[Brandt968]

Just a few days ago, I adopted a 4.5 month old puppy from a local shelter. He is an Australian Shepherd/Lab mix and is absolutely terrified of people and hands. I have another 1.5 year old dog of the same breed and they are inseperable. Any ideas how to gain the trust of the new puppy? I have tried laying with him when he sleeps and giving him treats to come to me, but I haven't seen much progress. When I call his name he darts under a table or chair.
Thank you so much!

[Hunterwayit]

Hey congrads on the new pup!!! Well pre-loved dogs can be interesting and all I can advise is paitence and more paitence. Slow movements and no loud noises(as much as possible) for a little while but don't change your lifestyle too much for the pup, he will get better. Make yourself the prime carer feed, walk and try to pat the pup as much as poss for the first week till you gain a little trust. He won't wake up one morning and not be scared though if he is scared of people and hands he has most likely been treated rough.
My dog was a pre-loved dog and he still tested me a year after I got him but you will gain his trust. Good luck and keep us posted on his progress!!!

[Countrygirl84]

If he really loves the other dog, let the other dog teach him. I know is sounds kind of silly, but the pup will see you interacting with your older dog, and get a little closer everytime you try. It will still take a long time, and the scares of abuse often don't completely go away. I know there was a stay walking around the mobile home park where a friend of mine lives. Nobody could get close to her, so I stayed down there for about a week or so. I was determed that dog was going to let me touch her. I found out she had puppies so I got the pups to come to me. She never really let me pet her, but in just a week I had her closer. I am still trying to work with her, and teacher her that humans are okay. Then my friend plans on trying to find her a good home. Anyways, sorry about digressing, just keep it up. It will be frustrating, but in the end it will so be worth it. Good luck!

[cougarfan06]

Patience, is all that I can say. Try standing absolutly still and have a peice of food near you. Do this several times a day. Bring the food closer to you while you stand absolutly still. Don't even look at him! Walk the dogs togethor and play with the older dog. I would just let the dog get used to your presence. Don't try and do too much too soon. Patience is a virtue!

[Brandt968]

Thank you so much for all of the advice. It is really great to hear and I will definitely stop babying him and trying to make him comfortable at every moment. I guess you just don't want feel like you are being neglectful, but sometimes space is necessary. I have noticed when I am playing with my other dog, that Diego wants to join in on the fun... so I will just keep that up.

You guys are awesome!

[Hound Lover]

One of our rescue dogs showed some signs of prior stern discipline. If we scolded him to loudly, he would hit the ground and roll over... very submissive. He also is very obviously afraid of the garden hose and anyone smoking a cigarette. It takes time. We were just careful how we disciplined him and warned the kids to be very careful of the hose.