Ex-Cruelty Case Dog in DESPERATE need of socialisation! Someone PLEASE help!!?

Question

I have adopted an ex-cruelty case dog (maltese x poodle) who was 8 months old when i got her. she had never seen another dog and was very badly treated. she is now 16 months old and cant deal with other dogs. she gets aggressive and starts SCREAMING and growling and barring her teeth.
I would like to be able to take her out without stressing! Today i took her to a leashed dog beach, in which NONE of the dogs were on leashes. she went CRAZY and i had big wet dogs jumping all over me! She is spayed, fully vaccinated etc. She is toilet trained, basic training (sit, down). when she see's another dog she takes absolutely no notice of what i say - its like she sees right through me!
I need help! Please help me with ideas of how I can overcome this! I have tried distracting her, training her, gently socialising her, NOTHING is working!! she responds well 2 clicker training, but not in this situation... help... eeek!!

its like she seriously wants to rip them apart, limb by limb!!

its like she seriously wants to rip them apart, limb by limb!!

Answer 1

Get out your yellow pages and look under dogs, pets... find the dog counselors section and make an appointment. I had a mix breed dog who came to me after many years of abuse, lack of feeding, torture.... Any dog that came with in eyesight became a threat. It was near impossible to walk him and we lived in an apartment, so walking was necessary. He wanted to tear every dog he saw from limb to limb. It was AWFUL. I took him to a fellow who breeds german shepherds for guard dogs and family pets. This white mutt was introduced to 4 german shepherds who were so secure in their lives that when he attacked them they just sat there not even flinching. But the end of the morning, and many introductions to other dogs and correcting my mistakes, My Skippy changed. There were a couple more incidents. But putting into practice what I was taught and training him it wasn't long before I had another dog in the house. And everyone got along wonderfully. So get some professional advice. It did take me to two other trainers before I found the fellow who did the trick... Persevere... Don't give up.

Answer 2

When you adopt a rescue, this is something that can be expected.
First, call the rescue group and tell them what is going on and ask if they offer any assistance. Most will try to help you or at least refer you to someone.

What I would do is take her to social areas, like a petstore where the other dogs walk around. But hold her tight and close to you the entire time. She will feel safe and protected by you. Maybe not at first, but after 10 times she may relax a bit. If you can go up to another person and your pup wants to get pet by them, it is a good sign.
Basically what you need to do is rebuild her self confidence that was destroyed as a puppy.
Strengthen the bond she has with you, help her know you will never abandon her because I can guarantee you, she's scared of it.
Gently and slowly expose her to new situations, if she freaks out, comfort her and remove her from the scene asap.
You will really need patience and a good heart. Chances are she will never get over the problems all the way. But if you can make some improvements it would be great. But please keep her, even if she doesn't get the ability to be around other dogs. She had so much bad in her life, and then you came along and saved her. She wants nothing more than to be with you and please you. She's scared like crazy of disappointing you, and being sent away.

I work with a rescue group, and the stories are so varied as to why the dog came to us. But, I hope with time things improve and you will be able to accept her for a lifetime..

The last thing I would tell you to do, go to the vet. If you try all the training and socialization methods and it's not helping, your vet may be able to prescribe something to calm the anxiety. doggy prozac or something, and there may be some medical options to help her feel better.
But try slowly socializing first. But when you take her to the vet do tell the vet about the problems you are having with her and the vet may recommend a good behaviorist you could work with, too. Lots of resources.

I sincerely wish you the best of luck!

Answer 3

You need to find someone who has a well-trained, easy-tempered, laid-back dog and introduce her to it one on one. Start slowly, keeping them in separate rooms with the door CLOSED between them, and bring in an article of clothing that smells like both you AND the other dog - an old tee shirt or sock will work, so long as it's dirty. If that doesn't bother her, then work on opening the door by stages, making sure that the other dog stays out of reach of her and doesn't make any threatening moves. This will probably take a few tries - it's how I introduced my cats to my dogs. Another option is to get a puppy - yes, actually bring one home to keep. Most female dogs have really strong maternal instincts, no matter how badly they've been treated, and just being around another dog from puppyhood on up can be enough to help her be more accepting of other dogs. Either way, good luck. :)

Answer 4

I had such a dog, 11 months old. I took her to the dog beach, and held her on my lap while she watched the dogs play from a distance. She eventually allowed a firiendly dog (on leash) to approach her without freaking out. This liittle Sheltie was so sweet, that my dog knew she wasn't a major threat. I made a date with the Sheltie's owner to meet again the next evening. The second day, they actually touched noses, and the third day, they played just a bit. By this time, I had met a lady who rescued Springers, and she gently brought her sweetest dog to meet mine. Soon, my dog was digging holes in the surf with the others.. Now, she LOVES dogs..but I am still careful to keep her from any that might be the least bit aggressive or too forward to her.

Answer 5

watch the dog whisper :)