Expert: Jill Connor, Ph.D. - 4/8/2008

Question
I have an older male miniature poodle that I took in about 4 months ago.  Teddy had been attacked by 2 other dogs and was about to be put down by my father-in-law.  We were unable to locate an owner, but by his appearance I would say he had been homeless for awhile.  His fur was  matted and nails overgrown.  He was a mess!! I took him home, got him to a  vet, took time off from work and spoon fed him until he was strong  enough to move around.  Physically, he made an amazing recovery. He was  warming up to me and allowing me to pet him at times.  When his wounds healed, I took  him to a groomer.  When I picked him up, the groomer
informed me that my dog was a drama queen and needed obediance training.  He has not been the same since.  He will not let me pet him.   He is not aggressive, enjoys being around all people but does not want you to pet
him or  hold him.  He will sit on my lap for hours, but if I try to touch him, he moves away.  If you lay down in the floor and ask for kisses, he will run up and lick your nose.  When I pick him up to take him outside/inside, he cries like he is in pain.  As soon as you put him
down, he is fine and running in circles.  I don't think it is residual pain from the attack, because he can jump off the recliner without a whimper.  He acts like affection hurts. I spend a lot of time with him.  He tolerates my other little dog.  Just can't figure out what I can do
differently.  

Answer
BAD GROOMERS are a MAJOR contributor to dog behavior problems.  FIND ANOTHER GROOMER ASAP.  Ask for references.  STAY AND WATCH while your dog is being groomed -- INSIST ON IT.  A good groomer will not object to this.  Find a groomer who has experience dealing with problem behaviors created by other groomers.  Start small: a simple brushing with lots of reward.  Give this dog TIME to overcome the fear response he acquired from a MONSTROUS individual who should NOT BE GROOMING DOGS.  Don't have him groomed for a couple of months while you work on his acquired fear problem.

Meanwhile, give this dog consistent love and tons of patience.  you've done a spectacular thing by giving him a wonderful second chance at life.  Establish a long (might take months) history of fair treatment.  Don't pick him up!  He has a STRONG fear response to this which was created by that GROOMER.  Give him very small special food treat (after a few more weeks of reestablishing trust with people) when you reach out to touch him.  Touch lightly, pop special treat in his mouth at the same time; proceed very slowly.  He will eventually allow you to touch him, then (it might take a while) even pick him up.

The NEXT thing you should do is go to that groomer's establishment and give him/her a PIECE OF YOUR MIND.  I can absolutely, 100% GUARANTY that person is responsible for this problem.