[trihn]

We have fostered dogs in the past and have adopted dogs from rescues so we know some about how to deal with abused dogs. We recently offered to take in a puppy, approx 4 moths old that we were told was changed up outside since she (Minnie) was 8 weeks old. She is by far the most fearful little girl we have ever had to deal with. She just cowers when any one goes near her. She is not agressive but is so afraid of human interaction.
My main question is getting her in and out of the crate to go to the bathroom. I bought a harnees for her because when trying to take her out with a collar, she just struggled so bad from fear I thought she would hurt herself. And if she gets away, she runs and hides in the yard somewhere. So, what is the best way to get the harness on her and get her out of the crate. From what I have read and know, technically I should not approach her straight on and grab her, but I have to get her out and at the same time have total controll so she does not get away. This morning I carefully got her out, held her and placed the harness on. Took her outside and she tried to get away, but the harness held. She did not go to the bathroom, so I will try again in a few hours. What is the best technique to get her harnessed and out of the crate.

Thanks

[CorkyMax]

Can you leave the harness on her when she is in the crate or is it not safe or comfortable for her?--poor little thing! Don't suppose she can be enticed by a very irresistible treat---like a piece of chicken or a liver treat--maybe peanut butter on your finger?

Also have you tried sitting in front of her opened crate and put tempting treats on your leg(s) to start with and waited patiently for her to come and get them---Don't attempt to pet or anything at 1st--just sit unmoving and let her come to you--Don't even talk to her. May take a lot of time to gain her trust. Be relaxed and let her see that. Would prob. be best if she was a little hungry at these times. Don't starve her but make sure she is hungry.

Also, although you prob. know this---When you do make human contact with her--Don't raise your hand over her head--Pet from under the chin.

Do you have any other dogs? If so, I wonder if (If she likes to interact with other dogs) you played 'happily' with the other dog in front of her crate so she could see you loved dogs and might after 'many' sessions, might start to come out of her shell.

[trihn]

Can you leave the harness on her

I probably could, but I am not sure if she would chew it, or if I should have anything restrictive on her at this time. I would have to lean in the crate, put on the leash and then drag her out which I don't want to do. I am not sure which one is worse, but I feel more comfortable picker her up and caring her out of the crate vise dragging.

you tried sitting in front of her opened crate and put tempting treats

Yes, but she is not going for that. I do not know what these people did to her but she is in bad shape. No treat in the world will move her let alone entice her to come from in back of the crate. We noticed the last couple nights she will eat only when she feels no one is around. The lights are off and we can hear her eating. I know it is not recommended to leave food in the crate, we put a bowl in at night so she will eat when no one is around, but at this stage I feel it is the only way she will eat. During the day, she does not move from in back of the crate "at all" unless I get her to go out.

best if she was a little hungry at these times

I hear what you are saying but I can't yet. Maybe in a few days, but she has gone through so much I want her to at least feel safe and know she will get food.

Do you have any other dogs

Yes, 4. One foster we just picked up last week. His owner pass away and no family member wanted him. Very good boy. Another foster from the shelter, he is learning. A rotty from a rescue, 8 years ago and a boxer we "adopted" when his owner no longer wanted him. They sniff and she does not seem to mind, but there is not interaction i.e. playing at all.

Thanks for your reply and any other help would be appreciated.

[fairydogmother]

I leave a harness on my little chihuahua all the time; they ar less likely to get hurt in the event they get tangled up in something with it rather than with a collar. I am sure you have thought of this but whatever you do don't stick your hand in the kennel to get her out, she may fear bite. (My best friend learned that the hard way with her chihuahua)

Is she a small or large dog? I was just thinking if she was a small dog, you could take the kennel outside and just open the door and let her come out on her own.