Scared rescue

We get a lot of older breed dogs in rescue. The ones that are used and used then when they are all used up they get dumped. They know nothing of the world or of the normal way a dog should act. I start by giving them their space for a day or two so they become accustomed to the household and the schedule that I keep with the dogs. Then I start a series of training techniques.

1. Hand feed the dog one morsel of kibble at a time from their morning or evening meal and call the dogs name when you hand each piece to them. If they won't take the food from your hand, they don't eat that meal. Sooner or later they will take the food from you and that helps build trust (all good things come from your hand) This may take several days to accomplish but rest assured a healthy dog will not starve itself. Sooner or later they will get hungry enough to eat from your hand. Allow free choice water at all times.

2. Groom (handle) them several times a day. Just a light brushing of the fur and a gentle massage of the feet and ears.

3. Talk to them. Allow them to hear your voice. Let them know that you are in charge and they have no reason to fear. Do not fawn over them or cuddle them to reassure them that it's ok don't be scared.. It's all about them learning to pull up their big boy/girl pants and dealing with the world. The stronger you are about dealing with their insecurity the faster they will look to you for protection and their much needed security.

Some dogs blossom quickly and others take a month or two before they can be considered a normal dog and ready to be placed in their forever homes but it is possible to rehabilitate them with patience and firm but kind training.
 
We have our Georgie who has made great progress (he is going to be a daddy, even)-and he was like that when he came to us. Take everything much more slowly than you think it should be-sit on the floor and read and let him come to you. I did that with George because he did not like people reaching down to him. When he would come over, or do anything like an approach, I would just stay quiet or murmur softly. I didn't make over him or excite him-he was so skittish about noise, movement.
I rejoiced inside at every improvement, but I stayed quiet on the outside and let him take the lead. As I write this, he is on the couch beside me. He jumped up on his own and snuggled in. I still stay calm with him, and am gentle as I scratch his belly or ears. It will take more patience than you can imagine, but I cannot express what joy it has brought to our lives to watch him blossom in confidence and trust and know that we have given him a happy new life. I am praying that you will have that joy as the months unfold; bless you for blessing her!
 
My 2nd Sheltie, Buddy, wasn't a puppy mill breeder but came from a rescue group. He had been dropped off at the pound and they pulled him out of there and put him in foster care. He was in foster for about 2 weeks before I got him.

He was 3 years old and someone had done a lot of training with him at some point - he had quite a few tricks. BUT he was terrified of everyone, esp large bald men. He would lay down and pee himself and shake. He still runs and hides if anyone in the house yells (like at the TV durnig the football game), and he doesn't like rolled newspaper. But he has come so very far since I've gotten him.

He was afraid of being restrained or touched. It took me a full year to be able to trim all of his toenails in one sitting. It took me 6 months and a lot of treats to allow me to brush him. He still doesn't like it but he tolerates it.

But he has also turned into a snuggler and a love bug. He is still fearful around people he doesn't know, and I think he always will be. Someone did a real number on him. But the change within that first year was remarkable.

As others have said, just give your little girl lots of love and patience, and she will surprise you one day by returning the love.

These dogs are so sensitive and smart, but no matter how badly they had it before, it never ceases to amaze me how forgiving they are.
 
Okay guys, I have to share something that's pretty exciting for me and a first for Beau. He was just outside roughhousing with my neighbor. Something he always does. but, something changed tonight. He actually barked from excitement. This is awesome. He's never barked when he's had fun before. I'm am one happy proud momma.
 
dblock said:
I didn't see any pictures I this because I'm not a premium member?
Click to expand...

No. Being a premium member has no effect on seeing pictures.

Scott and Debb posted pictures through a link to an outside website. You have to click on the link to see the pictures.
 
dblock said:
Okay guys, I have to share something that's pretty exciting for me and a first for Beau. He was just outside roughhousing with my neighbor. Something he always does. but, something changed tonight. He actually barked from excitement. This is awesome. He's never barked when he's had fun before. I'm am one happy proud momma.
Click to expand...

Yeah Beau!

good boy!

When we got Joy from a local Rescue (Dog Orphans, Douglas, MA.) at age 1.5 yrs, she didn't bark, stayed by my side at all times (she picked "me"!) -knew how to heel & sit, but had no idea how to play, had no idea what a ball was for (the only thing she would play with was one of my work gloves -cause it was soft, chewy & it smelled like DADDY!). She was one sad dog -we got Gage a year later from New England Sheltie rescue (he was just over a year old) & it literally made my wife & I cry as he slowly taught Joy how to play over the next few months.

Pics? We Gots Pics!

Jack "before";
http://pookies.shutterfly.com/34

jack "after" (about 5 mos after 1st pic);
http://pookies.shutterfly.com/33

Joy, Tyke , Gage & Jack @ Christmas, 2011 + other pics in album.
http://pookies.shutterfly.com/60

Enjoy! we do!

:lol:

scott
 
Hooray for rescues!! :)

My Bandit, has been w/ us for 6 months now. He is 3.5 and came from rescue and was terrified of everything!!! We let him be for the first few weeks, making sure he ate, pottied, etc. Gave him his space. We let him find a space he felt safe in -- a blanket upstairs and a puppy couch downstairs. He chose those spots. We would put down food and walk away, we would open the back door (to our fenced yard) and walk outside, etc. He went out/in, ate, etc on his own terms. 6 months later, he calls when I call his name, LOVES going outside, but still gets spooked by sudden loud noises. Even my 8 year old human pup clomping up/down the stairs might spook him. I started using hand signals w/ Bandit and alternate words for "come", etc, as his commands were once used against him. He is loving, playful, kissy, super-sweet. But some fears may never go away. Have patience, be consistent, give lots of praise. I waited over a month before I "pushed" Bandit a bit by washing dishes while he ate in the kitchen, or simply standing in the kitchen while he ate.

Your pup will get there, but it will take time and patience and finding what works (or doesn't) for him. Send me a message if you'd like some suggestions. :) Best wishes!!
 
Bandit also watched how we handled and work with our other 2 Shelties...he saw that we did not hurt them, and they received love. Lots of it. He craves love, so he will ask nad has learned to trust...
 
I definitely understand how it felt when your boy barked!!!!! My Bela didn't bark for seven months!!! When she finally did (one day at the dog park) I almost broke my neck when I heard her, I spun around so fast! (She was behind me.)

When I first brought Bela home, it was just me & her most of the time. (I am disabled so I don't work.) We did a lot of lying on the bed with me just stroking her head. She was fascinated by the TV, for some reason, and would watch almost slack-jawed in amazement for hours!!!!
 
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