New Dog, It's Been Abused?

Question

Need tips that worked for you in retraining. This is the 2nd dog I rescued from pound as abused. With 1st, it took time but I won it over by entering its world until it realized I wasn't going to beat. New one is tougher case, standard poodle, seems to have given up on every thing and every one, just lies under kitchen table, will go get food and water in kitchen but not much. Have tried same strategies, hasn't worked. If you've tried and worked, I'd like to know how to get this dog to do as well as the 1st. Presence of 1st doesn't seem to matter.

Answer 1

LEASH THE DOG AND TAKE IT EVERYWHERE YOU GO,BEDROOM,BATHROOM EVERYWHERE,TAKE A FEW SNACK WITH YOU,LET HIM KNOW THAT ITS O.K TO TRUST YOU.

Answer 2

First, thank you for rescuing this dog! How did she act when you saw her at the pound? Was she lethargic there as well? I know Poodles can be very sensitive and she might just be overwhelmed with the new place, and not quite ready to trust.

I think I'd have your Vet check her just to be sure there is nothing physically wrong.

Otherwise, a shelter can be a very scary place for a dog and it can take a while to get over that plus past abuse. Be patient, kind and don't expect too much right away. See if she will let you pat or cuddle a little, and take it slow.

Also I'd contact the local Poodle Rescue group (link below) and see if they have any specific suggestions.

And read the poem about rescue dogs called "Baggage"

Good luck

Answer 3

This dog may take some time. You didn't mention how long you have had the dog, but just to give you an idea, I have had a dog who responded in a month, and a dog who I was still working with when she suddenly died after 10 months. When dogs shut down, they become afraid of absolutely everything, and it takes awhile to get them to trust. Take it in little stages and don't force anything on the dog.
Below are some suggestions of things to do that have worked for me in the past:



Don't approach her and stand over her at any time. Try to crouch down before you get to her and let her make up the distance.
Try not to have anyone in the house use a raised voice, even laughter can startle a traumatized dog.
Give her a place all her own where she can go to hide when she wants and don't ever invade that place.
Use slow gestures when reaching toward her-no quick movements.
If you are cuddling in bed, stroke her alot to get her used to your touch.
Don't do this after you get the dog trained, but share your meals with the dog. Put the food on the floor by you, or hold it out in your hand for the dog to take it.

Good luck with your endeavor-it's nice to see another person who doesn't give up on the "hard cases"!

Answer 4

Hello,
I had in the past rescued two dogs from various locations. Both dogs have been severely abused. The first one was a cocker spaniel mix the other one I do not know anymore.
However, I had time on my hand not working just being the home maker. They bonded with me and I with them. I took the time sit there, with them watch them. Look them in their eyes. Have eye contact. Do not raise your voice nor your fingers or whole hand towards them. When approaching walking, walk on their level. Might sound funny, but once an abused dog they fear people and strangers who are taller then them. Remember, tall means fear to them.
Talk softly. Play with them. Purchase their favorite toy. Take them carefully out to the nearby park. Eventually he will come arround. I feel bad for that standard poodle. I now have an Apricot Toy poodle and he is the love of my life.
Just like I say : TLC and lot's of huging and good food and just time will tell.

Answer 5

Patience is important here. I had a pup who was abused for a year before I got him. It took years, and he never got past it all, but he was devoted to those who cared for him.

Have you tried to feed him by hand, or is he too scared to let you do that? Try some really tempting treats, and do it without any other animals or people in the room, so he does not feel threatened. It will help build a bond, as he will see you as the source of good things (he needs to feel this). If he won't let you feed him by hand, try sitting on the floor when he does eat, moving closer as days go by. Also, lowering your body to his level should make him less fearful.

Also, if he isn't afraid of other dogs, sometimes it helps when they can watch you in your relationship with other animals, especially if it's presented as loving and fun. It might excite him to watch, give him ideas of what life can be and he might eventually feel bold enough to join in. Make sure the other dog is not aggressive towards him, because that could set him back. After he learns it's fun, try to do it just you and him.

Be open to the moments when he approaches you and be sure to reassure him for this. Take baby steps with him.

My guy would pee on everyone, including me, at first. He was nervous and scared. It's a funny story how I got him really, since he would hide under the couch of his owners (who gave him away to get another dog). I wasn't sure I wanted him, but thought I'd try talking to him one more time to see if he'd respond to me. I put him in my lap and talked to him softly. After an hour of hiding, it was like a switch went on and he started wagging a tiny tail and licking my face. We walked out of there and never looked back.

I knew he had been abused, and once he became a little more confident, took every opportunity to take him places with me, trained him (when he saw what he COULD do, it gave him more confidence). In the end, by the time he passed, he was a happy dog who lived for his family, but it took a long time for him to get past being shell shocked.

Just be patient, show him that life can be FUN (he doesn't know this) but let him decide the pace.

Answer 6

How long have you had her? First get a full check up. Make sure there isn't any physical problem. See if you can find out any history on her. Could she be pining for another animal that was in the situation with her? Laugh if you will but try a doggy shrink. Check with your vet, Get more vitamin supplements into her food to boost that. Maybe the vet can give you antidepressants for her. Just throwing out ideas to try to jump start her. Can't leave her too long this way or she can waste away. Will she allow you to lay with her under the table? Maybe just laying with her, or having a hand on her. I know my dog wanted me to hold her paw at first (like holding hands). Good luck, hang on and don't give up on her.

Answer 7

Bless you for giving this baby a chance.
My 16month old was also abused but she came around very quickly without any special prompting so I have no personal experience to share.However,if you look up Cesar Milan on line he has free advise there that could help you.If you have not heard of him,he is the dog whisperer on the national geographic channel.He is a dog behaviorist not a dog trainer. As a matter of fact there is a place on his website to ask questions and to apply to be on his show to help your new friend.
All the best to you.

Answer 8

Each dog is different and it could be this dog is very depressed missing its former owner.Does she cringe from you as if you are trying to harm her? The absolute best way to build trust with an abused or neglected dog is to hand feed it. I do this with puppy mill/backyard breeder dogs as they are never well socialized. I prepare the dogs food, sit on the floor and feed it out of my hand. Its entire ration. yes it is time consuming, but I just put it in my schedule.
One must know as with children all dogs are different and we cannot expect one to behave like another. I have 9 sanctuary rescue dachshunds, three are from the pound. Everyone of them are extremely different personalities, and all had/have different issues and needs. My job was to figure it out.
The greatest joy comes from seeing their spirits start to heal. Good luck to you and thanks for making a difference.

Answer 9

i think you are going to need to go slowly.

build up trust, like you did before by being in the dogs space until used to you.

maybe you could try hand feeding to help build the trust, get the food association going. always a good start and builder for future training.

really, i would seek the help of a proper trainer/dog behaviorist, even just to begin with. to make sure you are not doing anything to make it worse.

does the pound not have someone who can offer advice?

Answer 10

I don't know any tips but God bless you.

Has she been checked out by a vet? That's the only thing I can think of. Standard poodles are smart dogs and I hope she responds to your care.

Answer 11

Patience, consistent love and care, time. It may just take this dog a little longer to feel secure.

Just make it feel comfortable, talk to it, keep the food and water out, and give it some time.

Good Luck