How do I tame a formerly abused dog?

Question

some clarification. Currently, I cant get near the dog. We feed it and give it water but when I go outside, it runs under the deck...and he just acts like someone has hurt it. I am not a 'dog' person, but this guy is awefully cute.

Answer 1

Here you go> http://www.canineconcepts.co.uk/ccp51/cc/dog-training/train-rescue-dogs.shtml

http://www.canismajor.com/dog/srcresc.html

http://www.austinrescue.com/training.htm

Great links> http://www.petfinder.com/journalindex.cgi?path=/public

Answer 2

We deal with abused animals on a daily basis, being in rescue.
Even a unabused dog takes a settling in period, weeks sometimes to check out its new family and environment. As all have said this will take time, patience and lots of love.

The dog may simply not have had human contact as such. It existed and water/food when the people thought about it. Many come to us just terrified of humans. Don't rush things. For now it simply needs to hear your kind voice and see that food/water are always there. Maybe try sitting on the deck/steps and just talk to it. Get down on its level which is less threatening. It needs a sense of security for now.

Take a slow approach. We talk a lot to these dogs to reassure them while putting down the food, etc. And by hanging out quietly and letting them come to us. And some really good treats can help with this. I agree with the idea of a doghouse or crate for the dog to hide in and feel safe in.

Dogs are basically curious. Try being outside doing whatever and let him come to you. Drop a treat for him. As he warms up to you hand him a treat and go for a soft touching. Follow his lead on getting aquainted and don't rush or give up.

There are several good answers here that I fully agree with. Thank you for rescuing a dog. If you haven't had him inside the house I would work toward that. Possibly he has only been an outside dog. He'll let you know when he feels like venturing inside to explore the rest of his home.

He is not ready for any real training at this point! Only once you two have developed a relationship and he is comfortable with humans would you want to consider any doggie training as such. And if he learns love he will do what you want and probably train easily for you. Right now he just needs to know he has a forever home and no one is going to hurt him again. The rest will work itself out.

Answer 3

Dogs are by nature pack animals. He will come to understand that you don't mean him any harm and will want to be with the rest of the "pack".
I adopted a chihuahua that was three years old and lived in a puppy mill in a cage her whole life. She was bred every time she came in heat and the puppies taken away from her as soon as possible. By the time the puppy mill was closed down she had lost an eye due to abuse. I brought her home and she hid under the bed for over a month. She came out often enough to eat and to bite whatever human was in her way. She had NO problem with my two shih tzus. They started hanging out under the bed with her!
Just remember that unlike people, with dogs you can "love" the bad out of them. My little chihuahua is 11 now and a sweet, happy girl. She sleeps ON the bed and has stuffed animals to replace all the babies she had to give up.
Bless you for taking in an abused dog. My fur babies and I are sending all our good thoughts to the two of you!

Answer 4

Well, first of all, you don't say how old this abused dog is. Also, only do this if you have a lot of time to be with this dog. Don't give the dog their way all the time "because" it was abused. Abused dogs are abused, not stupid, and they will come to "expect" to having their way because you pitty them because they were abused, you see? When the dog does something wrong, "never" use physical means to punish him or her. When you come home, always approach them by saying their name, and this will make them feel loved and special to you, thereby making it easier to train them. I don't have all of the answers for you, but just be patient with this dog, and things should turn out okay for both of you, okay? Good luck to you both

Answer 5

i adopted a dog exactly like that. Every time he ran from something I would stand my ground. Then, slowly kneel down and call him over saying,"its okay scamper its alright I wont hurt you." if at times he didnt come crawling to me after that i would softly tug on his leash pulling him toward me. when he got to me Id pet him and tell him that he was a good boy. Also, try small dog treats. when you come home or are just sitting in the living room have a few treats ready. And get his or her attention by calling their name then take a treat and slowly offer one to them. let them come to you.( its all about trust!) after a couple treats that tail will be coming out from between those legs and start wagging a bit. treats can also be a benefit outside. like when they go potty. tell them good job and get a treat and walk backwards a few steps and kneel down slowly and let them come to you. I know it seems stupid. But, I work at a Vet and I see these kind of animals all the time. they'll looking for someone they can trust! try this it really works My dog now is able to walk around the house and even the park or just outside with me and my family. Remember, Slow movements and LOve are a major key!

Answer 6

I had a dog that had been severely abused and she was very scared but I didn't take her outside at first. I had her in an area in the house where she could hide and come out when she wanted to. I let her approach me first and lured her with treats.
I made sure that the environment was calm as possible. I put her on a leash after a few days, properly secured, and took her for a walk with another dog of mine, treating her like I expected her to come along. She did, but with her tail tucked and somewhat scared.
Over a period of two weeks she came out of her shell and her tail was up when walking and she looked forward to that. She became a very social dog, good with other animals and people.
Since yours in in a yard where he or she can get away and hide, it is harder. It would be good if you could lure him out with some treats and even have a friend who is familiar with dogs who can get a noose type leash around his neck and get him into a kennel cab after tiring him out if he fights the leash until he lays down and then pet him, talk to him gently. After getting him into a kennel cab, secure the yard where he can't get under the deck and be unreachable. If there is an indoor area where there is a place he can hide but could be easily retrieved if you needed to, let him in that room or area and let him hide and come out to you when he is ready. You would have to sit in the room or area, with some treats. If he gets scared and has an accident, stay calm, clean it up and continue to work with him at building his confidence and trust in you.

Answer 7

You need lots of love, affection, treats, patience, and an experienced professional trainer. Love is obviously the starting point, and the trainer can teach you how to help the dog learn to trust you and not be afraid of everyday situations.

Kudos to you for giving an abused dog a second chance at life. Bless you for caring.

Answer 8

Don't sweat it he will soon lear that you aren't going to hurt him and that theres nothing to worry about, just accept this habbit it will fade away soon. Show the dog the most love he has ever had just take all the old memories away by playing with him and loving him as much as possible. Also take him to the vet and find out if he once had broken bones or anything caused by his old owner. If so that should be treated and like just let your dog learn to love you instead of him learing that you show too much love.

Answer 9

If you have to correct him/her, use a calm soothing voice and a slight tug of the leash/collar. Show alot of love and don't be too loud around him. Sudden moves are also a bad idea as they will frighten the dog. Once the dog is comfortable with you, and no longer cowers, you can gradually increase the firmness of your commands, but you will never be able to speak to the dog above a normal speaking volume.

Answer 10

I have a dog that used to be badly abused. Never spank him or raise your voice at him. If I catch him going to the bathroom in the house, I spray him with a water bottle(doesn't hurt them or scare them), then send him to "doggy jail" (his cage) for 30 minutes. It works pretty good. Also, if they go in the same spot all the time, spray some watered down vinegar there and they won't go there anymore. Above all, Lots of love and praise!

Answer 11

Give the dog time to feel safe with you.
Always speak with a soft voice.
Pet the dog gently and often so he gets used to your hand being friendly.
Above all, have patience. It takes a while for the good memories to outweigh the bad ones.