help with very scared boy

[alphaone]

I've got this rescue that I'm evaluating - and he is a very sweet dog but he is the most scared dog I have ever been around. If you approach him he runs away, not just shys away but runs at full speed. If you get down real low and coax him over to you he comes and then just loves on you like nobody. When he is in the house if you make a quick move, slide a chair across the floor or anything he just freaks out and runs or jumps full speed. And this is a big boy I'm talking about he is 85pds. I really really like a lot of things about this guy - he gets along great with my female, if I sit down and chill he is on my feet cuddling almost like he is another dog.

The scary thing is I have a small child at home and I know this dog would never hurt him on purpose, but if he was spooked he may knock him over and hurt him bad. (not that we leave dog and kid together unattended but this guy spooks fast and often)

I just wanted to see if anyone has ever had a dog like this and if you guys think we can shape his behavior. Aslo see if you had any suggestions. I just know this guy has suffered some trama and I'd like to help but I can't put my own son at risk.

 

[Claudia807]

I think he will come around eventually. I'd rather work with a shy/scared dog than an aggressive one, that's for sure. When you approach him, remember to kneel and to look AWAY rather than directly into his eyes. Toss him treats and eventually he'll learn that it's a GOOD thing when you approach. It sounds like he's really been through the wringer! Last night I was organizing some wrapping paper and I picked up a roll that was sort of coming apart and while I was trying to fix it I looked down and noticed that my foster dog Toby was just shaking. I wondered if it reminded him of newspaper and someone had hit him with it or something? It's so hard to guess what dogs have been through sometimes!

Claudia
Green Acres Boxer Rescue of WI

 

[Laurie_Duke]

When we recieved Duke...he was terrified of loud sounds and newpaper and water from the hose...with allot pactience and love....he finally drank water from the hose, played with rolled up newspaper but never got over the loud noised...thats OK cause 2 out of 3 is not bad !!!!


Good Luck !!!

 

[jazzzman]

We adopted Sprite almost three years ago. She's still a little skittish, but has come farther then we ever dreamed. Patience, moving slowly; this has helped. We try not to put Sprite into such situations.

Most importantly, I think, we that we have not had high expectations. Occasionally we're encourage to join us in the living room, but if she chooses to stay in her crate (with the door open) that's okay too. We accept her for who she is. Our three boxers get to go run at my place of employment, and Sprite looks so joyful. That makes it work it.

I forgot to include info about our dogs in my introduction! I'll go back and add that later....

 

[Adelle]

I have a foster dog at the moment who is just like that, the poor girl spent almost 24 x 7 in a crate for the last 2 years so she has not been exposed to many things.

She has been with us 3 weeks and has come along way in that short amount of time, she is much more confident around the house now, but she still hates the site of a broom or vacum cleaner.

Going for walks is another thing she is so afraid of so many things so I try to walk her on quiet streets at quiet times of the day, and hopefully this will improve. My own boxer was very skittish on walks when we first got him but he is much better now a year later so I know this will improve in time.

I have also had other foster dogs like this in the past and they alwasy improve in time with lots of love and patience.

Keep us posted on his progress

 

[adeinert]

There is a boxer on the Florida Boxer Rescue site right now that was terribly afraid of people. Terribly. It took her weeks to want to come out of her crate if she thought someone wanted to come near her. She first opened up to a little boy, liked the small size! Now she has really come around.

If you go to the site, you may find some of her bio.
www.flbr.org

My adopted female was very scared of men and had done a few growls on occasion and always wet when one tried to pet her. After a few months it started to go away and she has only wet from fear once in the last year. I think all of that has gone away and she has much more peace with new people.

They are very forgiving. They just need time and love.
:D Ashlie

 

[Tulsa-Dan]

http://www.dogsbestfriendtraining.com/books-retail.php

Check out the pamphlet called "The Cautious Canine."

Good luck.

 

[alphaone]

Thanks for your support. I'm 10 days in and I am seeing a lot of progress. At times he acts normal and doesn't even run away from me. He is learning a lot from my other dog. If she comes - he comes. He still has moments where he won't come near me or he will get real scared and run to his crate but I am seeing progress.

One question though - he has not been around people very much so I have been trying to get him out and socialize with some dog friendly folks. I've noticed on our walks he barks at people and leans on me. I would hope he would not be aggressive but these do not seem like friendly barks. What does this mean (the lean)- does he think he is protecting me?

 

[Laurie_Duke]

I am no expert but it sound like he is scared and barking and then looking for you for some comfort and reasurance, first he must establish trust and then comes the protective instinct.

He will come a long was just keep up the great work...the end result is soooo worth it :D :D


Laurie.

 

[gooch]

these poor rescue dogs,,,,do you think they were abused,,is that why they are like this,,it sound like they have been beaten??? poor thing!!!,,,maybe we should find the original owner and see how they like it!!!,,,to the original poster,,i think all the dog needs is allot of love and he will come around