dog not a dog

darlin · 08-03-2007, 12:55 PM

I wrote much earlier about a pommy I inherited that had been kenneled 21hrs a day for her whole life (over three years). I have been trying to work with her on going outside to potty and only if I go with her will she do her business. As soon as she is through she wants to go inside. I realized that she doesn't have the first clue how to be a dog. She sits under a chair all day and will only sit in someones lap as long as they pet her. the second they stop petting she goes right back under the chair. I have three other dogs that she tolerates but makes not attempt to play with. She seems happy enough but it breaks my heart that she isn't comfortable doing dog things like taking walks or greeting people or playing. I've only had her about two months and i was just wondering if anyone has any advice or if i should just let her move at her own pace. I have to admit although i've never had a little dog before she is a sweetie and my whole family loves her.

briteday · 08-03-2007, 01:58 PM

Two months is a very short time compared to the 3 years that she spent in her previous home. I think you will have to have much more patience and give her LOTS of time to work things out.

Fergie07 · 08-03-2007, 02:33 PM

Sounds like she just needs more time. She has probably made progress, but since you are with her all the time. Someone that saw her when you first got her and again right now would probably see the difference. I have heard that obedience classes work well for socialization.

FilleBelle · 08-03-2007, 09:26 PM

Keep treating her like a normal dog and let her warm up to the idea at her own pace.

My Alvin was neglected, as well, and we had to teach him how to do all kinds of things. When he first came to us, I brought home a stuffed lamb with a squeaker and he looked at me like I was crazy. He got the idea eventually, after watching my family and I go outside and toss it around.

He wouldn't sleep on a dog bed, either. I spent a small fortune on a nice dog pillow that totally terrified him. When I saw he not only didn't like it, but was scared of stepping on it, I decided to take it back. Having the schedule that I do, it took me nearly two weeks to find the time to go back to the store. By that time, he had gotten up the courage to walk on it. A couple weeks later, he was sleeping on it like a champ.

She'll come around. She is lucky to have found a family who so loves and cares for her!

echo8287 · 08-04-2007, 02:30 AM

I took in a rescue male Dalmatian(Comet) one time. He appeared to be around 3 years old. He would not walk on a lease without pulling you all over the place. If you raised your hand to pet him he would flinch and cower down. Previous owners probably beat him. It took about 3 months for him to figure out if I moved my hand toward him I was going to pet him. I tried not make any fast arm movements towards him. I would slowly hold my hand down to him and give him treats. He did figure it out and got a lot better. He was extremely strong for a small stature dog. He should have been in one of those dog pulling contests. David

RonE · 08-04-2007, 08:10 AM

My mother has a Shi Tzu named FiFi. (I'm not making that up.)

Nobody knows how old the dog was when she got her, but she was no pup. She'd been tied outside her entire life. She had no idea how to act around people, other dogs or toys.

Now, about three years later, she still has no interest in toys. She has no particular interest in other dogs, but she learned not to snarl at the Plott hound when she gets to close to mother.

But, around people she knows (and it doesn't take her long to get to know you) she is the most affectionate dog I've ever seen.

I have other examples of "broken" dogs healing in the right environment, but they all involve time and patience and the understanding that there is a special place in Heaven for people who give damaged dogs a second
chance.

I think there's a special place for those who damaged them, too, but that's another thread.

peace36 · 08-04-2007, 10:39 AM

3 yrs crated for 21 hours a day

THat is just horrible. I think like some others said is that is will just take more time. And maybe some extra treats

God Bless your for taking her and giving her the time love and patience she needs to get used to her new "doggie" life.

darlin · 08-04-2007, 01:01 PM

thanks for the advice. I'm going to keep working with her. i agree that having a dog that you crate all the time makes no sense. these people didn't even seem embarrassed that they did that. she had no shots was in heat when i got her and her tail had been chewed by their four cats that were allowed to run free. she literaly ran to me when i showed up to look at her and i couldn't leave her there. My husband was shocked i wanted her because i'm a big male dog person.(olde english, boxer, lab/rottie) But you know i swear she let me know she needed help.

LoveLilly · 08-06-2007, 02:35 PM

WOW! She is very lucky to have you. My dog would only go outside to the bathroom at first if I came with her and it was b/c she was a frightened little pup but she outgrew it. I am sure your Pom will too in time. She needs to just understand that the backyard is a safe place to me and that mom is just right inside. Just takes time.

poodleholic · 08-07-2007, 06:30 AM

It's going to take time and patience. In the end, this dog may never be the dog he could have been, but, the important thing is that he's safe and secure now. Bless you.

I rescued a 16 mo. old intact male Standard Poodle who had been crated 24/7 for 6+ months, and God only knows what else he endured. He had severe gastrointestinal problems and behavioral issues when he first arrived. I am happy to tell you that he is a very happy, healthy, well-adjusted gentleman with the most beautiful manners (and a very handsome devil, to boot)! Labeled dog aggressive, he loves my female (Standard), welcomes fosters into our home often, plays nicely with the cats, and is a good buddy to a Shih Tzu who likes to do zoomies around him. It took time, patience, persistence, and lots of other things, but so worth it.

Hang in there!