About 4 or 5 months ago, my wife and I got a dog from the pound. He's a happy, good dog with a pleasant disposition. Doesn't bark much, has a lot of energy, and is extremely loving.
And at first, he and I got along great. But then he started peeing and pooping in the house, and I disciplined him harshly (but not any more than I punished our black lab that we raised froma puppy, who is now 8 months old and has perfect behavior). It was my mistake to presume I could punish the new dog (Freeman), who had come from a pound after being seized from a home, the same as I punished my lab for bad behavior. Now, Freeman is terrified of me. When I come near him, he lays down and submissively pees all over the place, and sometimes he yelps as if I'm going to beat him to death or something. He will not ever approach me. He stays glued to my wife's side, and will not leave her sight. If he's left alone with me, he yelps. If she's not home, he hides on the side of the house all day. What can I do???
2007-06-29 05:02:14 · 7 answers · asked by Anonymous in Pets ➔ Dogs
Don't look him in the eye or stand over him, kneel down, use a soft squeeky tone and offer him a treat to come to you, when he does give him the treat and don't pick him up. Takes alot of time to undo the terror he has. I have worked with many dogs like this, be VERY patient, it can take months (months!!). Now you know all dogs cannot be trained the same, they are like kids each individual. Look, some will disagree, but seriously, If you don't make any progress and he continues this behavior in your family, consider taking him back and giving him a chance in a new family and getting another one from the pound, he may never fit in or become trusting of you, after all, he was taken from abuse, new situation then he got the fear in him for doing the naughty in the house, now he cannot truly ever relax in your home.... Dogs are "lifelong" partners, but with some dogs they are better for someone elses "life" and there will be the one you will bond with out there.
2007-06-29 05:16:06 · answer #1 · answered by Kiki B 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
The dog was probably severely abused in his last home and when you disciplined him, he may have come to believe you're another brutal tyrant like the former one. An abused dog like an abused human child requires almost saintly patience. Regardless of what he does, he cannot be scolded.
You just have to regain his trust and the only way I can see that happening is if you enroll in a dog training school where professionals can help you re-bond with your pet. Good luck.
2007-06-29 12:12:09 · answer #2 · answered by pepper 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Take things slow and easy and have patience. I went through something similar. Our new dog was scared of me as well and I never even whipped him. He still sometimes cowers if I raise my hand for anything and he is in the area but eventually we became buds. Just show lots of love and attention.
2007-06-29 12:10:40 · answer #3 · answered by MD 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
you could consult a behavioralist but they cost. how about taking him for walks? start with all of you. wife,you and both dogs. make sure you walk the new one for a while. get him used to you while your wife is near. after a while you should be able to take him by yourself and he'll actually look forward to it. take them both out back and play but don't get to rowdy. this is going to take a lot of time and patience but you know it'll be worth it. just remember to take it a little at a time.
2007-06-29 12:13:46 · answer #4 · answered by racer 51 7 · 0⤊ 1⤋
If you got him from a pound, he was more than likely abused. Disiplining him probably brought back bad memories of his previous owner. As for the peeing al over the place, it is probably a combination of nerves and him just being a puppy!
just try being nice to him until he forgives you.
2007-06-29 12:08:49 · answer #5 · answered by I <3 Gidget 1 · 0⤊ 2⤋
If you ever hit a dog it should be with something like a rolled up newspaper so that he doesn´t associate your hand with punishment.
2007-06-29 12:14:30 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 2⤋
0nly time will tell
2007-06-29 12:18:01 · answer #7 · answered by Sarah Nicole 3 · 0⤊ 2⤋