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Originally Posted by yorkietalkjilly  I'm going to disagree a little bit in this particular case because the dog is a new rescue, previously abused and untrusting of people in general. I kind of agree on the neutral territory for some level of desensitization training of a biting dog but with a new rescue, they are usually fearful, anxious and unsure to their very last pore from all they have been through and now trying to settle into a new home and adjusting to new owners/pack leaders. It is so stressful to a troubled, unsure, young dog to change homes and change everything about her whole life and I doubt at this stage this dog is feeling that proprietary of you or the home yet. Still, the security of the home she is just growing comfortable in, getting to know and beginning to accept is probably far more reassuring for this new, anxious rescue doggie to learn how to relax and engender trust in while meeting strangers rather than all of the excitement, scents, noises and unknowns at a public park or outside yard for this type of desensitization training. It is typically very hard to interact meaningfully with an abused dog you are just getting to know while the energies of the outside world are competing with the relaxation and guaranty of security you are wanting the dog to feel when a stranger comes around. Early on, I would want this dog to feel settled, secure and calm when a stranger comes into the home and I just fear all the excitement most dogs feel when outside would counteract all of that in this particular case. |
I absolutely agree he should first learn to trust and feel safe with his new people and new home first and foremost. I have seen though that once they bond and trust their new parents, they will become very protective of not only their people but their home as well. Once the pup is secure with his home and people, he should feel safe after that to go for walks and such in quiet areas, where he will know his people are there to protect him. I would just fear that once he knows their house is his domain, he y be a bit aggressive in protecting it you know ? Where as a neutral territory would take that pressure of protecting the home off the pup. I would definitely get him used to his new home and people first. I did not take Gizmo out in public for about 2 months after rescuing him. It could be tried both ways to see what makes the pup more comfortable as well :-)