What can I do to make my dog more trusting?

Question

I got my dog from a shelter back in December 2006,
unknown background, but he had a dirty, grimy collar on- which makes me believe he was left outside most of his life.
When i first got him he displayed dog aggression, but also very good behaviors such as sitting on command and walking on a leash well- submissive.
Now, i've discovered other problems such as aggression when you try to lift him or roll him over, also when being held down he over reacts with intense screaming. (at the vet)
I'm pretty sure he must've been abused, because he has no tolerance with children or adults- which frightens me. for example, he's displayed fearful aggression when a friend's child accidentally
stepped on his tail- he instantly turned around and leaped in her face- he didn't bite thankfully, it looked as if he thought she was attacking him, which i think is common around scarred dogs or unsocialized dogs.
I hope that's enough insight, what can i do to help him be less nervous, or is it even possible?

This dog is 2 years old, Australian cattle dog mix.
puppies do tend to display these symptoms, but they're puppies. They're easy to control and they haven't had years to advance their bad habits.
He can't be held down by one person, and he is an extremely nervous dog- i know these techniques work on puppies, not always on adults.
any better opinions? or exprienced people?

Answer 1

just keep reassuring him dogs aren't stupid he will eventually trust you.

Answer 2

I rescued a dog that was most likely abused because of the fear he has when I have something in my hand or he doesn't understand my movements. When he first arrived, he growled at us. It's been several months and this has not been a problem anymore.

This has changed over a period of time because I gained his trust by petting him and never raising my voice. I noticed that he watched us constantly to learn about us. He was never socialized.

However, I have a grandson and when he is around my house, I make sure my dog is kept away. A dog is a dog.

My dog absolutely does not like other dogs. We have a fenced yard and he cannot get out so I let him protect the perimeter of the yard the way he knows how.

Once your dog is more at ease, it will be easier to train him.

Also, I have noticed a lot of animal abusers on Yahoo Answers so please be careful of what advice they give you.

Answer 3

Actually not all dogs that are agressive have been beaten. FOr example my puppy was never beaten, but after i have recieved him I noticed the same things, especially the screaming when you try to pin them down for the vet (or in my case to put in his ear drops) Some breeds just are stubborn, and will let you know when they dont' approve of it. Sometimes aggressive genes run in the family, and some dogs just tend to me more aggressive...What kind of dog do you have? I recommend personal training, but also you could start small by associating good things when he does something good..for example if you pin him down let him scream and then when hes done offer him a treat and let him up, or have new people give him treats.

Answer 4

I would also suggest you read and talk to other owners of Australian Cattle dogs. I know they can be loving dogs but they also have different temperaments. They have a tendency to be a one person dog and are a cautious breed anyway. This dog being an Australian Cattle dog mix he will carry alot of those traits that would be good for you to know...and go to obedience classes for sure they can help you with socialization which will really help. Please don't think I am putting the breed down..I am not I am quite a fan of them and have trained them and had them in classes I have taught before they can be good dogs but they can have issues like some other breeds

Answer 5

It seems like the dog was beaten or held down and beaten. If he is a pretty old dog it will take a lot more time for him to trust you then a younger dog. If their are certain things that bother him you should steer clear of doing those because that will make him think of you as one of the people who hurt him. You need to be very gentle with the dog and patient. When he's being good you should love him (without touching one of his areas that he doesn't like to be touched in) and when he's not being good don't show as much affection for him. I'm not saying ignore him but I'm saying don't love him as much, so he can know what you like him to do and what you don't. Care fior him and make him feel special. He'll come around to liking you more.

Answer 6

Try to always be calm around your dog. No yelling or harsh noises, no throwing things around the room even when fooling around.

I don't think his response to having his tail stepped on was that uncommon. My pup has done the same thing but like yours when he sees who caused his pain he stops short of actually biting or attacking.

I would also recommend a professional behaviorist and trainer if you can afford to do both. If you work at obedience with your pup it will create a stronger bond between the two of you and give your pup more confidence in general.

Good luck with that and thank you for rescuing him from the shelter.

Answer 7

I think the best thing to do is get professional dog training. Your dog needs to understand that you are in charge - you are the leader of the pack. I'm not too sure about this, but if you feel comfortable you should try exposing him to a dog park. Dogs need socialization. Just don't give up on him! :) He obviously didn't have a good start in life and deserves the best he can get. Good luck!

Answer 8

What you have to do is use positive reiforcement. When you want to pet him on his belly or something talk to him give him praise and have a treat with you. Give him something he likes but at the same time do something you want to improve on. It will take some time but it will help to develop his trust for you. My boyfriend found a pit that had a bite mark and the guy that owned him fought him. But he was a very skittish dog. I would just praise him a lot and say his name and give him a lot of attention. And when I wanted to pet his belly I would hold his toy and rub his belly while he stood, gave him his toy with some praise. Eventually he started to roll over, and now he wont stop.

Answer 9

Don't worry, it will just take some time and a lot of your patience. Take him for walks, talk to him in calm tones (like comforting), PLAY with him, buy him toys, and reward him with treats when you like his behavior with certain things. Invite willing friends over, so he gets used to people- but don't force your friends on him- you have to remember that dogs are very observant in their own ways and they definitely sense fear.

You still have to show him who's the boss- but show him equal affection as well. I understand the need to hire a professional- but what you really want is for your dog to listen and obey YOU. By you training and praising him is a way for you to establish a relationship with your pet, and having grown a "trusting" bond between the both of you.