She's been inside for a few weeks now, but she's overly submissive and is very hard to live with. I'm very good to her... she just has a very destructive behavior in my home and with herself. She constantly chews (even though she doesn't have fleas anymore) and has bald spots.
2006-12-15 07:44:33 · 14 answers · asked by Anonymous in Pets ➔ Dogs
Did you frontline her to be sure there were no fleas?
Also try changing her food to something with higher protein and less corn she may have allergies.
2006-12-15 07:53:24 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Hey there. Good for you to ask about how to get started with this dog - be sure to clear up the medical issues she may be having, it's very hard (and a little unfair) to work with a dog that might be developing hotspots from her itching and chewing.
Soft dogs who worry a lot are often hand shy, head shy, and will benefit most from gentle, yet consistent training techniques. I love using a clicker to help to teach dogs like this, but first be sure she isn't afraid of the noise of a clicker. Playing shaping games where she is highly rewarded for offering simple behaviors (turning her head, looking at you, or even just hanging out) will help her a lot. She may or may not be interested in toys - it may take her some time to decide that it's ok to play with you and a toy. Be patient....
I've linked below to some sites that have more info. Good luck!
2006-12-15 16:20:04 · answer #2 · answered by Misa M 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I have a previously abused dog too. It takes a LOT of love and patience and treats, but eventually she will get to the point where she trusts you. To help with the destructive behavior in the house, try getting her some toys that she likes. My dog is partial to a Kong stuffed with peanut butter and it keeps him busy all day. You can also crate train her during the day and let her out with you at night when you can watch her.
Does your vet know about the skin problems? He should be able to help with the skin chewing and picking.
2006-12-15 15:48:56 · answer #3 · answered by Mlle A 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You must gain her trust!
The only way to do this is through patience and love. I suggest you praise her as much as possible and give cheese treats to her whilst stroking her. Get her toys that she can chew that have cheese treats in them that take a while to get out.
You should also get her to de-stress and this can be done by ignoring her when you first walk into a room for twenty minutes. You must not give eye contact or speak to her. If she comes over do not interact with her at all. This allows the dog to feel calm and relaxed and after a while she will be completely relaxed in your prescence. Ofcourse - you must correct her when she does wrong and never praise her if she has dont bad. But, you can correct gently.
2006-12-15 15:53:52 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
The best advise I can give you is be patient, and show lots of love. If your dog is Hand Shy, winces when you lift your hand above him, then there are a few tricks you can do. I had a rescue that was hand shy, and I conqured it quickly. I would raise my hand above thier head, and bring it down fast; but instead of hitting my puppy, I would stop and scratch him behind the ears. Then he learned that hands would love him, not hurt. Another thing you need to watch out for is anxiety. An abused dog will get very emotionally attached once they have a loving owner. Be patient, don't yell, and show him unconditional love, and he will return the favor.
2006-12-15 15:55:28 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
For her skin/coat problem, try one of these foods: http://www.frrco.com/121668 Make sure you keep her on it for a few months to allow her body to benefit from the quality ingredients, as well as "detox" from all the fillers, preservatives, and by products in store bought foods.
As far as her being overly submissive, here's my advice:
1. Do not look directly at her. This is confrontational and will make her nervous.
2. Move slowly around her...sudden movements will scare her.
3. Do not "baby" or acknowledge fearful behavior...you will only enforce it.
4. Set up a crate for her, and leave it open so she has her own space to "retreat" to when she feels overwhelmed.
5. Start teaching her basic commands, like "sit" and "down" to help her confidence. Make sure you praise/treat every time she does it correctly, and keep sessions to less than 10 minutes at a time.
6. Start taking her on walks. Walk confidently, not tensely, and encourage her by calling her name, patting our leg, talking to her, etc.
For the chewing, I suggest getting a spray bottle with distilled white vinegar to spray items she chews, as well as to deter her from mouthing you, which I suspect she is NOT doing. This may also keep her from chewing on herself and is safe if you spray it on the spots she is chewing...just dilute with water.
Be patient. Don't yell. And give her time. The bond she will have with you will be well worth the work, trust me. My Liberty was so fearful/submissive when I got her, it was amazing.
http://www.libertydogtraining.com
2006-12-15 19:40:05 · answer #6 · answered by libertydogtraining 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Aside from what the others have already posted, I would suggest that you use only positive reinforcement in training, ie rewards (food or affection) rather then negative reinforcement, ie squirt bottles, verbal punishment, physcial punishment.
Be gentle and patient.
Kudos to you for taking this on, I'm sure in the end the reward will be worth all the effort.
2006-12-15 16:00:58 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
You can get a LOT of great training advice from the rescue workers that are constatnly faced with training such dogs, by doing a Yahoo! search for 'training rescue dogs'..
Also on perfinder.com....a LOT of good tips..
Her chewing is from a condition called Atopy, and will benefit from this great product> http://springtimeinc.com/product/88/2
This is a good site to help you understand and deal with this condition..
http://www.petalia.com.au/Templates/StoryTemplate_Process.cfm?specie=Dogs&story_no=1580
At this season, it is likely to be pollen related or mold/mildew..But household cleaners often aggravate the condition..chemicals such as Swiffer Wet jet, Carpet cleaners, air fresheners, etc..
It will very likely be of help to feed a food that doesn't contain corn or wheat.
I adopted such a dog, that was terribly traumatized. she became my best friend, and was well worth the effort. I think of her every day, and the joy she added to my life..
2006-12-15 15:47:58 · answer #8 · answered by Chetco 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Buy a lemon spray you can purchase this at Petsmart, its safe to spray on fabrics. Spray it on everything she chews on. The only good thing you can do is give the dog allot of love, until it is comfortable enough to know that you wont hurt her.
2006-12-15 15:48:22 · answer #9 · answered by _DestroyingAngel_ 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Get hold of Jan Fennell " The Dog Listener" book or DVD great info on how to communicate with your girl, I think her methods are great.
Regards Rod
2006-12-15 16:46:25 · answer #10 · answered by rodney c 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋