[chipinmom]

So, without getting into the how & why, I ended up with a second dog (Rusty) which happens to be my current dogs (Bentley) brother and littermate. They didn't grow up together and this is the first time they have been together since separated from their mother (they are a year old). Things are going well. They get along great with each other and really seem to enjoy each others company.

The issues I'm having are with Rusty. He came to me intact (this will be taken care of in a couple weeks), skittish, VERY submissive and fearful. I'm pretty sure the person I got him from hit and yelled at him. And I know for sure he was pretty much locked in a cage aside from potty breaks for the last year. So I did expect some issues, I'm just not to sure how to deal with them.

Issue 1) Anytime we try to call him to us (in a normal voice), he cowers and wont move from where he is. He does the same thing when we approach him, no matter what the situation is, he cowers and gets as close to the ground as possible, rolls over and submits. But as soon as we pick him up, he is fine and happy and affectionate as if nothing is wrong. Any loud noises, he runs. Anyone yells for any reason (never at him), he cowers or runs and hides.
Is this something we have to work with him on (I've never had a skittish, fearful dog) or should we just ignore it and hope he gets over it?

Issue 2) He is trying to hump Bentley a lot. Mostly when they are playing. However he doesn't seem to do it to other dogs. Just Bentley. The problem is there's only one thing that Bentley doesn't tolerate from other dogs, and that's being humped. He hates it and always has. I know that this is a normal behavior and it will probably stop (or mostly) once I get him neutered, but is there a reason why he only does it to his brother?

Issue 3) He was never really walked on a leash before I got him. So he doesn't like it very much. He will walk with a Flexi as long as I don't lock it at any time. If I lock it, he freaks out and starts thrashing around trying to get away. This makes things difficult for those times when it's necessary to have it locked. When I try to walk him using a normal 5/6ft leash, he refuses to move or just pulls trying to get out of his harness and get away. Not sure how to work on this one. I've tried walking him on his own and with Bentley. Results are the same either way.

Issue 4) I can't seem to get him to slow down when eating. He's just like a vacuum. As soon as the bowl hits the floor, his face is in there and it's all gone within seconds. I have been hand feeding him the last couple days to slow him down, but I don't want to always have to do that. He also doesn't chew his food. He just inhales and swallows it. The vet checked his teeth, and aside from some plaque, they are healthy, so I know it's not the teeth bothering him. With 4 other dogs in the house he came from, I'm sure he had to compete for food (they all ate together) which would explain why he eats so fast. But is there a way to get him to slow down and chew? I do separate him and Bentley when they are eating. So there's no competition for him at all here.

Aside from all that he really is a great dog. He is super affectionate and always wants to be with us (or on us lol). He has taken the big change generally very well. It's just the few issues above that I would like to get under control if possible.


Here's a pic of Rusty

And a pic of Rusty and Bentley sleeping together

 

[aiw]

They're so cute!!! A little matching pair.

I'm really not an expert but I have a couple ideas. Have you considered changing his name and the 'come' command to 'here'? Maybe those associations with those words are really strong and scary. He might respond better to new words, of course with lots of treats so he expects good things when he hears it. Also, I've read on a blog somewhere that rescues slow 'scarfers' by putting a large object in the bowl with the food so they have to slow down and move it around a little to get it all. The other thing I've heard is people portioning the kibble into a couple muffin tins. The humping and the leash I have NO idea. Good luck with this little guy!

 

[momtolabs]

So, without getting into the how & why, I ended up with a second dog (Rusty) which happens to be my current dogs (Bentley) brother and littermate. They didn't grow up together and this is the first time they have been together since separated from their mother (they are a year old). Things are going well. They get along great with each other and really seem to enjoy each others company.

The issues I'm having are with Rusty. He came to me intact (this will be taken care of in a couple weeks), skittish, VERY submissive and fearful. I'm pretty sure the person I got him from hit and yelled at him. And I know for sure he was pretty much locked in a cage aside from potty breaks for the last year. So I did expect some issues, I'm just not to sure how to deal with them.

Issue 1) Anytime we try to call him to us (in a normal voice), he cowers and wont move from where he is. He does the same thing when we approach him, no matter what the situation is, he cowers and gets as close to the ground as possible, rolls over and submits. But as soon as we pick him up, he is fine and happy and affectionate as if nothing is wrong. Any loud noises, he runs. Anyone yells for any reason (never at him), he cowers or runs and hides.
Is this something we have to work with him on (I've never had a skittish, fearful dog) or should we just ignore it and hope he gets over it?
You need to build up his trust. When you say his name treat him.

Issue 2) He is trying to hump Bentley a lot. Mostly when they are playing. However he doesn't seem to do it to other dogs. Just Bentley. The problem is there's only one thing that Bentley doesn't tolerate from other dogs, and that's being humped. He hates it and always has. I know that this is a normal behavior and it will probably stop (or mostly) once I get him neutered, but is there a reason why he only does it to his brother?

To me it sounds like excited humping. When he does it say "no hump" or a different word. Or you can simply remove him and have him calm down a bit.

Issue 3) He was never really walked on a leash before I got him. So he doesn't like it very much. He will walk with a Flexi as long as I don't lock it at any time. If I lock it, he freaks out and starts thrashing around trying to get away. This makes things difficult for those times when it's necessary to have it locked. When I try to walk him using a normal 5/6ft leash, he refuses to move or just pulls trying to get out of his harness and get away. Not sure how to work on this one. I've tried walking him on his own and with Bentley. Results are the same either way.
Have him drag a leash in the house and get used to it. Then start picking it up, have him eat with it on, take him out to potty on it.

Issue 4) I can't seem to get him to slow down when eating. He's just like a vacuum. As soon as the bowl hits the floor, his face is in there and it's all gone within seconds. I have been hand feeding him the last couple days to slow him down, but I don't want to always have to do that. He also doesn't chew his food. He just inhales and swallows it. The vet checked his teeth, and aside from some plaque, they are healthy, so I know it's not the teeth bothering him. With 4 other dogs in the house he came from, I'm sure he had to compete for food (they all ate together) which would explain why he eats so fast. But is there a way to get him to slow down and chew? I do separate him and Bentley when they are eating. So there's no competition for him at all here.

Get a slow down bowl or try a cookie sheet.

Aside from all that he really is a great dog. He is super affectionate and always wants to be with us (or on us lol). He has taken the big change generally very well. It's just the few issues above that I would like to get under control if possible.


Here's a pic of Rusty

And a pic of Rusty and Bentley sleeping together

He is really cute

Forgot to add with the eating- with Tank if I am not in a hurry I just give him little amounts at a time, so while he eats fast, he is not getting to much at one time.

 

[dagwall]

So, without getting into the how & why, I ended up with a second dog (Rusty) which happens to be my current dogs (Bentley) brother and littermate. They didn't grow up together and this is the first time they have been together since separated from their mother (they are a year old). Things are going well. They get along great with each other and really seem to enjoy each others company.

The issues I'm having are with Rusty. He came to me intact (this will be taken care of in a couple weeks), skittish, VERY submissive and fearful. I'm pretty sure the person I got him from hit and yelled at him. And I know for sure he was pretty much locked in a cage aside from potty breaks for the last year. So I did expect some issues, I'm just not to sure how to deal with them.

Issue 1) Anytime we try to call him to us (in a normal voice), he cowers and wont move from where he is. He does the same thing when we approach him, no matter what the situation is, he cowers and gets as close to the ground as possible, rolls over and submits. But as soon as we pick him up, he is fine and happy and affectionate as if nothing is wrong. Any loud noises, he runs. Anyone yells for any reason (never at him), he cowers or runs and hides.
Is this something we have to work with him on (I've never had a skittish, fearful dog) or should we just ignore it and hope he gets over it?

I agree with aiw, he might benefit from a name change giving him a whole new start in a new home. If he wasn't treated very well in his previous home and his name or come was followed with unfavorable events those words are 'scary.' How long has he been with you now? Some of this fearfulness may resolve with time and a good environment but I'd suggest not forcing anything. Let him come to you for affection/attention.

Issue 2) He is trying to hump Bentley a lot. Mostly when they are playing. However he doesn't seem to do it to other dogs. Just Bentley. The problem is there's only one thing that Bentley doesn't tolerate from other dogs, and that's being humped. He hates it and always has. I know that this is a normal behavior and it will probably stop (or mostly) once I get him neutered, but is there a reason why he only does it to his brother?

It probably is a matter of over excitement but do NOT think that having him fixed is a magical answer that will stop this, it probably won't. You need to step in and stop him, give him a short time out then let him return to play. Continue with the time outs and after a few repeats play time ends completely. He'll learn humping = play time stops and eventually stop on his own if you are consistent enough.

Issue 3) He was never really walked on a leash before I got him. So he doesn't like it very much. He will walk with a Flexi as long as I don't lock it at any time. If I lock it, he freaks out and starts thrashing around trying to get away. This makes things difficult for those times when it's necessary to have it locked. When I try to walk him using a normal 5/6ft leash, he refuses to move or just pulls trying to get out of his harness and get away. Not sure how to work on this one. I've tried walking him on his own and with Bentley. Results are the same either way.

I agree with having him drag a leash around the house for awhile, he'll get used to it in time. If you have a fenced back yard you can practice walking in the yard as well.

Issue 4) I can't seem to get him to slow down when eating. He's just like a vacuum. As soon as the bowl hits the floor, his face is in there and it's all gone within seconds. I have been hand feeding him the last couple days to slow him down, but I don't want to always have to do that. He also doesn't chew his food. He just inhales and swallows it. The vet checked his teeth, and aside from some plaque, they are healthy, so I know it's not the teeth bothering him. With 4 other dogs in the house he came from, I'm sure he had to compete for food (they all ate together) which would explain why he eats so fast. But is there a way to get him to slow down and chew? I do separate him and Bentley when they are eating. So there's no competition for him at all here.

Use a slow feed bowl or a dispensing toy for meals to slow him down. I have a scarfer and even the slow feed bowl doesn't slow him down much but it helps, 2.5 years with no 'threat' to his food ever and he still scarfs like crazy. That's just who he is.

Aside from all that he really is a great dog. He is super affectionate and always wants to be with us (or on us lol). He has taken the big change generally very well. It's just the few issues above that I would like to get under control if possible.

My answers in bold.

 

[Shakespaw]

How long has he been with you?

I've had some similar issues with our new dog, Jameson, who we also acquired rather suddenly and unexpectedly. We have no idea as to his background (he basically showed up in our backyard and we took him in), but he's extremely, extremely fearful and tentative. There have been a few indicators that he was probably treated pretty harshly, and that someone probably tried to train him using a choke collar in a pretty intense way (the one thing he's reacted aggressively to is the sight of a choke collar - it's the only time he's growled or snapped at us - and he's extremely sensitive about his neck in general).

It's been a few weeks now, and I can tell you that first and foremost, with a fearful dog, patience is key. We spent a lot of time sitting on the floor with him, feeding him treats whenever he came near us voluntarily, and trying not to go after him or intimidate him. He doesn't like to be touched, so we left him alone and didn't really try to pet him for the first couple of weeks. He's come around a lot, and while he clearly still doesn't like to be touched, he no longer runs away and gets that wide-eyed terrified look when we go near him (he just sort of pulls away a bit). Slow and steady, and let him come to you voluntarily. You've got to build up trust and make him feel like he's in a safe place.

I would also recommend having him walk around the house dragging a leash. It gives you a couple of advantages - he will get used to having it on, and you also don't have to call him to you, if the come command frightens him - just pick up the end of the leash and go.

We also started working with a trainer and doing some gentle, simple training, and that seems to be helping a lot - according to the trainer, it gives him more confidence, and helps him to feel more comfortable and bonded with us.

Also, try a kong or similar treat dispensing toy for his food. Pack it with alternating layers of kibble and wet food (or peanut butter or something) to keep the kibble "cemented" inside. It will also help him burn off some energy, which can be good for the anxiety.

Good luck!

 

[sassafras]

Pip was like that when he first came home. He had been a stray, and I'm sure he had just learned that people are unreliable (at best). I know I've told this story a million times, but we stopped using any cue resembling "come" or "come here" altogether at first. Since he loved squeaky toys, we used a squeaky for his recall cue (and sometimes for the reward, too) at first (we had a great trainer who let us use it in class). We transitioned to a whistle (which to this day is the cue he responds best to) and then eventually re-introduced the words.

I would also mark and reward any inclination of his to look at you or move towards you on his own, indoors and out, and practice rewarding heavily for attention in response to his name. He's young and it won't take him long to learn that you consistently mean good things happen.

 

[Abbylynn]

I really do not have much to add .... just that I think it is wonderful that you have the two Brothers! They are cute as anything!!! I sooo enjoyed having Leeo and Blu Boy together. It was a world of fun for all of us!

Good luck with your Boys!

 

[tirluc]

So, without getting into the how & why, I ended up with a second dog (Rusty) which happens to be my current dogs (Bentley) brother and littermate. They didn't grow up together and this is the first time they have been together since separated from their mother (they are a year old). Things are going well. They get along great with each other and really seem to enjoy each others company.

The issues I'm having are with Rusty. He came to me intact (this will be taken care of in a couple weeks), skittish, VERY submissive and fearful. I'm pretty sure the person I got him from hit and yelled at him. And I know for sure he was pretty much locked in a cage aside from potty breaks for the last year. So I did expect some issues, I'm just not to sure how to deal with them.

Issue 1) Anytime we try to call him to us (in a normal voice), he cowers and wont move from where he is. He does the same thing when we approach him, no matter what the situation is, he cowers and gets as close to the ground as possible, rolls over and submits. But as soon as we pick him up, he is fine and happy and affectionate as if nothing is wrong. Any loud noises, he runs. Anyone yells for any reason (never at him), he cowers or runs and hides.
Is this something we have to work with him on (I've never had a skittish, fearful dog) or should we just ignore it and hope he gets over it?

i agree w/ the other 2 on this (name change and treats) and also, just casually walk by and drop a treat at times so he starts thinking of you approach as something good

Issue 2) He is trying to hump Bentley a lot. Mostly when they are playing. However he doesn't seem to do it to other dogs. Just Bentley. The problem is there's only one thing that Bentley doesn't tolerate from other dogs, and that's being humped. He hates it and always has. I know that this is a normal behavior and it will probably stop (or mostly) once I get him neutered, but is there a reason why he only does it to his brother?

again, agree w/ the others.....sounds like excitement that can be trained out....Bentley might even do that himself if he doesn't like it but this can result in a fight so not really recommended to let happen

Issue 3) He was never really walked on a leash before I got him. So he doesn't like it very much. He will walk with a Flexi as long as I don't lock it at any time. If I lock it, he freaks out and starts thrashing around trying to get away. This makes things difficult for those times when it's necessary to have it locked. When I try to walk him using a normal 5/6ft leash, he refuses to move or just pulls trying to get out of his harness and get away. Not sure how to work on this one. I've tried walking him on his own and with Bentley. Results are the same either way.

you could, also, try treats w/ your walking.....i had one that this worked wonders on....just kept the treats in front of their nose while waling

Issue 4) I can't seem to get him to slow down when eating. He's just like a vacuum. As soon as the bowl hits the floor, his face is in there and it's all gone within seconds. I have been hand feeding him the last couple days to slow him down, but I don't want to always have to do that. He also doesn't chew his food. He just inhales and swallows it. The vet checked his teeth, and aside from some plaque, they are healthy, so I know it's not the teeth bothering him. With 4 other dogs in the house he came from, I'm sure he had to compete for food (they all ate together) which would explain why he eats so fast. But is there a way to get him to slow down and chew? I do separate him and Bentley when they are eating. So there's no competition for him at all here.

if you don't want to get the special bowl you can use spoons bigger rocks (ones he can't swallow), anything that he has to work around

Aside from all that he really is a great dog. He is super affectionate and always wants to be with us (or on us lol). He has taken the big change generally very well. It's just the few issues above that I would like to get under control if possible.

my answers in italics

 

[chubby]

They are so adorable, you are so lucky! And he is very lucky to have you!!! The advice above is great I particularly like the name changing, and not using the word 'Come'.

You can also try to read "The Other End of the Leash", and it will help you gain some perspective and awareness on how the way you move, speak, interact can affect the dog's emotions and thought processes. The one thing I know from that book that helps me greet stranger dogs is that you should never confront a dog head on/directly with intense eye contact, or towering over him (Which is easy to do without realizing it because you are much taller than he) as it could be deemed as pretty intimidating for the little guy! Instead, kneel, and turn sideways, and let him come to you that way. Dogs also really appreciate a calm, relaxed aura, so try to keep your energy level positive and if you're stressed out from a hard day, go for a run, or do something relaxing before trying any training or bonding with your dog. My dogs have always gravitated towards my father who is more of the 'strong silent type', because he doesn't get overly emotional around them, and he's just super calm and level headed, and they love that about him.

When you approach him, try not to look him in the eyes until you built up on the training of "watch me" where it becomes a training tool, and be wary of giving him 'hugs', as this kind of embrace is actually a little threatening to the dog, unless you can train him with treats to at tolerate, and even enjoy embraces.

For recall command, always remember that making higher pitch, excited sounds, and running AWAY from the dog will work much more than facing the dog and asking him to come to you. Teach him his new name, and clap your hands happily, while moving away from him. He will naturally want to follow you and when he reaches you, praise and treat. Eventually you can wean off having to do that, once he learns the hand signal and verbal cue for the recall.

In terms of humping, he really needs to burn off that excess energy, and you also need to set boundaries for the rules of the house. When he starts to get really excited in play, make sure to intervene and give them play breaks, and if you catch him humping, interrupt with a sound or clapping.

I think with some time, and after the neuter, and PLENTY of exercise and mental stimulation, he will start to gain more and more confidence and trust in you