Adopted dog, very timid and scared

mikewatts

Hi Everybody,

Thanks first and foremost for reading, and thanks in advance for any advice you give me.

Now, I have adopted an 11 month old whippet a few days ago (3 to be exact). He is an un-neutered male (I plan on getting him "fixed" after he has settled in to his new home etc) and was living previously with a single owner who had a number of other dogs.

He is very timid and cautious. Every time I or my roomates (there are 4 people in the house, 2 males and 2 females) go near him, he backs up and if we get into his "comfort zone" of about 10 feet, he will walk away and hide behind a wall but continue to look at me.

It seems like he is curious and wants to be included but is too afraid. When he's watching from afar, his ears are pricked up and he is in a curious stance, however when approached his head goes down and he gets nervous.

He will occasionally come when called (only when bribed with a treat) and seems to want to follow me around, but as soon as i turn and look at him or move toward him he will run a short distance and hide/watch from afar.

Whenever he is sleeping on the floor or anywhere, he will spring up and run off as described above as soon as anyone goes near him (even if they are not directly approaching him). This behaviour is not dependant on any particular person being in the room, it is the same with everyone and no matter how many at once.

I am also unable to take him outside for a walk- he seems to want to go outside, but when leashed he will freeze up and not want to go anywhere.

I know it has only been a short time, but I am hoping you may be able to give me some tips on what we should do in the meantime to help him along.

I really want to help little Larry, and am prepared to wait as long as it takes for him to feel comfortable with me and other people.


Thanks again,
Mike