got him from a rescue shelter 3 months ago not sure of his history he's really placid and shy and shies away from strokes and cuddles but looks at me with really sad eyes..
2006-12-17 22:57:20 · 19 answers · asked by deborah g 1 in Pets ➔ Dogs
A friend of mine has a dog like this, whose previous owner used to keep her tied up on a very short chain all the time, and kick and beat her alot. I would suggest you just spend alot of time befriending your new dog, showing him that you are there to help him and be his buddy, not to hurt him. Be careful the tone of voice you use, don't sound too noisy or angry. And try not to make sudden movements, especially lifting or moving your arms suddenly, as the dog could mistake this for impending punishment, which you are obviously not trying to do. It also helps if you get down on their level, literally, Get down on your knees or sit on the floor so you don't seem so big to your dog. Try to give him treats, and make him come to you.
2006-12-18 00:23:00 · answer #1 · answered by Nelly Wetmore 6 · 2⤊ 0⤋
All animals have the fight or flight reaction so don't be fooled; if he's cornered by some well meaning idiot who tries to stroke him to show him its ok he will snap. You'll be able to see it coming, he'll roll over on to his back, go belly up, and pull his lips off his teeth. To the uninitiated it will look like he's smiling for a belly scratch so be aware with visitors around and when you're out walking him that these nervy dogs can be a liability!
He may never have been abused. Every litter of pups has a pecking order and he may just be very low ranking.
This should have been investigated by the staff at the rescue centre and you should have been told about his temperament and behaviour.
You really need specialist advice and until you can get advice from a behavioural trainer I'd take it steady, take the advice you've been given about staying calm, quiet and predictable and don't expect fast results. Aim for steady, secure progress.
If you can do the work and get through to these types of dog then they make fantastically loyal and obediant pets as their inclination is to look for a packl leader to make them feel secure.
Obediance training is a must. Get a routine going so he knows whats coming next during the day.
Give him some little jobs to do and it will give him a sense of purpose. It will help him settle in and help him to trust you. The problem is finding the right trainer!
And play some games with him. You know the 'pea under the cup' game? Try it with a dog biscuit. If he can nose the right cup he gets the biscuit.
Put him on the lead, walk him round the garden and get him to 'find' stuff you planted like a hanky, a shoe or whatever.
It'll take time but you'll get there.
2006-12-18 11:46:30 · answer #2 · answered by sarah c 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
You got a dog from a shelter that you know nothing about. The dog is shy and does not want to be touched or whatever. It is either his genetic temperament, crappy parents, or an exposure he had earlier in life. Either way, you are in for the long haul. He may never come out of it in which case you will be unhappy, or he will get worse and turn that fear and shyness into defensive aggression if he is pushed too far. The books that others have reccomended her will do absolutely nothing for a dog with bad genetics. Now it is up to you how far you want to push this and how much you are willing to invest in this dog.
2006-12-18 07:37:37 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 1⤋
I have a shy/cautious dog as well. I taught him to be more confident using all-positive methods. Any form of punishment or force used to compel the dog to do what you want, will certainly make it worse for the dog and harder for you to bring him out. A must-read for you is the Turid Rugaas book "Calming Signals" (link to her site below) Whenever your dog is blinking, licking his lips, turning his head away from you, or yawning when you're trying to interact with him, he's telling you to back off. Reward your dog a lot for just hanging out with you. You may want to look into clicker training too - my dog really responded to playing clicker games (especially when I kept the sessions very short!) and now we compete at Masters' and Elite levels in agility. Good luck!
2006-12-18 11:48:58 · answer #4 · answered by Misa M 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Our dog had some similar issues. Positive socialization with other dogs helped us. Also, consult an animal behaviorist. They say there are two types of dogs, ones that will attack when scared and those that run and hide. We had the "hide" type. When we first got him, he didn't come out of his bed for 2 days. After training and consultation, now he's right up to say hello. Good Luck.
2006-12-18 07:01:52 · answer #5 · answered by smckech1972 4 · 3⤊ 0⤋
Yeah , sad to see that and to know as well , coz he or she's longing to those whom he grwn and took care of him that's why the dog is quite or shy . It' s like human when u loose ur love one samething and reactions , so you have to be patient and play and talk to him and the dog will hear you .
2006-12-18 07:01:58 · answer #6 · answered by eternity 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
you will never change his nature if he has been abused, you cvan only change behaviour, he is obviously very scared and you should take things slowly, spend time with him just laying near you and try feeding him from the hand eventually he will come close and let you touch him, dont be wanting to be near him if you have anything in your hands or are stood up as this will scare him even more
2006-12-18 07:00:27 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋
Get a hold of any books by "The Dog Whisperer" - Cesar Milan.
He's great with help for any dog behavior. Good Luck!!:)
2006-12-18 07:00:12 · answer #8 · answered by j b 5 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Play with your dog, show him some excitment this will make him more confident and happy, get visitors to do it too, plus then you'll also get some excersise!!
2006-12-18 16:54:57 · answer #9 · answered by soloxine_rabbit 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
He sounds like a lovely doggie and he is very lucky to have found you. Just be patient and he will repay your love.
2006-12-18 07:04:23 · answer #10 · answered by Not Ecky Boy 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋