I think it is just going to take a lot of patience until he learns to trust you.

Will he climb onto your lap on his own?

It is sad that anyone would allow their child to abuse any animal.

Maybe if he climbs on to your lab you can give him a kong with PB... who can refuse those!? Then, the only time he can get it is when he's on your lap so he associates your touch with a positive. Good luck!!

Time, Patience, and Love
 

Gosh , I can hear the trauma he must have gone through and agree with the other posters it will take time.

Roxy our first ASPCA dog we adopted 16 years ago was owned by someone who mistreated/abused her with a baseball hat on and must of been male. She would not trust anyone, till the day she died , any man walking into our house with a baseball cap on.

Dad, bless his heart, always wore baseball caps lol, but he persevered in befriending her and always pocketed treats for her. You wouldnt believe what that man could pack in his coat and pants pockets for her. Kielbasi yep, ham, balongna anything he thought she would enjoy. She did finally love him. Told him time and time again just take the hat off Dad but he couldnt/wouldnt, it was who he was lol.

I guess it was his patience, taking the time being gentle with her, letting her lead the way, waiting on her cues. I never understood this till now. You cant rush the process as much as it pains US we have to go on their time table.

He will show you the steps he needs all you need to do is watch for his cues. Sounds like you have the patience just need the time now. Sending prayers to you both.

Health and Happiness

Yes Winston will come up and climb into our laps all by himself. Hes a very kissey boy too! I really have no other problems with him other than him nipping at your hands when you go to pet/pick him up. You can see he is fearful when he acts like this, so I have always spoken gently to him and I praise him when he calms down and stops attacking our hands. He also acts this way when we brush him. He LOVES my other 2 Yorkies and plays very good with them, he does not fight with them over food or toys.

here is the background story that we know of on Winston, it might help get an idea at what he experienced before he came to us.

From what his previous owner told my sister is that they had gotten Winston at 9 weeks of age from the breeder. He came to me at age 19 weeks on August 29. so they had him for 10 weeks. Their child was kind of scared of him when he would go to lick her so she would hit at him. Its when she actually hit him and he bit her that they decided to get rid of him. They tried getting a hold of the breeder but had no luck for 3 weeks and then he told people at work if he did not sell off the dog by September 3 he was taking him to the pound! Winston has had issues with nipping at our hands from day one of coming into our family. I have 4 boys ages 13, 14, 16 and 17, and I have told them from the get go not to use harsh voice when he nips them but to calmly say "no bite" to him a and to praise Winston when he stops biting and calms down. I am happy he is in our family and we are trying to make him unfearfull twords us, we would never hurt him in any way. The treat idea has been helping a bit so that is good. I will keep working with him and loving him up!

Like I said, I really believe that in time he'll come to trust those hands! It will probably be awhile - I'm sure it will - but he has to learn that hands don't hit. Bless his little heart!:(

Zach came from a pet store (don't hate me) but he is the most loving kissy dog in the world. I do have a cat that was tossed out and she was very hard to tame. The vet said she had been abused but now with alot of patience and love she is wonderful. I know we are supposed to be a yorkie community but an abused animal whether a cat or dog still has feelings and needs alot of love.
Mollie is the white callico

Yes, you are so right! They all have feelings and it is everyone's responsibility to protect them. You are a wonderful person for protecting an abused pet. It doesn't matter what they are - they all need help.:)

Oh, my god!!! I feel so bad for Winston and bless your heart for taking care of him.
My friend's dog had issue with being touched by people as well.
I put nutrical on my hand and placed it in front of his nose first, let him lick it off,then gently pet him and told him "good boy~" I tried it for couple of days and he got better. Hope it helps~

Unfortunately there are no easy answers. If you go along with someone buying a cross breed from a breeder there is one at the pound not getting adopted. We are dog lovers and its important that we educate people on responsible dog purchasing and care.

Huh?:confused:

I wondered when someone was going to catch thats. Its a duh Im on the wrong thread LOL

Oh! OK.:D

update
 

Winston is doing so much better!! We have had great progress with him and I must say he is such a kissy boy! He will still hunker down and act as if he is expecting to get slapped at times but he is no longer biting. when he hunkers down and sort of snarls we say" Winston no bite" and you can just see him relax and its all better for him. We praise him with a "good boy Winston" and a kiss or belly rub and he is so happy!

Thank you all for your help! I just felt so sorry that my new little guy was mistreated before we got him and I am so thankful for your suggestions to help my boy out!