[yorkietalkjilly]

Could the scars be from surgery and the dog maybe have medical problems? I would first get a thorough vet work up with blood panel/heartworm/fecal and a full physical exam to be sure the dog isn't ill. Also dogs on the run can easily matt and become highly disheveled quickly so don't assume abuse right away. Be sure to have him scanned for a microchip and think hard about advertising for his original owner. After all, he could be the beloved pet of someone who accidentally got out, got scared and ran, was taken in or was stolen by someone else who abused him and the dog escaped there and is trying to get home to a beloved owner who is pining for him.

Once medical issues have been rules out, working to avoid his stressful greetings or encounters can help. Enter the room nonchalantly and don't make eye contact with him, just ignore him. Many dogs cannot pea when sitting or lying down so training your dog to do either or both of those can help so that if you are going to do something you sense might trigger peeing, just having him sit can help. I have tossed a ball or squeaky toy for a dog to run and get and play with before engaging in an activity with it that might cause peeing or anything else such as squeaking a toy for distraction.

Getting a dog busy working and achieving things can take the nerves out of a dog that has come into your home, settled in okay but is now having some behavioral issues related to fear or stress. A good obedience program 3 x daily for 5 minutes training with only positive reinforcement, challenging dog toys and games that you play interactively with him as well as 2 - 3 good walks a day should help give him a new assurance and self-confidence and help him come to see you as a team member. Getting a dog busy learning and actively enjoying life can truly distract them and bring them out of fears and anxieties that once riddled their lives. Don't pander to his fears or anxieties - just get him moving and busy and absorbed as much as possible in other things, which can really help an insecure, unsure dog. There is nothing like a good program of training and activity to to help all kinds of issues with dogs - it can virtually transform them.