Expert: Anne Springer, B.S., Dip., CAPCT - 10/26/2008

Question
we have a toy poddle that we found in middle of nowhere, malnourshished, cold, wet flithy dirty, infested with fleas and very nervous anad frightened so we took him in a week ago.  he doesn't let men near him at all and is very skittish with females, he shakes when you hold him and should anyone approach him he runs. he likes to hide in small places.  we have tried to provide him with love and patience and once in a while he appears to be more accepting of my husband, who walks him and takes him for short car rides which he seems to enjoy.  he is constantly under my feet following me around and if he can't be in the same room as me he whines and no one can soothe him but me.  If he happens to find an opening at the front door he is gone before you can blink and just darts out in any direction usually finds his way into traffic  he won't come no matter what we try he gets just so close and then darts off the other way.  so far we have just managed to box him into a place he can't get past us or follow him and let him run himself until he is tired.  He loves being outside, but if I tie him up he cries and wants me to stay out with him. Sometimes he will sleep in the bed with us but seems to prefer most of the time a blanket under the edge of my side of the bed.  He sometimes relaxes and lets the loving playful pup inside him out which is so darn cute, but then he seems to regress and we don't know what to do and how to help him?  He did its not deserve whatever, or whoever that made him this way. He is so small and fragile and deserves to have a good loving home where he can feel safe and trust those caring for him. What advice can you offer us, to help him?

Answer
There's a very inexpensive booklet called "The Cautious Canine" that I would urge you to buy.  It will give you some concrete steps to take to reduce his fear.  The most important thing is to learn to communicate with him, so that he knows what's expected.  That will also help to make him more confident.  There are some free lessons at www.clickertraining.com.  He may be fearful of noises, and, if so, just say "yes" when the instructions tell you to click;-)
Do not let him have freedom outdoors - he's in danger if he doesn't "come".  Get a thirty foot lead so you can let him have a bit of exercise, but he can't run off.  Leslie Nelson's DVD, "Really Reliable Recall" can show you how to teach him to come every time you call.  I use that method with my own dogs, and with my students, and I have great success with it.
Good luck!