Hi. New here. I am at a loss for what to do for my dog. She's about 2, and I've had her since she was 6 months or so. I found her on my front porch, half dead, starved. Bloated stomach, but ribs and hips sticking out in the most grotesque way. She was cut up and missing fur. She was absolutely pitifull. So I kept her, and took her to the vet, who treated her for all sorts of things and told me, in so many words, that she'd pretty much had the crap beaten out of her and then most likely got dumped.
So the good news is that she's completely healthy now, and SUCH a good dog. She's so smart, and so eager to please. So loyal. She's incredibly gentle with my 8 year old son, and they play all the time. i can't sing her praises enough. BUT, she's TERRIFIED of everything. I can't blame her. I can't imagine what she must have gone through in her previous life, but I hate seeing her live so much of her life in fear. When someone knocks on the door, she hides under the futon. She's a HUGE german shepard, btw, and I have NO idea how she fits under there. She doesn't bark, or get excited. She is just in terror. Even my parents, who have come over regularly for the last 2 years, scare her. She won't come out of hiding for anything. I'd love to take her to the dog park, or Petsmart, but even taking her on a walk is torture for her because if she even sees another human she tries to bolt, and lunges at her leash so hard I'm scared she's going to hurt herself. And the vet. Don't get me started on trying to take her to the vet. All hands on deck for that adventure. I've tried having the same people over every single day for months, trying to let her get used to them at her own pace, but it never works. I want her to know that people are good, and she's never ever going to get hurt like that again, but it's going on 2 years now and she hasn't made any progress. I'm certain I would have never been able to get her in the first place if she wouldn't have been half dead when I found her, and immobile for a while after she was on the mend. She's a great normal dog when we're all home alone, but my son wants to have friends over, and I always feel bad saying no because it puts the dog in a catatonic state. Even babies scare her.
Does anyone have any experience with this? Or any advice on what I can do to make life less tramatic for her? I am find with her just the way she is, don't get me wrong. i couldn't ask for more loving companion. But I know her life could be so much better if she wasn't in a continuous state of fear every time she hears a noise, or sees a person. Any advice?
Sorry it's so long. I can get wordy. Thanks Gwen ********************************************************** 05-10-05, 07:57 AM Lydia I did some snooping around and didn't find all that much information (alot of general info, but nothing specific). This one paragraph was of interest though...
However, with many dogs this approach will not work. If the genetics of fear inherent in the dog is "strong", if the dog was abused badly enough, or the bad encounter was sufficiently terrible, then the dog may never trust strangers, no matter how much one tries to desensitize the dog. I equate this with a battered woman. Some women, depending on their circumstances, learn after a great deal of time, to trust men again. Some women, if the abuse was bad enough or they are less trusting in nature, will never trust men again. No amount of exposure to men will make them regain their trust (and maybe rightfully so). Some dogs are this way too. This was from a rescue site...
One thing you might want to consider is getting another dog - your dog could learn by the behavior of another dog. Obviously, this is ONLY if you actually want another dog. Perhaps you could borrow a friends dog to see if yours likes being around another one first.
There are dog behaviorists out there too...would this be something you might consider??
05-11-05, 04:13 AM Igotkooties Thank you for the response. I was wondering if she would never trust again, or if maybe it just takes a lot longer than 2 years. I have no idea how long something like this would take. I still have hope that many years from now she'll be a well adjusted normal dog, but I doubt it. Even a more adjusted dog would be great. Of course, she's got a home here for the rest of her life even if she never makes any progress, but for HER sake, I'd like to see a little bit of a change. For instance, I'd LOVE to take her to a groomer in the summer and get some of her hair shaved. My mother does this with her hairy mutt dog, and the dog is sooo much more comfortable. But I think it would be too tramatic for both the dog, and the poor groomer.
We did have another dog for a little while. We were babysitting my sisters dog when she was going through moving problems. We had this little husky mix for 4 months. And instead of the new dog teaching my dog to be more social, the new dog started to pick up some of my dogs habits. She'd see my dog get real scared and bolt, so she started to get real skittish, too. I'd like to eventually get another dog, but I want to wait untill I'm sure I can commit. And when we had my sisters dog, the 2 dogs would play and jump on my son and plow him over, and knock into everything. They broke my house. lol. And they'd be up all night growling and playing. It drove me crazy. So I'd love to have another dog, but I think I'd pull all my hair out. I'd have to find a lazy, not jumpy, lay around dog.
I don't know anything about dog behavorist, but it sounds like something I'd be interested in finding more about. I'm by no means finiancially well off, but if it's remotely affordable I'd love to do something like that.
Thanks again. Gwen
05-11-05, 08:08 AM Lydia Try speaking with the vet that you brought her to - the one that said she was abused. See if he has any suggestions as to how to work with your dog. I'm sure that they have experienced this in the past and might be able to offer some suggestions.
The next thing I'd suggest is that you see if there is a German Shepherd Rescue League in your area. Most major dog breeds have these leagues and the people who are typically involved know alot about dealing with this type of situation. Put some calls in and see who might be willing to speak and/or work with you on this. Click Here for a link to some rescue leagues (three in TX). I would anticipate that someone at one of these places would be most happy to try to help you!
I hope all works out well!!! ~Lydia
05-11-05, 03:11 PM Igotkooties Wow. What a great idea. Thanks!
05-11-05, 10:18 PM Tree Hi, Igotkooties!
Unfortunately, the language that I'd like to use to describe people who abuse animals is forbidden on these forums. Mad
05-12-05, 12:57 PM piggins This is a situation in which you really need to have someone (certified animal behaviorist or a very good dog trainer) come to your home and do a complete evaluation of you and your pet together, speak with you at length regarding your pets problem and then work on a solution that fits you and your dog’s needs. I highly recommend that you seek the advice and help from a certified animal behaviorist if one is available in your area who can tell you whether or not your pet’s behavior can be modified.
In short an animal behaviorist is a person who has a vast knowledge in the understanding of the causes and functions of behaviors. They evaluate the underlying cause of the behavior and then work on a solution through modification rather than just trying to control the behavior.
Any one can call themselves a trainer or behaviorist so it is a good idea to seek as many referrals from different sources such as veterinarians, other dog owners, your local animal shelter or spca, breed clubs, etc... Does a name keep coming up? Does the person keep up with the latest education, workshops, and seminars. How long has this person been practicing? Don’t be afraid to ask questions and do check referrals, positive and negative alike.
A good behaviorist or dog trainer is one who knows that he or she will get better results with patience, a treat or toy. Look for someone who uses positive reinforcement methods. Harsh methods are counterproductive and encourage fear or aggression. There is no such thing as a quick fix when it comes to solving behavioral problems. It takes lots of time and patience to help a pet get through behavior problems.
I know and understand that having a trainer come to your home is not cheap, but you and your pet will benefit from professional advice and help in the long run. How many sessions are needed will depend upon your pets temperament and situation. Every animal is different. Some progress more quickly than others. Realize that your pet can experience setbacks too, so don’t be discouraged if your pet does not make quick progress. Be willing to work with the trainer/behaviorist and your pet. Your pet may only need a few sessions or several months worth. The longer your pet’s situation goes on, the longer it will take to modify.
05-13-05, 12:09 AM Aceshigh If you can't afford a trainer maybe you could pick up the book "The Dog Whisperer". I have been watching him on TV and I've found that his advice really works. He trains in a very gentle way and uses the dog's point of view for solving problems. I think it is wonderful that you took in a dog in such condition and gave him a loving home. He was lucky to have found you.
05-22-05, 03:44 PM vshelton2 There is a web site for people with German Shepherds and people who just love German Shepherds. It is called Germanshepherds.org They have forums that you can post in that may help you. There is quite a few people that do rescue work and people who are trainers and some behaviorists that post there and are more than helping people who either want to learn or just want to log on and talk about German Shepherds. I hope this helps.
05-22-05, 03:51 PM vshelton2 Another suggestion is you might try clicker training in which you click and reward any behavior that is positive. You can go to dragonfly.com and it has links you click on that tell you how to clicker train your dogs. There is also a link to a support group.
One thing though dogs need their hair in the summer to cool them off. You never want to clip a German Shepherd Dog's hair. Their hair actually acts like air conditioning in the summer to help keep them cool and protects them from sunburn. Clipping them offers them no protection from the elements and is the worse thing you can do for them. Smile 05-14-06, 01:11 PM The Byre I rescue dogs and Great Danes in particular. We had a bitch exactly like this and all I can tell you is that she will get better VERY slowly. But she will NEVER be totally normal.
This message has been edited. Last edited by: DorianGreyed,
I took in an abused Cocker Spaniel. Very timid and shy. My other dog's did bring her out of her shell, along with my 2 kids and a lot of love and praise for all she did right- and the treats- of course! LOL It takes time and patience.... But they do usually come around... Skye.
My best friend of nearly 14 years was badly abused by her first owner. Abused to the point where she was cowed for life.
She remained terrified of strange males (men other than myself) all of her life.
Abuse is abuse - humans who go through abuse as children carry that with them for life - of course we humans can go to therapists and at least 'talk through' our experiences. Dogs do no have that.
The best you can do is gently attempt to socialize her - have her meet new people, new dogs and do so watching and pulling back when she starts showing signs of fear.
Also many dog trainers have 'special needs' courses which are aimed at owners with dogs who have been through abuse.
The trainer I went to spent far much more time training me than the dog. We worked out her 'worst' triggers and I learned how to spot the earliest signs of trouble for her and learned how to back up and let her breathe.
The Trainer also had 'normal' people come to the group and individual session to help Ebony socialize with humans since her problem was mostly males a lot of men came. This was a process of several months with a trainer, then it continued for the rest of her life, we gradually got panic down to more manageable fear that together we walked through those valleys of darkness together.
I would urge professional help, then taking what you learn and apply it.
Gradually introduce new people into her home and her life - but do so in a manner to where she has a safe place to run to where no one else is allowed. Perhaps go with her when she wants to go to that safe place to make it feel more safe.
In the end things will get better but do not expect to have a normal dog, you have a special needs dog who will always needs a little more love and patience.
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