We have an 8 month old Baenji/Lab mix, Spartan. He has been a great dog so far, but has become a bit aggressive (wants to play to much) with other dogs. We adopted Autumn, (2 yr old, Border Collie/Lab mix) sunday 10/14. She is so shy. When she is on the leash, she is almost more trusting. She and Spartan have already really hit it off. He was very aggressive with her immediately, she growled and nipped and now it's not as much, he's already learned his place. She follows him around, lays down near him (not touching). We have two kennels, she goes in either and he just uses the other... he's been verrrry accommodating to her. She follows him around.
Problem is she won't let us near her. If we are playing with Spartan, petting, etc., she might come up, kiss, nose us, might let us pet her, but lots of times jumps away. She starts at loud and not even very loud noises and paces around our kitchen table (has extended now to the rest of the downstairs), nonstop.
Any advice??? I don't think
2007-10-18 14:57:36 · 19 answers · asked by angelwing 1 in Pets ➔ Dogs
Hopefully she'll relax and learn to trust you guys, but she may need a little more work that the average rescue. Of course, she's worth it so don't give up on her.
The pacing may start to drive you guys insane. It's obsessive behavior and you need to nip it in the bud now.
I would just lay on the floor and hang out. Spartan can come over and see you. Wait for her to come to you. Let her sniff you all over. Don't touch her, just let her realize that you're chillin' and won't hurt her. Do this a few times. After the initial 3 times, pull a treat out of your pocket and give it to her.
Then do the usual belly rubs and little scratches behind her ears. Tell her in a gentle voice what a good girl she is.
Hopefully this will bring her around.
I think it's going to be all about exercise for Autumn (and Spartan, too.) She's got that Border Collie in her, so she's got to have things to do. She's going to need a lot of exercise to help her calm down and to get tired enough to relax around the house. Her brain needs to chill so she can learn not to be so resistant and panicky and in order for it to chill you've got to get her out and moving.
As soon as possible (i.e., as soon as she'll let you touch her and get a lead on her), start walking her and Spartan together, briskly (no leisurely strolls - go go go!), for at least 45 minutes every morning and if you can, again in the evening. When you walk them together they'll learn that they're part of a pack and you and the rest of your family are the leaders.
She'll be looking to you for trust and guidance. Just take the lead, as it were, and show her that you've got it all under control, you're there for her and her new BFF Spartan, and that she doesn't have to fear anymore.
If you put the work into it, she will shine for you.
Best of luck with both your rescues! *Way to go on rescuing!*
2007-10-18 17:48:06 · answer #1 · answered by k9 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Over my lifetime I have owned many different kinds of dogs (I am old) for many years I showed,bred, and trained Rottweilers and gave it up about 10 yrs ago. I rescued an 8 month old Rottweiler 6 years ago, she had been kept in a kennel with almost no human contact (just food) she was terrified of everything mostly people.I would take her out of her kennel several times a day and sit with her in the yard and offer treats, it would take her a long time to get the treat, but the time before shorter and shorter. After about 3 months she was much better. 6 months later she was in the house to stay (thank god it was starting to get cold outside) She has become one of the very BEST dogs I have ever owned, loves everything and everybody just a total love bug. Patience, kindness and lover - be a dog whisperer. PS when I worked with her it was her and her alone, no other dogs around which she always did like.
2007-10-18 15:32:52 · answer #2 · answered by margo 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
She probably needs quite a bit more time to figure it all out and decide she can trust you. In a week or so, I'd try some time with her away from Spartan. Sounds like she is bonding with him rather than you. For the next few days tho that is probably what she needs.
Will she take treats from you? Hamburger? hot dogs? My favorite is Gerber toddler meat sticks. In a little jar; look like Vienna sausages. Good for them, easy to digest. Kind of expensive. I'd make one stick be 3 treats. Most dogs can't resist the smell and taste. Throw a piece of treat near her then back off so she will take it. After a few days start placing it closer to you. Take your time. Eventually she will take it out of your hand. It might take a month.
There is something called Rescue Remedy in the natural food section and health food stores. It's flower essence drops. Great for anxiety for dogs and people. It might be worth a try to help her relax so she can see what a great home she now has. Give her lots of time and patience because it sounds like she needs it. In six months she probably won't leave you alone.
2007-10-18 15:14:00 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
She may have previously been abused by humans. She likely will never be a "loving" dog with people. If you really want to keep her, you might find a way to spend time with her for two hours a day without Spartan anywhere in the vicinity. You can try dog-like behavior to see if she will feel more comfortable with you than with her former owners. crawl with her. lying on your back, let her lick you on the face (just tolerate it) , and things like putting food treats down for her, and backing away to let her know it is for her alone. getting physically down to her level for a lot of time in the beginning will allow her to think of you differently than the "bad humans" in her former life.
The pacing around the table is a very serious symptom. I would consult a very knowledgeable vet or animal behaviourist about it.
2007-10-18 15:14:36 · answer #4 · answered by littleone 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
just maybe take spartan out of the mix for an hour at a time and spend one-on-one time with her. i think she might have a hard time knowing you, because the other dog is in the way all the time. just a thought....
2007-10-18 15:01:28 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
To me, it sounds like maybe your pet felt more befriended - or comfortable, around the other "pack members" before coming to live with your family. This is not a bad thing, though, it's just their instincts to do that. Just continue what you're doing - making efforts to play with and to pet your dog. Eventually, she'll intuitively know that you're only wanting to be her friend.
2007-10-18 15:04:11 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
It's possible that this poor dog was abused by her last "family" and she might be over-cautious of being near people. I have a dog who was abused and you really just have to be patient. Get down on her level and try to let her get to know you on her own pace. The key is patience and being nice. Best of luck!
2007-10-18 15:02:39 · answer #7 · answered by JaneDoe 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
ok try maybe taking the other dog away for a few days and try to spend lots more time with her and give her lots of love by getting new toys and maybe she'll like that and she'll come over because of the toy then you oculd try to pet her and she'll start to love the petting hope my advice helps bye
2007-10-18 15:04:09 · answer #8 · answered by lexi 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Your expecting a lot from a dog you just adopted. Give her time to settle in and get use to the household routine. It took my gf dog a year before he truely settled in. It took my sister's dog almost 2 years before she was completely trusting. Just give her time, love and patience. She will come around.
2007-10-18 15:01:49 · answer #9 · answered by kny390 6 · 1⤊ 1⤋
if she has already had an owner it might be because of the way he or she treated her witch may have led to her being shy you just have to build your trust with her and it will come around
2007-10-18 15:09:23 · answer #10 · answered by bass8942 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋