I adopted a 1 yr old lab mix from the Human Society about a 1 1/2 weeks ago. She is a very very sweet dog, acts like a scared little mouse but will sit on your lap or cuddle beside you and even lick your arm. She is naturally good natured... but I really think she was abused. She terrified to go outside. I bought a harness.. she will sometimes walk a little with my other dog but for the must part she makes you drag her and walks with her head down to the ground and kinda crouched for take off. As soon as we get to the house she runs full speed to get back in. Once in the house she will either run in my room where she has been or if i make her stay in the house (hoping to get her to investigate) she will sit smack against the couch and will not move all day. She will NOT eat if you are around or watching her. She eats only in the middle of the night when she knows no one is paying attention, and will eat the whole bowl!!. Any suggestions on helping her come out of her shell???
2007-03-16 08:45:19 · 8 answers · asked by Shelly B 1 in Pets ➔ Dogs
Take lots of time and use positive reinforcement as much as possible.
Take her in the backyard and practice walking on the leash.
Get her enrolled in training classes to get her socialized.
Give her lots of love and lots of treats each time she does something well.
Congrats on saving a life - I'm sure she'll come around soon. : )
2007-03-16 08:49:40 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋
Put the harness on her when you aren't going for a walk, make sure she likes it or is at least comfortable with it. Walk her by herself and give her lots of attention. Keep the walks short at first. Try walking her around the yard or a very small area. When you go back play with her and pet her. Make walks a great even that's all about her getting positive attention. If she doesn't want to walk go to the end of the leash and crouch down, talk to her and call her to you. Then try again.
At your house to to make a spot that's just for her. A place she can go and you wont bother her. Abused animals need to get comfortable at their own pace. Be encouraging and positive. Give her lots of attention and toys. If she likes brushing that might be positive contact you two can have without smothering her.
2007-03-16 08:55:45 · answer #2 · answered by daisybh 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Not trying to sound like a broken record; but the first 3 posts are sound advice.
We have rescued dogs and sometimes they are skittish and afraid.
Think how you would feel if you were born, put in a neglectful house for a while, whisked away to a place with cages and lots of upset barking dogs; then have some stranger come and take you away to a strange environment.
Be gentle, be kind, be patient. Some dogs aren't ever going to be alpha dogs and will be timid and shy their whole lives; some will grow out of it once comfortable with their environment.
Thank you for rescuing a wonderful animal.
2007-03-16 08:56:48 · answer #3 · answered by zaphodsclone 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
time and patience. Is your living environment different than what she is used to, house vs apartment or city vs countryside? New noises and smell may make her nervouse for now. When you go out of the house bring treats along with you to reward her for every good thing she does. Spread dried dog cookies around the house to help her explore her surroundings more. Use kind happy voices whenever she does something good or adventuresome. Use your other dog as a way to help her come out of her shell. Play and do positive things with your old dog to show her she will get the same rewards. The food thing will eventually stop but look at it this way at least she is eating. Good luck and bless you for wanting the best for her!
2007-03-16 09:00:36 · answer #4 · answered by cc 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Poor Sweetie. You are a great person for adopting a rescued dog. It does sound like abuse.
She should come around but it will take time and a lot of patience. You need to gain her trust. Never raise your voice to her (although you can be firm) and use positive reinforcement. Try to make going outside exciting and fun, bring toys and treats.
Good luck
2007-03-16 08:54:55 · answer #5 · answered by allyalexmch 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Sounds like she has a few emotional problems, such a sad story. She has obviously associated eating as a bad thing as she only eats when you are not around. All i can say is that eventually she will get better. You could hire a dog behaviourist who will be alot more specialised and will be able to help you a great deal.
Good luck!
2007-03-16 08:50:44 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
Well, it is evident that she went outside and got herself picked up and lost her happy home... too bad..
NOW she has a new home that she likes
***and does not want to leave for any reason***
not to walk.. nothing.. just keep taking her with you but make your walks very short for her.
Hugggs to you... I wish you the best
Handler/Trainer GSD's
2007-03-16 08:55:04 · answer #7 · answered by H.O.T. Dog 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Your best bet is going to be to talk with a GOOD trainer that has dealt with abuse cases before or behaviorist. Have you tried hot dogs? they make a great bribe even for dogs that normally won't eat with someone around.
2007-03-16 08:49:57 · answer #8 · answered by debcat76135 4 · 1⤊ 1⤋