How can we reassure a mistreated puppy that he is now safe

Teaandcoffee

We homed a beautiful x breed who we believe may have been mistreated. He is constantly on high alert and trusts nobody. He has never bitten anybody but when we bring him out in the car or for a walk he is making intimidating growls as we pass either another animal or somebody out walking. He has no reason to be cross with these people or other animals as they are doing nothing too him but he seems to be warning them in advance not to come near him. He is a 5 month old bichon X.

My partner and I are considering having children but we are concerned by people constantly telling us our dog cannot be trusted. We are not prepared to give up on this little guy and believe we can prove people wrong and that he will chance his ways. Are we deluding ourselves?

Could somebody please suggest tips on how to make our pup feel more settled and less aggressive?

noddyone2

Plenty of patience and kindness. If he wants to 'meet' another dog, let him do so - if you pull him away he'll think it's wrong to go near another dog. Don't slap or beat - that'll just teach fear, for example, my neighbour's terrier used to chase rabitts in the field next door and when he would come back she'd slap him. Just think for a moment what message the dog got. Eventually the owner copped on. Use voice/tone/reward as command. You'll be repaid. Best wishes.

Aye Bosun

My little Benji who was rescue and is a Bichon had similar behavior when I first got him. We went though puppy school together, which was great to get him socialised with other dogs, noticed improvements after the first few classes. The other thing I got was a thunder-shirt (google it!) it's amazing, really calmed him now when he was anxious etc.

But I have to say, the first 6 months where really hard work to get him settle in, he trusted no-one, barked constantly, crewed the place apart and could be a little nippy with people too. Stick with it, lots of attention and praise for good behavior etc.

It has been worth it in the end, I've had him nearly a year now and he's turned into a really affectionate dog, well socialised and a happy little chap!

best of luck!

andreac

Id bring him to socialisation classes for puppies and make it fun. Hes still young enough so with time and patience im sure he will be fine.

Bid08

my golden lab was a mis treated abadoned pup, when we got him he had an infection from a bite he got from another dog

just alot of love and when I put him into his bed at night I kept just telling him he is home and we love him. I kept telling him this was his new home and he wasnt going anywhere

to be honest we are lucky that is a real silly begger of a dog, he just always looks like the happiest dog in the world. but given him loads of love and attention definitely worked

Also I must add we did not have the easiet time with bringing him in, we had 2 other pups aswell for about 6 months and one was very nervous, so he would randomly try attack the new pup for no reason or esp if the new pup was looking for too much affection, but thankfully we got over all that and they are the best of pals now

keno-daytrader

andreac wrote: »

Id bring him to socialisation classes for puppies and make it fun. Hes still young enough so with time and patience im sure he will be fine.

Agree 100%, the more exposure he gets to all sorts of humans, big, small, young , old and all sorts of dogs the better, its the only way he will get over it.

Socialization classes, he will meet all kinds of dogs and people.

ILoveToast

I'd agree with bringing him to socializing classes.
There are even dog parks around, which would be a great place to socialize him.
How long have you had him for?

aonb

I was going to ask exactly that - how long have you had him?
He's only 5 months now, so with loads of love and patience you will hopefully sort him out.
Hes afraid and needs to learn not to be.
If you dont have him very long, give him time to get used to and trusting you, then if you can puppy socialization classes would be great. Walk him in a place where he will pass other dogs - keep him on the leash and praise him or give him a treat every time you approach the other dog, or pass the other dog without incident.
Very good luck to you, well done for rescuing this poor little dog - as you have said, you wont give up on him, so lots of patience and kindness and love ahead will hopefully work
(Did you rescue him from a charity? Might be worth contacting them to ask if they can recommend anyone that could give you some advice?)

Whispered

I think bringing him to socialisation classes might be a good idea, they can be very intense if there is some offlead time involved though. Unless the puppy is totally comfortable with his new owners though it might be best to wait a little while. If the puppy is totally happy with you OP then it would be a great idea in my opinion. It's very important not to push too hard early on.

I would absolutely not recommend dog parks when you're dealing with a dog who is not comfortable with other dogs. It's not fair on the dog itself, or other dog park users. It's a recipe for a scuffle and could scare the poor dog half to death.

As part of your routine, I'd bring the dog for the same walk at the same time every day, hopefully you will begin to meet the same people and he might settle a bit. But I think the best thing to do would be to speak to a professional who can see your dog and give you hands on help.