[maybedogowner]

We have a dog home "on trial" before a notice goes into the local paper - it is a standard poodle and is 7 months old. She seems afraid of nearly everything and keeps to herself across the room and jumps up if we move at all. She hasn't been trained at all and has been an outside dog. We'd love for her to work out but feel a little insulted that she cowers from us and doesn't make any effort to bond. Is she just too old and do we need a puppy? We're quiet and want a quiet indoor dog but one that is affectionate. She is supposed to go back to the breeder tomorrow so I need help right away. I don't want to undertake an insurmountable task and am thinking now that maybe getting a puppy under 10 weeks old is the way to go so we can set her disposition to ours but I do so love this little girl - I'm a sucker for dogs and hate to give up on her so early but also am 63 and don't want a life-time of obedience and bonding classes!

[Yogi]

As one who has worked with rescue dogs for many years I can tell you this is generally not an overnight situation or fix. No different that you or I when it comes to a totally new environment, we are nervous and feel out of place. It takes time to acclimate to new people and surroundings. The attitude the dog is showing is therefore not uncommon. Did you bring anything with regards to bedding, toys etc. from where the dog was before. This usually helps ease the stress the dog is under. The key with these types of dogs and the situation you are both in is patience. Allowing the time for the dog to acclimate to you and the new surroundings and learn your routine. Unless this dog had been abused in such a way in the past to have caused the shy and reservedness it is displaying, this is directly related to just a change in its life and surroundings and will take time for it to feel it belongs. Just be patient. Anymore information you have on where the dog came from, the environment it was in etc. Would be beneficial and helpful in evaluating the situation.
Good luck.

[Todd]

I agree with Yogi. This dog was probably abused in some way, shape, or form in the past. As Yogi said, you are NOT going to see drastic changes overnight, however with consistance and positive training this is by NO means something you cannot accomplish. Since the dog is very shaky, you will probably want to take a training approach consisting of all positive training with very, very little negative correction. You've got to remember, if the dog was abused in the past it's only natural to not know who to trust. Be very kind to him and reward him with treats and attention for positive behavior and just as reassurance as well. Gradually get him out and about to socialize with other people and dogs as well. The dog is only 7 months. This is by NO means "too late". A 7 year old dog is certainly not untrainable. Maybe more difficult but it can be done. You need to be patient and be sure not to get frustrated with the dog. Make every interaction with other dogs/humans a positive one with plenty of positive reinforcement through positive attention and food/toy rewards. He will also eventually become adapt to house life. Since he has obviously been an indoor dog for most of his life, is he housebroken? If not this is something you need to start, but remember in this case ONLY use positive training methods and few stern corrections at least until trust in built and in full. He has had some sort of a tramatic/abnormal past and trust is the number one goal here. Sounds to me like she may have been abused/neglected. If this is the case here is a link to some helpful tips on adapting/training an abused/neglected dog;

Training Abused and Neglected Dogs

Here is also a link discussing how you can train and adapt a scared/skiddish dog;

Shy Dog: Train Your Scared Dog to Overcome His Fears

[maybedogowner]

Yogi and Todd:
Thanks so much for your advice. I've called the breeder/owner and she admits that this dog is definitely "her" dog and would take lots of time to adapt to us. I think this dog would be happier outside and hate to bend her to our wishes when she so obviously prefers being outside to run. We have decided to wait and see if we can find a breeder with newborn pups that we can bond with before their eyes open and continue our relationship from that point on. It is with much regret but with hope that she finds a perfect home, that we must return her. As a life-long dog person I understand that these things don't happen overnight but I also can sense when a fit just isn't right for everyone involved....regretably.

Again, thank you dog lovers for caring enough to come to my aid and wish me luck. If you know of any breeders in the southwest Missouri/northwest Arkansas area who have standard poodles please pass the information on to us - thanks again.

[Todd]

Originally Posted by maybedogowner

Yogi and Todd:
Thanks so much for your advice. I've called the breeder/owner and she admits that this dog is definitely "her" dog and would take lots of time to adapt to us. I think this dog would be happier outside and hate to bend her to our wishes when she so obviously prefers being outside to run. We have decided to wait and see if we can find a breeder with newborn pups that we can bond with before their eyes open and continue our relationship from that point on. It is with much regret but with hope that she finds a perfect home, that we must return her. As a life-long dog person I understand that these things don't happen overnight but I also can sense when a fit just isn't right for everyone involved....regretably.

Again, thank you dog lovers for caring enough to come to my aid and wish me luck. If you know of any breeders in the southwest Missouri/northwest Arkansas area who have standard poodles please pass the information on to us - thanks again.

Are you just looking to get them from breeders or would a rescue from a shelter be alright too? I'd try petfinder if a shelter poodle is ok.