Thanks Matese, I read over the notes from the shelter and they said he was very nervous when he was first brought in. His behaviour did improve as he learnt to trust people. Not sure of the full story with the previous adoption but they were obviously concerned about his snappy outbursts.

They did say he will need a lot of patience and training but I am prepared to work with him. Sometimes I feel a bit overwhelmed and it easy to focus on the negative, even when he is making progress.

Just like a little puppy, it takes a lot of training to get them to where they should be. I can understand it is overwhelming, but you have to stay positive with this little guy, they sense negativity, anger, fear, stress and happiness in their humans and feed off your emotions. Remember, "baby steps" in everything you want from this boy. Everything is still new to him, he is still learning who you are. Him sleeping in your bed is a good sign, but you still have a long way to go. No one knows what this little guy went through in his past, first he was in a pound, then the shelter, then a family, back to the shelter and now to you. As far as you know he has lived in 6 different places, and who knows how many places he may have lived in before going to the pound. 6 different homes in perhaps less then a year, just wow. I would suggest a professional trainer to talk with, get some tips, I hate to suggest bringing in a trainer to work with him as he fears strangers and I honestly don't know if that could make him worse, more fearful. But you need professional guidance. Why don't you work with him for a month, that will give him time to know you better and build a bond with you and your husband. See how he is at the end of a month. If you feel he's aggressive with you, hubby or strangers, then seek a professional trainer. The trainer will give you the learning tools to work with this dog. 6 different living quarters in less then a year is huge for any dog. Please keep us posted on this little guy, he's had such a tragic life until he came to you.

I feel so sorry for the wee man. He is an adorable wee dog and so brave. After all he has been through he still shows trust and affection when he feels safe. And I think that is going to be my approach, making him feel safe so he can learn to trust and be more confident.

I know one of the handlers who works at the shelter so if I need some help with training I can speak to him as he has worked with Geoff before. It has only been a week and I can see positive changes as he starts to feel more secure. My hubby and I have decided no more introducing him to strangers for a while. He can see people from a distance when walking but until he feels safe we aren't doing to risk it, after all we are still strangers to him.

I really want to do my best for him, I couldn't even consider sending him back to the shelter. I do believe with patience and time he will find himself and like you said he may not be perfect but who is.

I really want to thank you Matese for taking the time to read my posts and replying. I think my own confidence was low and needed some reassure.

I am trying to decide if I should try and socialise Geoff more or let him settle in more first. I don't want to avoid people and other dogs all the time. Maybe letting him see them from a safe distance ?

I would let Geoff gain 100% confidence in you, his new care giver, he needs to trust that will keep him safe, two weeks for some dogs is not enough especially with all the places Geoff has lived in, in such a short period of time. You will know when Geoff has complete trust in you. When you see this then you can slowly have him pass by ppl and carry treats with you. Preferably just a single person across the street from you, if he carries on reassure him "it's ok" when he settles down give him a treat and praise him, tell him gooooood boy and pet him. Once he has over come seeing ppl from a distance, then you can work on passing ppl at a closer distance, always having treats with you, treat when he behaves.

Baby steps sounds like he's is settling in and your doing an excellent job
Sammi digs on our bed before settling down for the night it's quite funny to watch he takes at least 15 minutes of digging in one space then another and just when I think he's settles he's not quite happy with were he is he will start again
Don't stress to much about weather he's doing this or doing that it will all fall into place as long as he has security and lots and lots of love

We are choosing walking times when there aren't many people about. We did see a man and a dog this morning from a distance and Geoff was barking and growling from across the road. I managed to reassure him he was ok, and gave him a treat when he calmed down.

That's good he calmed down and you rewarded him
Sammi is nearly 6 and when he was a pup he was bitten by another larger dog so as a result he cannot stand bigger dogs with the exception of my sisters German shepherd and goes mad growling h etc when he sees any other dog

Thanks samsmummy, I think I am worried I case he bites someone. He snaps if taken unawares so we are trying not to put him in that position we're he feels he has to defend himself of his toys.

I have noticed he gets more anxious at night when it's dark, so we are keeping a light on until he falls asleep.

I can understand him snapping if taken unawares and your doing the best thing for him one word of advice tho I've found because our babies look so cute ppl tend to just stroke them without asking I dread this because Sammi can be snappy as well so I always tell ppl to ask first as he's not to good with strangers
As for the dark he will get used to it he sounds adorable Mary Edith but aren't all of them ��

I really hate when people just stick their hand out to touch a strange dog, especially children and the parents don't warn them. With my previous dog I had people say 'oh she won't bite me' and she did try.

He has been biting my feet a lot, like being snappy and growling when I walk past.

Thanks Samsmummy, I really don't like anyone touching dogs without asking. We used to warn people about our previous dog and they would reply 'oh she won't bite me'. This usually meant they got to close and she started barking like mad.

We managed to have 2 good walks today with no reacting to people or dogs. We picked a quiet area and although he seen people and dogs at a distance he didn't react.