6
months ago, around June 20th, me and my husband "adopted", for lack of a
better term, our neighbors Labrador Retriever which was left abandoned
after they moved out. We didn't even know it was in there until we kept
hearing muffled barking from their basement window whenever we were out
front. Anyway, we took the dog to the vet got her looked at, taken care
of the whole nine. She was severely neglected, malnourished, and abused.
Now, she stays under the couch, cries all night long, wont allow us to
pet her, barely eats, and runs away if me and my husband raise our
voices. Seriously, we could just be laughing loudly and she will either
whimper, or just JETS out of dodge. I don't know what to do she wont let
me or him get affectionate or close to her. What should we do?
Answer
Quidamus:
She will need a lot of love, understanding and time. When she feels
like she can trust you she will be the most incredible pet you ever had.
If your vet doesn't have a behaviorist on staff find a vet that does
and talk to them about what you can do to gain her trust and make her
feel safe.
Does she have her own bed? I think it helps to put a dog bed in a place where she can feel safe and protected, not out in the open. Have your husband wear an old T shirt when he does some yard work or chores around the house then put that in her bed so she can associate his scent with comfort.
Does she have her own bed? I think it helps to put a dog bed in a place where she can feel safe and protected, not out in the open. Have your husband wear an old T shirt when he does some yard work or chores around the house then put that in her bed so she can associate his scent with comfort.
Rae:
Just
sit I a room reading or something silently with her. Put a blanket on
the floor next to you with some treats on it. After a while, if you
don't make sudden movements she may come and take the treats (her fave
food, sausage or chicken, maybe?) but don't try and touch her. Let her
back away if she wants. Do this everyday, gradually introducing tv
(quietly) until she will take the treats from your hand.
When she is
happy with that, try touching her when she comes to you, gently and
slowly. If she backs away, just start reading or something again and
offer more treats. Let her work out that you wont hurt her and that fuss
is a good thing and leads to treats (I have never met a lab who wasn't
entirely food focused). Gradually introduce strangers, then children and
let her get used to them, but always give her a quiet corner where
no-one will ever disturb her, where she can go for some time to herself.
Mike:
This poor dogs needs time and love,because it has some serious
anxieties and fears.This dog needs the same care and love you'd give to a
child after being abused.I know you've been patient , try touching her
when she comes to you, gently and slowly.,then she is happy with that.
Knight:
So you trespassed onto private property and stole the dog.
What you should have done is have the dog picked up by animal control.
Even animal control is not allowed to enter a property without first posting a 24 hour notice and getting a court order unless the animal is in imminent danger of dying in that 24 hour period.
Hopefully you won't be arrested/fined, etc.
What you should have done is have the dog picked up by animal control.
Even animal control is not allowed to enter a property without first posting a 24 hour notice and getting a court order unless the animal is in imminent danger of dying in that 24 hour period.
Hopefully you won't be arrested/fined, etc.
Bare:
Since you don't know what to do, get some professional help.
Otherwise, things will just get worse. It is admirable that you want to
help this dog but you can't do it alone so consult with someone who
specializes in such problem dogs. Very sad. Good luck.
Jo:
I would get the help of a behaviorist. This poor dog has some serious
anxieties and fears. I know you've been patient and from the
description you both have been giving her space and time to adapt to her
new home and environment. This poor dog has major trust issues and a
behaviorist should be able to help.
Kathy:
Please do not give up, she needs time. My daughter died and her Yorkie
came to live with me. It took more than 6 months for her to really be
mine. I'm retired so she was with me all the time. We are blessed to
have each other. I would not be able to afford outside help but
hopefully there are some good resources to help your furry friend.
Bluebonnet:
This
is very serious. You will need a trainer to help with her adjustments.
It has gone way beyond anything you can do on your own.
6 months is a long long time for this dog to be doing this. You need professional help.
6 months is a long long time for this dog to be doing this. You need professional help.
