Expert: Kristin - 10/30/2009

Question
Hi Kristin

We recently lost a dog and decided we would like to get another.  We visited our local shelter and found a 7 month old shepherd mix that they suspect has been abused.  The dog appears very nervous around people especially men.  He keeps his tail between his legs and cowers.  He also looks very nervous (his eyes).  

I am a stay a work at home mom with 4 young kids.  We have 2 other dogs, a samoyed mix and shepherd mix.  We suspect the saymoyed who was about one when we found him had also been abused (he refused to come out from under the bed for weeks...then slowly increased his territory and in the beginning he would only respond to me).

What can I do to help this dog?  I realize they need lots of love and encourgament.  I am also aware of the importance of body language with dogs and have read some stuff about crouching, etc.  I plan on hand feeding if he will take it.  Any additional suggestions/techniques will be helpful.  A friend of mine had told me something about blinking and yawning as ways to help comfort the dog.  I am sure alot depends on the dog.  I also hope to spend a lot of time with this dog, and will be very good about keeping a rountine, feeding twice a day etc.  I am hoping to crate at night and have the crate available for them during the day).  Any suggestions would be helpful.  Also can you recommend any books, websites etc that may offer additional info?  

Thanks

Answer
Generally,it just takes a lot of one on one time with a dog like this-and even though it is cliche it mostly takes a lot of time and patients to get the dog to trust you. A dog like this can't be forced into everything at once,so just one thing at a time-such as getting used to you first,then getting used to others,by having friends offer him treats down the road.

Also another thing that does build confidence is going to obedience classes-and some trainers specialize in special needs dogs such as this one. Some trainers work one on one with dogs like yours.

And this is an excellent website for you to look at: http://www.fearfuldogs.com/