Since Tommy is a puppymill rescue, I would really recommend you consult a professional behaviorist. She will come to your home, evaluate Tommy and work with your entire family to address Tommy's issues.
Any rescue comes with baggage, but poor Tommy probably lived a nightmare until you adopted him. Trying to help him on your own may not help and may even make him worse.
Just wanted to share one of my favorite poems.
Baggage
Now that I'm home, bathed, settled, and fed,
All nicely tucked into my warm new bed.
I would like to open my baggage Lest I forget,
There is so much to carry - So much to regret.
Hmm... Yes there it is, right on the top -
Let's unpack Loneliness, Heartache and Loss,
And there by my leash hides Fear and Shame.
As I look on these things I tried so hard to leave -
I still have to unpack my baggage called Pain.
I loved them, the others, the ones who left me,
But I wasn't good enough - for they didn't want me.
Will you add to my baggage? Will you help me unpack?
Or will you just look at my things and take me right back?
Do you have the time to help me unpack?
To put away my baggage, To never re-pack?
I pray that you do - I'm so tired you see,
But I do come with baggage - Will you still want me?
By Evelyn Colbath |