Freddie is Romanian, he was unwanted and kept in an outside kennel with little human interaction for about the first year of his life and then dumped in a public shelter. He was rescued from there and a foster carer looked after and worked with him for around 5 months and then put him up for adoption for his forever home. I have had him 2 weeks. When he first arrived he was terrified, growling, snarling and snapping at people, when I went to collect him I bribed him with chicken and he was good travelling home in the car. It only took 3/4 days to toilet train him - smart dog - he loves a cuddle, pulls a bit on his harness but we are working on that. He's learnt sit, lie down, wait already. Sorry about the long winded post, I just wanted to give background.
My 2 major problems are,
1. he's snapping - putting harness on, taking harness off, drying feet with towel, cleaning bottom, cleaning eyes, I've never experienced this before. I realise it's most likely due to ill treatment and it's fear and mistrust rather than aggression. He's not biting hard, just mouthing really, a warning - get off! - I also realise it's something I need to handle quickly and correctly.
2. He starts crying, whining and kicking up in public if we stop walking and also barks and lunges at other dogs. I've been trying to get his attention and reward 'quiet'
I know it's really early days, but want to get started on the right track as soon as possible.
Advice please?
My 2 major problems are,
1. he's snapping - putting harness on, taking harness off, drying feet with towel, cleaning bottom, cleaning eyes, I've never experienced this before. I realise it's most likely due to ill treatment and it's fear and mistrust rather than aggression. He's not biting hard, just mouthing really, a warning - get off! - I also realise it's something I need to handle quickly and correctly.
2. He starts crying, whining and kicking up in public if we stop walking and also barks and lunges at other dogs. I've been trying to get his attention and reward 'quiet'
I know it's really early days, but want to get started on the right track as soon as possible.
Advice please?