how do you calm a skittish dog?

Question

My elderly friend is in the hospital, and may not be coming home. I have been feeding and watering his dog for 3 months and the dog still wont let me get close enough to pet him. I bring him treats when I go over, and toys, yet he wont take them from me, only if I put them on the ground and walk away. The dog is about 4 years old. A black lab. He has never been around anyone but my friend, never walked on a leash, never been for a ride in a car, or to the park.Never been out of his yard. So how do I turn this dog into a good pet, so if my friends dies, I can find him a good home?I spend a half hour every weekday with this dog, and a couple of hours a day on the week ends. I have 3 small dogs and 1 cat, and am worried that if I bring my friends dog here, he will kill them, or be very unhappy. So I need to train him to be a good pet, so if I can't keep him, I can find him a home

The dog has free access to the yard at all time, and I bought him a swiming pool and a mister system to keep cool, plus the swamp cooler is always on he can get into and out of the house at any time.

Answer 1

awe poor baby!!! just keep doing what you're doing. The dog has to learn to trust. For some it takes longer. Try kneeling, sitting on your legs, or sit crossed legged on the floor so that you're more at his level but keep an eye on him. Every day put the treat closer and closer to you. Be extremely patient. You might have to up the amount of time you spend with him. Half an hour might not be enough for him to learn to trust you. You seem to be doing a good job, it's just that some dogs take longer. Try some baby talk, that worked on my poopie when I adopted her from the pound. I had to sign a waiver because she was labeled as "unpredictable temperment". But a week of baby talk and she is the most lovable dog ever!!!

If nothing works, cause like some humans, some dogs can't take change or learn to trust, try looking for an animal association in your city. I live in Los Angeles and we have SPCALA which is actually a division of ASPCA (American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals) you can look up a Division in your area. Organizations like that specialize in finding good homes and take in a variety of pets, they even have "foster homes" for pets waiting for adoption so they're not always locked up in some cage waiting for a good home.

Answer 2

Okay sounds like fido has some trust issues and feels abondaned by his owner and probably can sense something is very wrong.

This is going to take time and more time to win him over. Is there a room in your home where you can bring him where he has his own private area? This would be required to begin to socialize him with other animals. I wouldn't try this *at all*until he trusts *you*.

I recommend either way when you are with the dog just sit calmly on the floor gently talking to him in a low voice. I know this may sound crazy but explain what is happening to his owner. In the beginning don't make direct eye contact (or if you do don't hold it but for a second) this is an aggressive behavior with dogs.

He feels your tension about your good friend which makes him skittish. He doesn't understand the emotions he is sensing from you. Once a little trust is made try petting him by using slow gently strokes and continue to calmly talk to him. Still be cautious of direct eye contact.

It may take a while but if you take the time on the floor and gently talk to him he will begin to trust you.

Remember, low toned voice, gentle tones, no sudden and/or large gestures, and talk to him about what's going on it will help him and you.

I am really sorry you are faced with this situation I hope all ends well.


Good luck.

Answer 3

Define Skittish

Answer 4

Confrontational dog body language is standing directly facing the dog and staring at the dog. Have you tried sitting down on the floor so you are at the same level with the dog and sitting the treat in front of you a foot or two and waiting until the dog comes and gets it while trying to coax him? It will take a long time for the dog to relax and since he has never been socialized he may never be very good with other dogs (shy or aggresive) or with small kids or a bunch of people. Take small steps and try not to get frustrated with the dog's slow or seemingly non-existant progress. He probably misses his owner.

Answer 5

Stop putting the treat on the ground. If he wants it he'll eventually come and take it from your hand. If your going over his (Blk Lab) house then that's his territory. He's wondering wtf are you doing there and where my buddy. Your kinda showing him that your the skittish one, Dogs sense this. If you give more time to that dog, he'll give you friendship in return. And your human friend will envy/hate you for this. I'd be skittish too - if I was locked up all day. Get off the computer and go make friends with that poor animal........NOW damn it.

Answer 6

first of all the dog misses his owner he knows that the owner is not home you have to take the time do some thing the dog likes you are going to have to try and get the dog use to the leash you tell the dog what your going to do if it has a back yard get the dog out side with you trust is the key and if at all else you may have to have the animal control come over to get the dog. if at all have the owner call you at his place when you are their and have him talk to the dog on the phone or have a recording of the owners voice so the dog can hear the dog is lonely and miss the owner

Answer 7

i would try just sitting on the ground and not saying nothing. let him gain your trust. he isnt getting enough human contact. another animal may frighten him more at this point. The dog needs more attention. it is probably grieving over its owner and is very confused. getting him out of his shell isnt going to take over night. it will be a time consuming effort on your behalf. he is a good dog with a troubled spirit. he need to trust you and at his age it is going to be difficult. You may want to contact the owner and see if they could possibly give you ownership of him so you can get him to a obedience trainer. or work with him on a more frequent basis. he needs a friend. Just like we do. His friend is gone and may not come back. Call your local dog trainers and see if they can give you any better tips. Dogs know how we feel towards them. Try being patient with him and very quiet and still. This really helped me to tame a wild dog. and he adventually became the best dog i ever owned. very loyal and protective. But it took me several months to gain his respect and friendship....Best of luck

Answer 8

First of all the dog needs to learn that you area friend - he sees you as an intruder into his domain- since you have been caring for him he will never attack you- i have yet to see a pet that will attack the hand that feeds it- It is unfortunate that your friend has not allowed his pet to socialise- dogs love to be caressed gentle stroking of his mane and the back of the his ears as well as areas he would normally not be able to reach with his paws( to scratch) will make him your friend- Once he is no longer threatened by your presence he will shower his affection on you. It is also possible he is fretting for his master - so nexxt time you visit your friend in hospital rub your handkerchief on your friend's body then as you approach the dog hold out the kerchief so he gets a good sniff of his masters scent- this will convince him that you are also connected to his domain - this is advice from a dog lover - if you love animals they will recognise it ad shower their love on you enjoy nature

Answer 9

Try to spend as much time as you can with him, show him all the love in the world, and keep trying. Another thing you can do is try a trainer, a lot of them work with dogs with behavioral problems, contact a couple of them in your area and see if they can help you out. Best of luck!!!

Answer 10

Here is a great lesson and advice on dealing with the timid dog.

Motivating a Timid Dog http://www.veterinarypartner.com/Content.plx?P=A&A=997&S=1