[holyfook]

I adopted Pashka from rescue couple of days ago, a 3 years old mixed german shepherd. It's the first dog i ever own, and boy i took one with huge behavioral problems! some of them comes from my own lack of knowledge, others from what Pashka went trough in his past (which is unknown, I'm only guessing).
I bought him the best food and toys so far & will build him a dog house tomorrow. spent all of my budget and nothing left for dog training lessons, so i hope you can help me out here.

First and biggest problem for me is the fact that Pashka leads me while we're walking, instead of me leading him! he constantly pulls the leash, wanting to go this way or that way & the harder i resist the harder he pulls! which method people usually use to solve this problem?

Other huge issue I'm having with him, he's afraid of anything! he's a massive dog in size, but a cat can scare him to death! if another dog barks, even when it's far away, he starts running and pulling the leash very hard just to get out of there! I can only take him to walks in quite areas, with no noise from cars, people and so. If i take him down town he goes crazy and gets in a panic attack or something similar, pulling me like hell away for there and he won't go quite until we do get away! strangest thing, he doesn't agree to get inside the house, and stays only in the garden. i tried taking him in "by force", but he freaked out a minute after and ran outside. luckily, It's a private house, so i can place him in the garden. but the fence is not full, so i have to tie him to a tree which makes him look very miserable. i try to take him out 5-6 times a day, but i need to start study harder for university so it won't last long (max will be 4 times a day).

I really don't know what to do here . I thought i should take an older rescue dog, to give him a chance since a lot won't bother, but I'm starting to think maybe I'm hurting him even more then he was in rescue! I really don't want to give him back, it will be a huge trauma for him, and for me since i will be letting him down, so i hope someone can help me out here.

[CorkyMax]

Am in a hurry at moment--have to feed my dogs their breakfast--already late! But here is a link from the net that may help:Who's walking whom? Tips for training a dog - TODAY Pets & Animals

Also if you will put this in your browser: Dogs/pulling on leash/walking----It does bring up many sites like the one I mentioned above.

I have some other comments to make but no time right now so will get back to you later.

Actually (after rechecking)--the words I put in my browser were: Dog/pulling on leash when walking----The above may also work!

[CorkyMax]

Am looking up things already posted in here that might be of some help to you! Here is one and if I find more things--I will add them to this post.

over-sesitive rescue dog needs help!

This thread may be helpful---ESPECIALLY the nutrition problem this breed can have!!---- Increasing anxiety

[HappyTailsBooks]

Hi!
First, thank you for rescuing a dog. You'll look back in time and see that it was a wonderful decision, though not without its challenges. Don't panic- if you become anxious about your new dogs behavior it will just freak him out more. Here are a few tips:

1) Take it slow. Dogs need time to acclimate to their new surroundings. My rescue didn't move out of his bed for three months - but now he's my best friend and constant companion. It just takes time and patience.
2) Try a gentle leader harness when walking him. I hear they are wonderful. You might need to give him treats as you put it on him because I'm sure it will seem strange to him. As soon as he starts to pull, turn in the other direction and say, "This way." When he's walking with you nicely in your new direction, you can turn him back again, repeating, "This way." You might have to do this a few times, but he'll get the idea - if he pulls, he doesn't get to go forward.
3) Put a few drops of Rescue Remedy by Bach in his water. This herbal anxiety tincture has a magic way of reducing anxiety in dogs and people.
4) If he's treat motivated, use treats. Boiled chicken pieces is a healthy and delicious choice. Take baby steps with him in conquering his fears, but at the same time don't baby him. By petting and loving on him when he gets terrified, it can reinforce the fear. A better idea is to try and avoid those situations for now and reintroduce him to them slowly when he trusts you and has a stronger bond with you.

Good luck! Don't worry, there's hope. You can read about my experience with my dog at Happy Tails Dog Books - Boston Terrier Rescue Dog or at Happy Tails Books - The Bill Blog Boston Terrier Foster Care if you're interested. It's a pretty crazy story, but I can confidently say that rehabilitating a dog has been the most worthwhile thing I've done in my life. I hope you find that, too, down the road.

[Gusty Acres]

My mother-in-law had rescues. The most important thing to remember is that it WILL get easier. It is very tough at first.The walking thing drives my wife and I crazy. We'd go over there and practice with the dog on a weekly basis, taking long (2 or 3 mile) walks. The idea was to wear the dog out. It had a lot of energy and was never trained. Whatever your approach is, STAY CONSISTENT. Don't cave. You will find yourself back at square one.

Best of luck!