[harleydonison]

My sister and brother in law had to put their beloved dog down a couple of weeks ago. They decided to go to the animal rescue this weekend to visit the dogs, and fell in love with a dog that had been abused and neglected all of her life. They couldn't leave her there, so they adopted her. My sister is wondering what she can do to help this dog come out of her shell. She is a very gentle dog, but very scared, timid and almost depressed. She won't go outside unless forced to (she spent 23 hours a day in a kennel up until this point), she won't go to her food to eat, she'll only eat if the food is placed in front of her, she is basically scared all of the time. Any ideas or tips about what they can do to help this dog without over doing it? Thanks!!

[Lara's mom]

Patience. Loads and loads of patience. She didn't get to be that way overnight and she won't change overnight. The dog is dealing with quite a lot at this point. She was treated very badly in the past and who knows when she last had a loving home. She's in a new environment with people that she isn't sure of of and has no idea what to expect or when she'll end up back at a shelter.

She hasn't had a lot of reasons to trust the intentions of people so, it's going to take time for her to realise that she's in a good place with people who love her and that she's found her forever home. It's going to take a lot of love, kindness, gentleness and patience but, gradually your sister will begin to see a positive change in her.

When I have foster dogs like the one you're describing, I try to spend as much one-on-one time with them as I can. I use toys and lots of special treats. If the dog seems intimidated by my standing over her, I enter the room, sit on the floor and then call the dog. A human is a lot less scary when they are sitting down. I also talk to the dog in a soft voice as I'm going about whatever I'm doing around the house. In the evening, if I'm reading a book and the dog ventures over, I pat her and sometimes read out loud to her. The words don't matter. It's the tone of voice that reassures them that everything is alright.

If she's afraid to be outside, your sister has to convince her that outside is a safe place and that she isn't going to be abandoned or hurt. Again, toys, treats, kind words and lots of pats and hugs help. She may have spent very little time outside in her life or had something bad happen to her while she was outside. She should keep her on a leash at all times until the dog is comfortable with being out of the house.

Once she is comfortable in her new home, a beginners obedience class would be helpful to build her confidence and allow her the opportunity to socialize with other dogs. However, the most important thing is patience. In time, your sister will begin to see positive changes in the dog.

Please let us know how things are going!

[Corky/Max]

Lara's Mom pretty much said it all, and she has had the experience. (I have not) Just want to say I hope they will love her enough not to give up on this poor abused dog--sounds like this dog deserves a new life. That being said, I always want to know more about the individual dog I am trying to identify with--What is the dog's name? Have any idea as to what breed(s) she is and how old --even a guess if you don't know for sure. It would be nice to see a picture of this girl too! And if you don't know the breed(s) she is ---------This is the forum to ask, as a lot of that is asked here and there are some pretty good guessers in here too! Hope this girl comes out of her shell and is the happiest dog ever----But as Lara said Be patient.

[Lara's mom]

Be VERY gentle in correcting her for any "mistakes". Remember, she's spent a lot of her life in a cage. Toilet training may take some time. She won't know what is expected of her at this stage and harsh treatment will only set her back. The best thing is to take her outside a lot and stay until she does her "business" and then praise her and give her treats, hugs, etc.

Keep things like shoes, etc. out of her reach for a while. Try and make the home a place where there isn't much opportunity for her to do the wrong thing. You want to set up situations where she can be praised rather than be told she's done the wrong thing. The more praise and positive reinforcement she gets, the better!!!

It might also help if while she is eating, your sister sits on the floor beside her and speaks gently to her.

[harleydonison]

Thank you all so much for your replies! The dog's name now is Gabby, and she is a Norwegian elkhound mix (they think with German Shepherd). She is so very sweet, and when she does look at you, it is with sad eyes. I will pass on your suggestions to my sister, she is very good with dogs, I have no doubt they will bring her out of her shell, it will just take time. I think this dog is very lucky to have them! Thanks again, I'll keep you all posted!

[Lara's mom]

I wish your sister and her new baby all the best.

[lil mutt]

Very neat advice, Lara's Mom! It's pretty good to hear about your sisters big heart for her and courage on helping her behaviour. When she's updated with shots, your sister can start socializing her on dog parks where she could see and meet a lot of people and dog, ask people there to give her treats and pet her. Surely soon she will build her confidence and will be out of her shell.

[Lara's mom]

I have a feeling that this little angel is in a good place and she's going to be just fine!!!