Start with cooling off period in as quiet and calm setting as possible. Give lots of space without approaching or handling. Give hiding spaces for the dog to retreat and never follow the dog. Do not expect this dog to go for walks or out in the world, just adjusting to your home will be major hurdle.
Observe the dog unobtrusively to determine what this dog experienced the first few months of life. Gather any history on the dog if possible. Did the dog have any good experiences with people within the first few months of life? Did the dog have any good experiences with people up close and with body handling within the first couple months of life? Did the dog have any positive social experience with other dogs the first few months of life? What sensory experiences was the dog exposed to the first few months of life? Anyone or anything the dog did NOT experience or had a BAD experience with the first few months of life may be terrifying. An example being these dogs are often terrified by floor surfaces like tile or wood floors and even grass. Often they are absolutely terrified of people or handling.
Approaching, people entering room or entrance, people approaching in hallway, looking at, talking to or even just talking normally, reaching for the dog, touching collar, approaching dog in crate, petting, moving quickly, picking the dog up, standing from sitting position, leaning over or being on eye level, all can be terrifying for these dogs. Let the dog just get used to your presence without directing any attention towards dog. If dog sniffs you just avert your eyes and don’t reach for or talk to dog. The dog should always be able to move away from you to another area and you can use boxes or crates for them to hide. Never approach them in these spaces.
Note for Foster Homes- try to have other quiet people sit at distance from the dog and ignore as stated above so the dog doesn’t get overly attached to you since you hope to place the dog in another home eventually.
After cooling off period, try dog in quiet area that the dog is used to with one very social easy going dog and see if the dog seems more relaxed. The dog should be able to rest and relax around another dog before considering putting with another dog. Having dog company may make the dog happier and more relaxed but may not make him more social with people. Bring one dog at a time to his area. Don’t risk traumatizing the dog by taking him to another area with dogs. Some puppy mill dogs may have had bad experience in tight cages with other dogs and having to struggle to get food and may not enjoy the company of other dogs.
Anything that the dog didn’t experience the first few months of life may be terrifying for the dog. Grass, traffic, movement, sounds, cars, stairs, floor surfaces, sirens, strollers, vacuums, hair dryer, TV, big objects, and big open spaces are all common fears.
Less is always more with these dogs. Provide as quiet and calm environment as possible. Always let them approach you and don’t force handling.
Definitely read my blog How to Care for an Adopted, Foster, or Generally Fearful Dog (Part I) http://trainyourbestfriend.com/blog/2010/04/ for important tips and resources at www.trainyourbestfriend.com and read my past blogs about our adopted dog that originally came from a pet store before we adopted him at one year old. I have some other videos that may be helpful for those of you that have had your dogs for awhile and they are more comfortable with you so you can work with them a little. My YouTube channel is Jeninow1. Also check out the www.fearfuldogs.com site. There are lots of great blogs and video there.
Seek assistance from experienced positive dog behavior counselor or veterinary behaviorist, if needed. This person should be experienced with fear and not push the dog that could cause harm. Contact me with any questions or for referrals.
Set realistic expectations for these dogs. It is unlikely that they will ever be very social dogs you can take out in the world with you to lots of new places like a dog with a healthier beginning of life. Be satisfied with tiny victories like bonding with family members for playing in yard with your other dog or finding a quiet familiar trail for walking. Rescues -Be honest about what to expect with adopters and seek out quiet homes that are willing to accommodate and make adjustments for the dog’s needs this includes choosing a foster home. These dogs thrive on familiar calm predictable routines. Get them used to any changes very gradually over time.
It is wonderful you have taken the time and effort it takes to rehabilitate these dogs. We live with a “special” dog so we really get how much time and sacrifice is involved. He was only in a puppy mill for the first few weeks of life; most of your dogs were probably there longer. Jeni
Jeni Grant BA, CPDT-KA
Train Your Best Friend, LLC
www.trainyourbestfriend.com
