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Originally Posted by yorkietalkjilly  Here is a copy of a recent post about a little male rescue that might help your girl. She sounds as if she was neglected or maltreated in some way and probably doesn't have the highest opinion of people. Getting her to relax and trust you will be your goal at first and you have already started on that. Here is the post that was directed to a member with a rescue that was somewhat shut down:
P. S. to DocMartin: When a dog is shy or a little distrustful, when you are not working actively with them, ignoring them and being somewhat aloof will often give them a sense of more power over the situation. Shy/mistrusting dogs don't really appreciate a lot of calling them to come to be petted and loved at first while they are getting to know their new owner and are trying to settle in. Taking the time to allow the dog to get to know you can be trusted and allow her to initiate social time is often the quickest way to earn their confidence in you. Just lying down on the floor and tossing her the occasional treat or toy without calling her to you for petting or expecting anything from her can let her see you won't force attentions on her and this often, within a few days, will energize a nervous or worried dog to start to approach you and take the initiative in trying to lure you to give her attention. Some sessions of just lying on her level and doing nothing but allowing her to approach and do all of the courting can really build her sense of security around people when there is not a good history between a dog and humans. And largely ignoring her for a while when you aren't actively working with or training her will cause her in time to start to slowly come around, stand and then walk off as she tests you. In time, when she begins to nuzzle your hand lying on your lap or the chair, you know she is beginning to really accept you as her person and want interaction. But keep it rather limited at first and don't overwhelm her. In time, once she's very secure, you can lavish her with love and patting and attention at any time but just for the early part of her life there, giving her some space socially will help her a lot right now.
Also, taking her outside for very brief periods in your arms or in the carrier for a few moments and then back in can slowly desensitize her to the outside and after a while, when she more assured outside, give her a treat every so often to help her associate it with good, good things and learn that she doesn't have to endure it for long so there's not a lot to fear. Then, in time, you can take her out on the porch on the lead, tossing her a few treats every 30 seconds and sit for a couple minutes and then back in and eventually, venture out for a short walk down the driveway and back. Keep working up to longer stays and walks and she should be fine eventually.
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Thank you, we tried the eye level approach, she loved it and was belting about play growling and grabbing at my hair. We are also going to take her for a little walk in a sling bag I've got, just to familiarise her with all the sounds etc, but keeping her close as well. A little at a time, after all she may never have been outside in her short life?
Thank you for your time and help...