Very Scared Adopted Dog, Any Advice?
October 19, 2009 by admin
Filed under Care & Training Q&As
6months back i found a 1.4yr old, male papillon on the street and adopted him, he was a wreck in the begining, when we would go to pet him he would lay down and wait to be hit, he had major seperation anxiety and it was hell when we had to leave the house to go to work even though he was not alone (we have a female maltipoo same age as him, been with us since a baby). well he is still scared alot, they pee and poop on a balcony we do not use and as soon as the sun sets he will not step foot on the balcony, instead he will pee and poop all over the house, so i started going out with him and trying to keep him on the balcony until he does his business, hes house trained just too scared. any noise will freak him out, a car, our christmas lights on the christmas tree, anything at all, he is even scared of a fly.
anyway my parents took him and our maltipoo out yesterday and they had to come back after 15mins (btw our adopted dog is very very hyperactive and when we take him out he gets so excited that he finds it hard to breathe and cant catch his breath) well anyway when they took them out yeasterday they told me that the papillon was uncontroleable he kept jumping and insanely barking at people, no one could pass by him without him barking his head off at them and our maltipoo started doing the same ( she is usually a very very calm dog and only barks at other animals, she is extremely friendly and just a sweet heart) but yesterday she also started barking like crazy at everyone, that she drove my mom to the point of bursting into tears, i walk them daily and they never do this, they are overexcited the firt 5-10mins but then they are fine, the papillon barks only at children but i think that is cuz he was abused by them before, but my maltipoo is extremely calm when i walk her, i do not want the adopted dog to have a bad influence on our baby girl, how can i prevent this?
also what can i do to help him get rid of his fear?
and what can i do to stop their behaviour?
any advice will be highly appreciated.
thank u
Related Papillon Training & Care posts:
- My Dog Constantly Rolls On Her Back And Wants Her Belly Rubbed.?
- Husky/wolf Mix Behavior Problems?
- My Pup Hasn’t Pooped And Eaten In A Day. Should I Be Worried?
- Hyperactive Dog, Cant Train Him, Could Have Mental Issues?
- What Is The Best Way To Train My 3 Year Old Papillon To Stop Barking Constantly?
Sounds like you have a hand full there. I have to congratulate you on adopting such a little problem child. I’m not sure just how you can break him of his bad habits but maybe if you pick him up and put your hand over his eyes and gently scold him when he barks at people (I did this with a little dog I had and it worked) then put him down again. Continue to do this each time he acts that way and then when he behaves well give him a small treat. I hope this works for you. I’m sure that some of his naughty behavior is because he feels safe with you and is just trying to get even for the abuse he suffered from others in the past. Thanks for being a rescuer. This little guy needs the love you are giving to him. Good luck.
A dog behaviorist would have worked near-miracles for the dog if you had called one when you first got the papillon. You can still call one and get a great improvement in everything he does. Ask your vet to refer you to a good behaviorist. If your vet doesn’t know of one, keep calling around until you find one. They make housecalls so even one out of your area would be good.
GIVE HER PLENTLY OF LOVE AND TIME TO ADJUST. my family takes in abandoned puppies and we take in puppies from shelter and help house train them and such. many adopted puppies came from very very very terrible previous houses, you just need to show her that you will giver her, her space and lots of love. so, dont try to force her too much to do anything too soon, and dont put your face right up to hers or anything. look fro signs of agression. and touch you new puppy in many places, i/e her feet, belly, legs, hears, head, snout, buttox. you need to make sure that she is company friendly. good luck. email me if you need more hep. i_luv_himandbam1414@yahoo.com
It all takes time in gaining trust,if your dog was abused in the past,he will always remain timid,you will have to take the time to show your dog that he has no worries to be afraid of you.You could try taking him to dog classes to socialize with other dogs and people,to overcome his fear,or as mentioned a dog behaviourist specialist,but time and patience must be used,to help your dog!