How can I help an abused dog trust me?

Question

I just adopted a dog who'd been abused. She's very skittish. What's the best thing I can do for her recovery?

Answer 1

take the time to let her know hat you will not do the same thing no load comands or waving hands around in time she will trust you

Answer 2

Just be kind and patient. If she's an adult dog it may take a lot more time. I adopted a puppy -- about 3 to 4 months old who was abused. He's 2 now and there are still little things you notice -- like to this day he's terrified of belts, yet he's never been harmed in our house. As a puppy we just gave him loads of attention and reassurance and he grew out of the skittish uncertainty that plagued him.

Answer 3

Talk to her in a friendly way without approaching her.
Get a squeak toy and squeak it. See if she is interested in the sound. If she is, just squeak it now and then without calling her or approaching her. If and when she approaches you, let her have the toy. Put it away when you are not with her, so that it is something special that she gets when she is with you.
You can do the same with food treats.
Whenever she comes to you, act really happy.
You can put her on a leash sometimes even in the house, to keep her near you, so she will bond with you faster.
Instead of feeding her once a day, or leaving food out all day, give her a little food several times today. Dogs bond with the person who feeds them, so several small feedings can speed up bonding.
Take her to an obedience training class. This can do wonders for your relationship. Dogs love learning obedience, if it is taught correctly.

Answer 4

Food. That's all dog's think about. By feeding it and not abusing it you'll be changing its associations. But DO NOT spoil it. It's easy to do but tells the dog that you're 'electing' it as leader. Coming from a submissive background this will make it completely confused and stressed. By not overcompensating and enforcing strict rules (such as rooms it can't go in and not eating until you've finished your meal) is the quickest way you can reassure a dog. It might have been abused before, but it will still appreciate strictness.

Answer 5

This will take time....first give her her space..when she wants to come up to you, let her come smell you or check you out..then you can give her treats, asking for nothing in return (like tricks or staying for rubs)..Dont baby her when shes skittish this will only intensify her behavior....After she becomes more comfortable you can start developing a relationship by taking a nice walk daily, and some playtime in the yard...You can also get into a training class when she starts to become less skittish..This will increase your bond with her..Best of luck to you, be patient she will come around..And bless you for adopting her and wanting to give her a good life..

Answer 6

Just be patient. They will come around in time. Try hand feeding the dog. That will make them realize that humans give them good things and that all humans aren't bad. Give lots of praise and just take it slow. You're a very kind person to rescue an abused dog! Best of luck!

Answer 7

Go to the library or book store and get a book called Cesar's Way by Cesar Milan. You can also watch his show called the Dog Whisperer on the National Geographic channel, get some of his DVD's and visit his web site, www.dogpsychologycenter.com
Also there is a yahoo group for people who use his techniques, http://pets.groups.yahoo.com/group/DogWhispererFans/

Your dog needs love and affection, but she also needs a strong leader to look up to, to make her feel safe and relaxed. Cesar teaches people how to be good pack leaders for their dogs. This can help skittish dogs and correct a lot of unwanted behaviors.

Answer 8

You need to take it slow with her. make her believe that only good things will come from you and that you won't hurt her. if it is to the point that you can't even get near her, just toss her some tasty treats and speak in a happy soothing voice when you pass by her or approach her. don't try to force yourself on her, if you pet her and she is afraid, it might just escalate her fear. once she seems comfortable with you, have a friend or two over and have them repeat the same process. then move on to being out in public.

she may also be skittish because she is adjusting to a new home. give her a comfortable bed, good food and toys and time to relax. good luck!

Answer 9

Don't follow her, don't make fast movements towards her, don't make loud sounds, always talk nice and soft.

Think of the dog like an abused child....it takes time to trust again.

My one cat was an abused cat. Was kicked off a 2 story apt. balcony and the neighbors witnessed it. The guy was arrested for animal rights and kitten given over to my vet. He later passed her along to me.

First few months she was skittish, very scared of my feet, any loud or quick movements and she'd run and hide out of fear. Today she is 99% normal, runs and plays, etc. On occasion if I move to fast to pet her she will bow her head and squint her eyes but its getting less and less common. She is learning that I won't hurt her.

A lot of love, patience and time.

Answer 10

Take her for as many walks as possible with you. The leash is often the lifeline to your dog and walking with you is the best way to learn trust and respect especially that she'll be needing a friend in strange surroundings.

Answer 11

my dog its a cocker spaniel he was beat and abandoned in front of the human society and he was so scared to be by any family but when he seen me he walked up to me and sat on my foot and that's a good sign that he trusts you enough to get close to you but when i put him on a leash he felt like he was being punished and so hes very loyal and thank full that i adopted hI'm and he follows me every where even outside and all it takes is time and im only 17 and i could train my dog to not be scared of me and trust me.