhere new. The separation anxiety may be something she came with or triggered by recent events, either way if it seems like she is getting into a complete panic every time she is left I would recommend seeing a behaviourist (APBC or UKRCB) for assessment who can decide the best way forward. There are different types of separation anxiety and each requires a different intervention.

Don't make the mistake of thinking min pins are cute, cuddly toy dogs, whilst undoubtedly endearing and full of character they can also be demanding to own. Think of them as big dogs in tiny bodies. If you think you can keep her then I'd imagine you need to deal with the separation anxiety as a matter of urgency and then perhaps look at putting her on a learn to earn programme. She will need clear consistent boundaries and contingent reward and attention- this will actually make her feel more secure than fussing and molly coddling.

You are already in touch with MP breed rescue- I'd certainly seek their advice and with them decide it you are the right owners. If not, it'd be better to find her a new home with people that really know the breed.

Hope this helps and good luck.

If you haven't already done so I  would recommend that you  put her details  on DogLost http://www.doglost.co.uk/