There is an abandoned dog in my neighborhood that is a bit fear-aggressive. He will not come closer than 10 feet to anyone, and when people have gotten closer he tries to bite.
I've been talking to the dog at his safe distance for about a month now, trying to get closer to him. I get down at his eye level and just talk to him about how pretty he is, and about the weather. Sometimes he wags his tail when I talk to him, but his eyes stay full of fear.
Anyway, recently I had a groundbreaking day. I went to talk to him like normal, but this time he came all the way up to me - licked my face!!!! and then he rolled over onto his back and did not move (I rubbed his tummy and he was stiff as a board).
Was he trying to say that he wants me to be his master, or was he just scared sh*tless?
I did not get to analyze the situation completely because someone came running up to me all excited and the dog took off.
2007-03-25 08:47:49 · 13 answers · asked by Susan 5 in Pets ➔ Dogs
Yes. Also sounds like he was an abused dog. We adopted a dog that was abused, and had the same behavior.
2007-03-27 00:15:55 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
The signs dogs show when they're standing up, are the same sign they show in any position. So watch the ears and tail carefully. If his tail is "folded" over his tummy, about up to his nose, he is indeed scared .. well, what you said ;-)
If he's in total submission, he should be completely relaxed, not stiff as a board. So maybe you rubbing his tummy was at least one step too much.
Next time you might try rubbing him behind the ear, while continuing to talk (gently) to him and in time, he might indeed relax.
Be careful when he is the way you described him: while rubbing his tummy you might be bent over him, which is pretty threatening. Being in the position he's in (all vulnerable, belly and throat exposed), if the threat gets too big for him, he might resort to the one option left to him: biting.
So take it gently and take it slow, then who knows what the future might bring for the two of you ;-)
2007-03-30 22:03:06 · answer #2 · answered by lyonesse 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I am soo...proud of you for taking the time with him. He is now ready for the next move (still slowly) but I believe, it's time to take him home to give him some security. If you haven't given food to him, do it now. Also, have a fabric leash (wont make noise) ready and loop him during petting. Don't start up walking right away, keep on talking/petting/feeding and after a while, slowly, stand up and tug him along. The rest should be easy, have his bed (permanent one), ready and show him , stay with him again while talking etc.....FROM THEN ON, SPEND AS MUCH TIME YOU CAN WITH HIM, abused & lost Dogs make wonderfull companions.
2007-03-31 12:11:25 · answer #3 · answered by SwissAK 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I have adopted several abused dogs. He was scared, but trying to see if you would accept him into your pack. If you do decide to help him, it will take time and effort to help him lose his fear. Some dogs never do. I had one that had a fear of outsiders for the 12 years I had him. He was a loving pet to me and my daughter, but had to be watched carefully when people he did not know came around. If visitors came often, he would watch them carefully. They could make friends, but had to do it his way. To make friends with a fear--aggressive dog, let them make the first move (as you did). Move slowly when they do let you touch them. Keep your voice at a soothing level. Assure them you will not hurt them and never in their life act as though you will hit them. After gaining trust, this dog will give his life and love to you. Unfortunately, you may never have a dog which can be completely socialized to outsiders.
2007-03-30 17:44:02 · answer #4 · answered by whome 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Keep trying and try to keep others away. I think you've done the right things. remember to keep calm, quiet and steady. next time try a small treat or two. Don't look him in the eye if you can help it. Watch for things like ring-worm etc., before you pet him too much. If you finally gain his trust enough to "take ownership", a vet exam would be my first priority.
2007-04-01 13:20:24 · answer #5 · answered by Gardner? 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Sounds like he trusts you....He probably doesn't trust anyone and has been abused. You are such a good person if you are considering helping him out. It sounds like you 2 can become quite the friends. Good Luck. Wish more people would take time with Animals when they are so scared,
2007-03-30 06:18:08 · answer #6 · answered by T G 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Be careful, laying on the back and exposing the stomach is also a sign of 'back off'.
Make sure that you don't rush it and then get bitten. Take things slowly, try not to make too much eye contact with him, so that he knows you're not a threat to him.
2007-04-02 07:46:39 · answer #7 · answered by Gemma 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
yes lying on the back is a sign of submission, in the wild if a dog lies on his back he is very likely to be killed because the leader his neck is open, the licking of the face is that he is accepting you into the pack, it was a great thing keep it up .
2007-04-01 10:35:12 · answer #8 · answered by Tamera 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Wow you took a chance getting so close to a stray that likes to try to bite!.....You have obviously broken through his mistrust of people....I would think he wants to belong to you. Remember to be careful you don't know this dog or what his history is about...good luck
2007-03-31 15:55:53 · answer #9 · answered by becca 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
oooooooh that is a good question
i don't think that he was fully in submission wen you petted him since you sad that he was stiff
but just keep trying
2007-03-30 11:30:24 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋