Help!!!! - YorkieTalk.com Forums

Little Dog · 01-03-2009, 10:12 PM

Hi all.....I rescued a three year old male from a puppy mill that was busted by our local Humane Society. I really need help with him. He has never been out of a cage, didn't socialize with other dogs, was never cuddled or strocked. He lays flat when we get near him or runs to his bed and crouches. I have had him for almost 3 months and he still is afraid of me. I love him so much and it just breaks my heart when he just stands and shivers or crouches down like we are going to hurt him. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.
I was told by the Humane society to ignore him and let him adjust but it's not working. Thanks so much for listening!
Cindy

katelin · 01-03-2009, 10:22 PM

I have no experience with rescues, but I find with a new dog in our home that more rather than less contact is better. Your baby has had time to get used to the surroundings. What if you started holding him and carrying him around with you and talking to him a lot? Hope you can break through his barriers.

SpiderBBlue · 01-03-2009, 10:28 PM

Sorry I also don't have experieence with rescues, but I do think that spoilling him a little would help.. Hopefully you find a way!

Ladymom · 01-03-2009, 10:28 PM

I would suggest you consult a behaviorist. If this poor guy came right from the puppy mill to the shelter and then to you, he had no rehabilitation. Ideally, puppy mills dogs are surrendered to breed rescue groups and placed in foster homes knowledgable about how to deal with their special needs. Having other dogs in the household is crucial for these guys as that is all they have ever known, dogs not humans. Their foster brothers and sisters help them with the transition, but they are almost never adopted into homes where they will be the only dog.

We have some wonderful members who are involved in rescue. Hopefully they can give you some advice and support.

PrincessDiana · 01-03-2009, 11:40 PM

Treats, treats, treats! Make everything he does an enjoyable experience. If he comes up to you on his own, treat him. If he plays with toys, treat him.. etc. Once he gets comfortable around the house, you need to let him experience everything he can so that he can socialize. Walk him, take him to the park, take him to Petsmart. Don't do it too quickly though or you will overwhelm him.

That's really the only thing I can think of. ANY dogs, but particularly rescues will have trouble adjusting to a forever home. I am involved in rescue but I am not able to foster so I'm afraid I cannot provide as much information as a foster mom might be able to. We have a rescue of sorts but she's always been the perfect dog..

However, I can say that it takes a lot of time, love, and patience. He has never known anything like this and I'm sure you can understand why he is hesitant to trust you. He will come around eventually - it may take many more months but he will eventually come around. And how lucky you will be when he does come around. Rescue dogs are so special! You are blessed.

JoeyP · 01-04-2009, 04:22 AM

This is difficult ...
and I'm not saying that he can't be rehabilitated but it's going to be a long road
Like the little children who were taken out of Romania many years ago who were left isolated in their cribs without any human contact
these dogs who never have been socialized with humans or sometimes with other dogs can actually have altered neural pathways and brain patterns

When dealing with dogs like this you always have to keep in mind that everytime a human has come to him in the past it was to abuse him
You need to change that
so everything has to be positive
and everything has to be none threatening ....
when you reach for him don't do it from above
crouch down first and then pick him up
Give him treats whenever you want a certain behavior
reinforced
and slowly with time and affection he'll come around

katelin · 01-05-2009, 09:51 AM

I was thinking about you this weekend, and wondered if carrying him around in a sling (like a baby sling) would help. He would be able to experience the comfort of warmth and affection for long periods of time and also be exposed to other experiences as you go about your day. I hope this all works out for both of you.

megansmomma · 01-05-2009, 11:14 PM

I don't know how I managed to miss your post. You have been given some really good advice. You need to go very slow with him but ignoring him is not going to help him to overcome his fear of humans.

First off, when you have contact with him you need to get down to his level. Don't sit too close to him but get down on the floor with a few REALLY good treats in a little ziplock baggy. If he cowers when you try to bring you hand toward him just stop and place your hand on the ground near him and calmly talk to him. Let him come for the treat building his trust. When he takes it give him lots of praise. You don't have to try to actually touch and pet him but let him take the treat and gently talk to him. You will see after a while you will build his trust in you. NEVER RAISE YOUR VOICE to him no matter what he does. Do this in very short sprints of just a few minutes at a time. I will guarantee that he will start to come closer and closer and eventually understand that you are good.

Keep treats with you at all times, when he does something good give treats. If you are giving a lot of treats all you need to do is cut back on his food at meal time. If you can build his trust while on the ground with him

I would also keep a leash on him all the times, letting him drag it behind him. Try to pick up the end and see what he does. If he becomes fearful get to his level and give a treat and praise again. If you want him to walk on the leash start in the house and drop treats as you go and praise, praise, praise! This way you can control what he is doing without the fear of being bit and he will get use to having a leash on him. Also, if you gently lead him out of his crate or away from his bed he will come much easier. Once again treats and praise!!!!

Although he needs to be socialized this is not the time for the dog park. You need to allow him to build trust in you and then start to take him out to explore his world.

I have a sling carrier that I used for Bogey, my little wild man and it really works great! Just make sure that if you use it that you also use a harness and clip in into the bag. Bogey really likes the sling because it allows him to feel like I am holding him. The one that I have is from Amazon and is call an Outward Hound Sling Carrier. My little man likes it so much he is now going to get an upgrade to something more stylish!

There is a really good book called Let the Dog Decide. It works on the premise that if the dog thinks he is making the decisions you will have a better outcome than if you force him. I bought mine on Amazon for about $10 and it was the best $10 I have ever spent. With these poor little guy, lots of positive reinforcement is needed for the transition into your home. It is always difficult when mill dogs go to homes without any rehabilitation. They have been so traumatized that no matter how much love you try to give they just don't understand since it is so foreign to them.

pennyspal · 01-09-2009, 06:01 AM

I have a puppy mill rescue that was 8 years old when she was rescued. She was in really bad shape...and ready to be killed. After many tears and a lot of work, and more than 3 years later, she is doing very well. But she will never stop cowering when you pet her. Working with a puppy mill rescue is different than working with other rescues. Some of the advice given to you here is good and some could be damaging. I would suggest going to some of the puppy mill websites and contact people who deal with this all of the time. That's what I did. I would love to talk to you and help you out. If you would like, you can e-mail me and we can get together on the phone. If I don't talk to you, just remember that it takes a lot of patience and you have to let him do everything at his own pace. Good luck. Good for you for rescuing him! One more thing; I have met a lot of dog trainers and "behaviorist" that do not understand these dogs. Again, the best thing to do is to talk to people who have done this successfully.

01-03-2009, 10:12 PM	#1
Little Dog Yorkie Yakker Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Saint Marys, WV USA Posts: 53	Help!!!! Hi all.....I rescued a three year old male from a puppy mill that was busted by our local Humane Society. I really need help with him. He has never been out of a cage, didn't socialize with other dogs, was never cuddled or strocked. He lays flat when we get near him or runs to his bed and crouches. I have had him for almost 3 months and he still is afraid of me. I love him so much and it just breaks my heart when he just stands and shivers or crouches down like we are going to hurt him. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated. I was told by the Humane society to ignore him and let him adjust but it's not working. Thanks so much for listening! Cindy

01-03-2009, 10:22 PM	#2
katelin YT 1000 Club Member Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: California Posts: 1,778	I have no experience with rescues, but I find with a new dog in our home that more rather than less contact is better. Your baby has had time to get used to the surroundings. What if you started holding him and carrying him around with you and talking to him a lot? Hope you can break through his barriers. __________________ *LaVail Yorkshire Terriers*

01-03-2009, 10:28 PM	#3
SpiderBBlue Yorkie Yakker Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: California, United States Posts: 63 Blog Entries: 2	Sorry I also don't have experieence with rescues, but I do think that spoilling him a little would help.. Hopefully you find a way! __________________ Liz(Maxs' mommy)

01-03-2009, 10:28 PM	#4
Ladymom Donating YT 2000 Club Member Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: North Carolina Posts: 8,317	I would suggest you consult a behaviorist. If this poor guy came right from the puppy mill to the shelter and then to you, he had no rehabilitation. Ideally, puppy mills dogs are surrendered to breed rescue groups and placed in foster homes knowledgable about how to deal with their special needs. Having other dogs in the household is crucial for these guys as that is all they have ever known, dogs not humans. Their foster brothers and sisters help them with the transition, but they are almost never adopted into homes where they will be the only dog. We have some wonderful members who are involved in rescue. Hopefully they can give you some advice and support. __________________ http://www.myladysdogbows.com/ http://www.facebook.com/home.php?ref...6213341?ref=nf

01-03-2009, 11:40 PM	#5
PrincessDiana I ♥ Franklin & Maggie Donating Member Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Oklahoma Posts: 2,068	Treats, treats, treats! Make everything he does an enjoyable experience. If he comes up to you on his own, treat him. If he plays with toys, treat him.. etc. Once he gets comfortable around the house, you need to let him experience everything he can so that he can socialize. Walk him, take him to the park, take him to Petsmart. Don't do it too quickly though or you will overwhelm him. That's really the only thing I can think of. ANY dogs, but particularly rescues will have trouble adjusting to a forever home. I am involved in rescue but I am not able to foster so I'm afraid I cannot provide as much information as a foster mom might be able to. We have a rescue of sorts but she's always been the perfect dog.. However, I can say that it takes a lot of time, love, and patience. He has never known anything like this and I'm sure you can understand why he is hesitant to trust you. He will come around eventually - it may take many more months but he will eventually come around. And how lucky you will be when he does come around. Rescue dogs are so special! You are blessed. __________________ Diana , Mommy to Franklin, Maggie, Oliver, and Millie - RIP Piper Last edited by PrincessDiana; 01-03-2009 at 11:41 PM.

01-04-2009, 04:22 AM	#6
JoeyP YT 1000 Club Member Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: Miami, FL,USA Posts: 1,005	This is difficult ... and I'm not saying that he can't be rehabilitated but it's going to be a long road Like the little children who were taken out of Romania many years ago who were left isolated in their cribs without any human contact these dogs who never have been socialized with humans or sometimes with other dogs can actually have altered neural pathways and brain patterns When dealing with dogs like this you always have to keep in mind that everytime a human has come to him in the past it was to abuse him You need to change that so everything has to be positive and everything has to be none threatening .... when you reach for him don't do it from above crouch down first and then pick him up Give him treats whenever you want a certain behavior reinforced and slowly with time and affection he'll come around __________________ Mike and Zach's Dadd

01-05-2009, 09:51 AM	#7
katelin YT 1000 Club Member Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: California Posts: 1,778	I was thinking about you this weekend, and wondered if carrying him around in a sling (like a baby sling) would help. He would be able to experience the comfort of warmth and affection for long periods of time and also be exposed to other experiences as you go about your day. I hope this all works out for both of you. __________________ *LaVail Yorkshire Terriers*

01-05-2009, 11:14 PM	#8
megansmomma Donating YT 10K Club Member Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: S. W. Suburbs of Chicago, IL Posts: 12,235	I don't know how I managed to miss your post. You have been given some really good advice. You need to go very slow with him but ignoring him is not going to help him to overcome his fear of humans. First off, when you have contact with him you need to get down to his level. Don't sit too close to him but get down on the floor with a few REALLY good treats in a little ziplock baggy. If he cowers when you try to bring you hand toward him just stop and place your hand on the ground near him and calmly talk to him. Let him come for the treat building his trust. When he takes it give him lots of praise. You don't have to try to actually touch and pet him but let him take the treat and gently talk to him. You will see after a while you will build his trust in you. NEVER RAISE YOUR VOICE to him no matter what he does. Do this in very short sprints of just a few minutes at a time. I will guarantee that he will start to come closer and closer and eventually understand that you are good. Keep treats with you at all times, when he does something good give treats. If you are giving a lot of treats all you need to do is cut back on his food at meal time. If you can build his trust while on the ground with him I would also keep a leash on him all the times, letting him drag it behind him. Try to pick up the end and see what he does. If he becomes fearful get to his level and give a treat and praise again. If you want him to walk on the leash start in the house and drop treats as you go and praise, praise, praise! This way you can control what he is doing without the fear of being bit and he will get use to having a leash on him. Also, if you gently lead him out of his crate or away from his bed he will come much easier. Once again treats and praise!!!! Although he needs to be socialized this is not the time for the dog park. You need to allow him to build trust in you and then start to take him out to explore his world. I have a sling carrier that I used for Bogey, my little wild man and it really works great! Just make sure that if you use it that you also use a harness and clip in into the bag. Bogey really likes the sling because it allows him to feel like I am holding him. The one that I have is from Amazon and is call an Outward Hound Sling Carrier. My little man likes it so much he is now going to get an upgrade to something more stylish! There is a really good book called Let the Dog Decide. It works on the premise that if the dog thinks he is making the decisions you will have a better outcome than if you force him. I bought mine on Amazon for about $10 and it was the best $10 I have ever spent. With these poor little guy, lots of positive reinforcement is needed for the transition into your home. It is always difficult when mill dogs go to homes without any rehabilitation. They have been so traumatized that no matter how much love you try to give they just don't understand since it is so foreign to them. __________________ “Never argue with a fool, onlookers may not be able to tell the difference.” Mark Twain Last edited by megansmomma; 01-05-2009 at 11:17 PM.

01-09-2009, 06:01 AM	#9
pennyspal YorkieTalk Newbie! Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: United States Posts: 4	I have a puppy mill rescue that was 8 years old when she was rescued. She was in really bad shape...and ready to be killed. After many tears and a lot of work, and more than 3 years later, she is doing very well. But she will never stop cowering when you pet her. Working with a puppy mill rescue is different than working with other rescues. Some of the advice given to you here is good and some could be damaging. I would suggest going to some of the puppy mill websites and contact people who deal with this all of the time. That's what I did. I would love to talk to you and help you out. If you would like, you can e-mail me and we can get together on the phone. If I don't talk to you, just remember that it takes a lot of patience and you have to let him do everything at his own pace. Good luck. Good for you for rescuing him! One more thing; I have met a lot of dog trainers and "behaviorist" that do not understand these dogs. Again, the best thing to do is to talk to people who have done this successfully.