I have a dog that is scared of almost everything?

Question

My dog is from a pound and was left in a home all alone in a house and the owners moved away and left her and her sis there with a little food and water for a month. I can understand why she is scared because she was abused besides being left. But we treat her fine and have had her for 2 years. And she still is scared of the broom,vaccum, and will NOT go in the bathroom if her life depends on it. If you are walking her she flinces when you reach down to pet her. If you are playing wih her and start to pull on her toy for tug-o-war she will just drop imedietly. When you come home she is excited and scared at the same time so she piddles on the floor. How can I help her not to be so scared she is a black lab/mix.

She trust me a lot. But she just is scared and she will not go to obediance classes she freaks with other dogs except for the dogs on my road who she loves to play with.

Also the only times she acts semi normal and playful is when my 9 year old bro is not home. He throws stuff near her and hits her and yells near her what to do about him?

Answer 1

First off, thanks for saving her and giving her a taste of the good life.

As far as her becoming less afraid and more trusting, it is difficult in a dog this timid. However, I have seen some very dramatic turn-arounds in fearful dogs that are trained for agility. Might want to see if there are any agility clubs in your area, and talk to some folks who have rehabilitated fearful dogs that way. You can also go to Groups at Yahoo, and join an agility or a rescue group for ideas on working iwth your girl.

Good luck, and hope she comes around, but if she doesn't, just love her anyway. She knows you do even if she can't express it.

Answer 2

to start with, I hope someone finds those people, and does the same thing to them.
I have no doubt that you do treat her well, and have been very loving and patient with her.
for what it's worth, most dogs don't like vaccuum cleaners, and it's quite possible that those monsters used to beat her with a broom. poor dog. I wouldn't worry about her not going into the bathroom, there are often chemincals in there that wouldn't be good for her anyway.
I have a dog that is also extremely timid. and the only way you can ever approach him to pet him, is to show him your hand, palm up, and approach from beneath his chin. he was never abused, this is just his nature, but I have learned that it's the only way to approach him.
as for helping her to not be scared all the time, that's going to be hard. I would suggest that you start with one small thing, and help her learn that it won't hurt her, but encouraging her, with lots of love, and food rewards. NEVER force her, that defeats the purpose, and don't raise your voice at her. work on small things, and as you have some successes, which you probably will, you can build on them with her.
but if you can't get her to come out of her shell, please try to show her that she's safe, and loved now.
my best to you both.

Answer 3

When she's afraid, do you tell her everything's okay? Do you do it in the same tone of voice that you praise her with? Dogs don't understand the difference. I try to comfort my dogs by saying "it's okay" rather firmly, more like a command. When she acts braver - even a little bit - tell her she's a good girl. Take her on many walks to new places so she's exposed to lots of different things, people, and animals. Be patient - she may still be scared of some things, but she'll get better. Good luck!!

Answer 4

Oh, the poor thing.

She associates the broom and vacuum with her abuse, and was probably locked in the bathroom for long periods of time. The tug-of-war thing sounds like she was "trained" to drop things the moment her previous owner reached for it.

It sounds like she was never taught to play - or rather she had the play knocked out of her.

When you reach out to pet her, speak in a sweet, soothing voice. She'll eventually (and it may take a looong time) learn that when she hears that voice and sees the hand coming (SLOWLY), she's about to get some lovin'.

As for the piddling, lay down a puppy pee pad in front of the door so when she piddles it will be on the pad and not your floor.

I think you're a dear for your patience with her, and accepting her with her "shortcomings" - not trying to force her to be what she's not and may never be.

Answer 5

Try not to surprise her when you come into a room with her in it. Make some kind of noise before you enter the room. Animals, especially dogs that have been abused or treated like what you said happened are often scared or frightened at sudden noises or movements. Give her lots of love to make her feel special, and treat her that way. My prayers are with her...

Answer 6

Well she probably scared because of how she was left alone and abandoned. She probably never wants to be left alone again. She is probably lonely. So what you should do is spend more time with her. Make her feel like she's part of the family and don't leave her alone at least let someone be by her and playing with her and no matter what don't let her sleep outside that's like telling her she's a piece of garbage. So make sure she's always by her and playing with her 24/7 that would make her feel part of the family and she would know that you won't leave her or abandon her. So then she will know she shouldn't be scared because she knows that you love her.

Answer 7

This is one of those things that takes a long time and is sometimes impossible to cure. My brother has had his dog for 12 years and she still hides under the bed. Some dogs never recover completely and some take years. All I can tell you is to have patience and concentrate on the fact that you are making her a happier dog.

Answer 8

maybe you should get a second dog. One that you raise from a pup and this dog will always be happy and content, because it never knew any other way. Then, your other dog that's always scared will copy the behavior of the happy dog.
Dogs learn best from other dogs usually.

Answer 9

Poor thing, that's a long time to be afraid.

You need to be calm around her, don't make sudden moves towards her, let her come to you, then pet her gently.

Don't shout at her or reprimand her, it will take time, but she must learn to trust you before she can stop being afraid.

Answer 10

Her situation must have been very dramatic. She must have really been mistreated. you should try to take her to classes to socialize her and so she knows that no one will ever hurt her again. She may be so damaged that she won't ever heal.
Good luck!!!!!!!!!!!!!