Dog Community

Training for Rehabbing a Rescue

Posted : 12/1/2006 2:10:17 PM

I have just gotten Shiloh, Ben's sister, who is 1 1/2 years old, and had spent her whole life up to now in a shelter in Tennessee. She is very loving but is so nervous and scared. She has only been with me a bit over a week and I have seen improvement. She is now able to be out in the yard, out in the open without needing to hide. I can get her in and out of the car.
I live on a busy street and we need to cross it to do our walks. I can not get her down the driveway. I did start today to simply take her out on the leash and sit on the steps and watch the cars go by.
I am looking for information on specific on how to assist her through this process. In the house I can get her to focus on me to some degree, but outside there is little contact.
Any good books out there or other information?

spiritdogs

Posted : 12/2/2006 9:40:17 AM

In no particular order [

]
"The Cautious Canine" by Patricia McConnell
"Help for Your Shy Dog" by Deborah Wood
"Scaredy Dog" by Ali Brown

Try luring her with some really good food - if she takes it and takes one step, just a quiet "good girl". (If she doesn't, you may need to work more on building her confidence in you. It can take months for a rescued dog to feel comfortable. Also, in the meantime, be careful not to reward cowardice by coddling her (oh, it's ok, etc.). That just makes a frightened dog think you are rewarding her for that behavior.
Just act confident yourself, and let her use you for a base of support.

nfowler

Posted : 12/8/2006 12:40:25 AM

Just checking in to see how things are going. Well, I hope!

Nancy

Pam

Posted : 12/15/2006 12:06:16 PM

Please get a harness. Do not trust her collar to hold in event of being terrified.

It takes patience, day by day. My rescue boy had spent his whole life of 3 years in a kennel in a warehouse. Needless to say, we had lots to overcome. Having a resident "healthy adjusted" dog helped him to learn the ropes of life.

Everyday, I walked him past 1 house then turn around. He would be tearing the leash to get back to the safety of our yard. Did this everyday gradually extending the length of the walk. WHen he started enjoying the walk, but was pulling the leash, I gave hotdog pieces as he walked by my side. Sometimes I walked the older dog with us to give him confidence.

Took bout 1 1/2 years to get him to crave and beg to go on walks. Now he is elated to see the leash in my hand. Same wiht the truck. At first he was terrified but after a few trips to the park, he now jumps right in. we always put the old dog in first.

Thanks for taking in this baby, you are wonderful.

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