strange behavior

[jrucifer]

I recently 'aquired' a puppy who somehow found his way to my back door. He could've been out there for up to 12 hours, but when we found him he was very scared and hungry, which was understandable. The thing i thought was a little strange is that when i reached towards him he would cower down, put his ears down, and put his tail between his legs. He has a collar, but does not have any tags. Now, i was going to put up 'found dog' flyers, but i had a sneaking suspicion that he may have been abused by his behavior, so i didn't want to risk putting him back in that situation. Also, judging by how hungry he was and the lack of tags, it seems that his previous owners didn't treat him too great.

So it's been close to a couple weeks now, and he's warmed up a little bit... he's eating well and playing with toys, but there's a few strange issues with this pup that i'd like to address.

first off, he still cowers whenever I, or anyone else, reaches to pet him. even after he's been alone for a while, he gets excited to see someone, but still reluctant to touch. he'll let me pet him for a little bit, and he likes to lick a lot, but if i pet him for too long he will suddenly run away. also, every time i walk towards him he runs away a few times, and then will just sit down.

He seems pretty comfortable in the yard, and plays a lot independently (i do play with him, but its mainly me throwing his toy, and him grabbing it and finding a spot to lay down and chew on it). However, he's very nervous to come inside. I'll open the door and invite him in, and even turn my back and walk away, and he'll just approach the door, sniff the air a little, turn around and walk away a bit, and then come back and do it again. He's only come inside on his own a couple times, but i've picked him up and brought him in a few times. once he's inside he gets very timid and tense. he'll find a comfortable spot (usually somewhat hidden) and just lay down, maybe sleep a little. he wont move until i pick him up (when i do, he is very tense) and put him outside... then once he's outside he'll run around and play with his toys...

another thing i found a little strange is how quiet he is. i've never heard him bark (there's always dogs barking in the nieghborhood) and he's only made a couple little puppy growls while he plays with his toys.

The thing that really gets me though is how reluctant he is to human touch.

Let me just add a few things that may help... I've never been a dog owner, but have been a dog-lover my whole life (mom never liked them much), and now that i have the oppurtunity to own one i'd really like to. I go to school 13 hours a week and work 35, so that is one concern i have. I'm afraid that without proper treatment and attention this dog could be this way his whole life. I'm weary about giving him to the humane society because his anti-social behavior may not be too appealing to people (he is awfully cute though).

I hope I've provided enough information. Any feedback, tips, or suggestions would be greatly appreciated. I'd also be more than happy to answer any questions you people might have. Thanks for you time.

[Cassiepeia]

I'll let our professional trainers deal with his behaviour, but what I wanted to suggest is that you take him to the vet for a thorough check up (and to be vaccinated and wormed).

How old is he (roughly)?
Any idea what breed or mix?

Have you done any training with him? You should see if there is a puppy preschool in the area (usually held at shelters or vet clinics...ask the vet they'll know).

I know you think he may have been abused but perhaps his submissive behaviour is because he was on his own and scared for a while not from abuse at all. He may have been hungry because he'd been out of his home for a few days. You should get the vet to check for a microchip too (perhaps that's why he didn't have tags, sometimes people neglect to add tags because they think a microchip is enough).

Cass.

[Carrie]

First off, it's so kind of you to offer this pup the care you have. I agree that a vet check would be good and see what aproximate age he is if you don't have an idea.

I tend to have the same kinds of ideas as Cass. It sounds like this pup is unsocialized and very unused to people and the inside of a house. He could have been mistreated too or not. It's hard, I think to say for sure, but judging by his physical condition, it's entirely possible. So that is wonderful that you're feeding him and taking care of him.

Depending on his age, it's possible that he'll come around, at least somewhat. It will take him a while to trust you, but if you're his care giver, he should get a lot better in time, with you anyhow. I would let him come to you with just a little encouragement and not go after him to pick him up. You can hand feed him to encourage him to come to you and try engaging in a little game of tug with a toy or just any kind of play interaction if he seems to be open to that.

When he cowers or you feel sorry for him, try to resist making a big fuss over him. Try and show an attitude that everything is cool and nothing is a big deal...matter of fact, confidence in yourself. That will make him feel more secure if he sees that his caregiver thinks everything is AOK. Look up online for confidence building games for dogs. See if there's anything there.

I wouldn't worry about any training persay now....just let him fill his brain with getting use to you and your house.

I don't know what to tell you about being gone all those hours. That is a problem. Do you have any helpful neighbors?

Anyhow, when you are at home and once he gets more comfy with you and your house, you could try introducing him to one friend who comes over. I wouldn't push the socialization too hard or too extensively if he's this frightened. Just go slowly but see if you can get him around one or two people and go from there.

Raised by Wolves, a member here is very knowledgeable about rehabilitating screwed up dogs and she will probably be along to help. I thought I'd just throw in some stuff because I'm up so early, but she is really the one who knows about this kind of stuff and will probably have some tips.

Good luck and you are so good to be caring about this poor little pup. He might just come around and be the best dog for you. So, hang in there.

[Raised By Wolves]

Originally Posted by Carrie

Raised by Wolves, a member here is very knowledgeable about rehabilitating screwed up dogs and she will probably be along to help.

Good morning fellow early birds! Well now, after Carrie's kind words, how can I resist!

Sometimes, what we see as "cowering" behavior, is actually a dog showing submission, yet wanting to be with you. With this particular dog it's probably more of a case of "extreme" submission. This is a dog's way of saying, "I give! Please don't hurt me!" We as humans can run into trouble with this if we take this personally, as a lack of trust in US, by the dog. Trust takes time. Please avoid coddling. It can make you appear weak or nervous, and will not help your dog feel secure in your presence.

The best advice I can give you right now, is to simply "exist" with this pup, and help him understand that he is safe under your kind and calm leadership. I would avoid comforting in a high pitched voice or focusing attention with eye contact on this dog right now when he reacts fearfully. This dog is watching you for your reaction, and needs to feel your "strength", in order to calm down and feel safe with you. If something seems "scarey" to him, you need to act like...oh, how boring, nothing to be concerned about here.

This does not mean that you should not be setting some boundries. Most dogs are happy to comply with the "house rules" with good manners, if you are gentle but firm in your communication methods. Try to keep your facial expessions "serene", as our dogs watch our faces for signs of stress and emotional state.

Do you know if he is good with other dogs? Some dogs feel more at ease with a buddy who is very comfortable and joyful around humans.

There are also some folks here who can help you use positive reinforcement in training sessions to help your dog learn commands, and build confidence while having fun at the same time. :

PS Finding the itchy-scratchy "sweet spot" on a pup, can sometimes be the key to their heart! Head and ears, and the patch of rear end, right above the tail, can sometimes prove useful in getting on the good side of a wary dog! My dog enjoys a nice message anytime I'm willing!

[Carrie]

I knew she'd come through. Great insight from RBW!

Here is a neat site with some step by step things you can do with your dog....very gentle and fun training ideas. You don't need to bombard the pup right at first, but you could do a few things. Like RBW said, mostly just let him be with you and get use to you and your house.

http://www.clickerlessons.com/index.html

[jrucifer]

wow, thanks for all the supportive feedback. It's all very useful information. I'm glad no one suggested that i give him away. I'll definately try to work things out, and i'll report back when i make some progess. thanks everyone.