Help with a Rescued Dog

[Longrange****]

Ok guys, I found a puppy in a not so good of an area where I work. Because of the people I deal with on a regular basis, especially in the area that I found her I WILL NOT be looking for the original owner of her. There has been no attempt to report her missing by anyone either.

Ok, First off I took her to a Vet right away. He thought that she was fairly healthy regarding the area I found her (he was very familiar with the area I found her also). Anyway she appeared to have been on her own for a quite a while and down to skin and bones. She was also covered in ticks and fleas. She had parasites but came up negative for lime Disease.

Problem is that I KNOW she was abused....she immediately urinates as soon as you reach down to pet her, from me, the wife and even the kids. I have always had purebreds and got them directly from the breeder so they were never beat. Im trying everything I can and being very gentle with her but we dont seem to be making headway although it has only been 3 weeks since I found her.

Another issue, since she has more than likely starved her entire life she doesnt even chew her food...I mean it takes her literally 10-15 seconds to down an entire bowl of food. She is passively defensive of the food bowl by trying to lean over and crowd my hand out when I reach in...although she doesnt get aggressive. But she does get aggressive toward my Jack Russel if she gets near her when she is eating. (she is surprisingly aggressive for a puppy with the food toward my other dog, especially since she is only 12 weeks old)

On a positive note, she is starting to figure out what a toy is by watching my other dog. When I brought her home from work she just didnt want anything to do with them. She is starting to slowly gain an understanding of potty training and is actually starting to act like a puppy should instead of just laying in a corner trying to hide like when I first got her.

She also never leaves your side, she is always right there with the kids or the wife. If you stop moving she just curls up and gets comfy till you move. I really think she is going to be a good dog.

I have looked and think that she is a "Red Nosed American PitBull Terrier" and something else maybe, But at this point I really think she may not be a mut.

I have looked online and really cant find a good answer for these issues...

 

[MidwestPX]

Re: Help with a Rescued Dog

My in-laws take in abused dogs and it takes time, patience, compassion and above all, love. I could write a small book about what they've done (and they are saints in my eyes) for those animals.

Your dogs are going to make this alot easier for her because they'll show her what to do and that you and your family aren't something to fear. My in-laws latest rescue is from a former puppy mill. She's a purebred viszla just over two years old. They have another purebred viszla that they suspect was also a puppy mill dog and is a few years old, can't say for certain. At any rate, Eva, the older viszla is completely rehabilitated after two years in their care. Zsa Zsa, the younger viszla has been with them for a year now and has shown incredible progress. When I first met her, she ran out of the room when I came in. Three months later, she would keep an eye on me but stay put. Six months in, she would let me sit on the couch with her. After a full year, she lets me pet her. This is the kind of recovery you're likely in for.

Zsa Zsa still has issues with where to go do her business and has daily accidents in the house though they have successfully crate trained her (when she first came to them, she wasn't). I suspect this will be an issue they deal with for quite some time.

I wish I could say this will be easy but honestly, it's going to be an uphill battle as you undo the damage that some oxygen-wasting asshats have done. Be patient, kind, understanding, and loving.

 

[lazy21]

Re: Help with a Rescued Dog

she looks like shes made herself @ home

 

[High Binder]

Re: Help with a Rescued Dog

Cute dog for sure but with the dogs breed and suspected history I'd be hesitant to keep her being that you have a young one. Might consider giving her to another family sans kids that will nurture her as you do prior to her completely imprinting on you. Either way, props on the great rescue!

 

[AK10mm]

Re: Help with a Rescued Dog

It sounds like you are doing the right thing,it takes time with an abused dog,sounds like she has abandonment issues too and needs to be around someone she trusts.She is also going to keep that person or persons on a tight leash so to speak,and will not like being left alone.

 

[Longrange****]

Re: Help with a Rescued Dog

I used to think the same thing that some breeds have a tendency for certain things....but after the research I think I have come to a different conclusion. Trust me when I research something I tend to go WAY over board with it.

You can train most dogs to do what you want...hell, I trained a Jack Russel to be NON-hyper...

 

[Longrange****]

Re: Help with a Rescued Dog

Oh yea....and she is definitely starting to make herself at home....My Daughters chair is her favorite spot...its kind of funny, the rug rat is completely ok with it too, she just sits on the floor next to her....

I guess the wife just told me that she isnt following around near as bad anymore, instead of having to be within a few feet of you she just needs to be able to hear you or be in the same room.

 

[smokshwn]

Re: Help with a Rescued Dog

firm consistent gentleness.....Really no tricks, no discipline for the first year or so, just correction with ....you guessed it....firm consistent gentleness.

 

[Redmanss]

Re: Help with a Rescued Dog

I have a relative with a rescue dog that was abused as a puppy too. She is still very hesitant/aggressive around strangers but is absolutely loyal to her owners, and is now about 8yrs old. They were just patient and gentle with her, like everyone else already suggested, but still firm.

Like any dog, only time will tell what she will be like, but I'm sure you already know that. Good on you for the rescue.

As for the breed type, there is DNA testing that can be done to figure that one out if your curiosity is eating away at you. Costs around $200 for the blood draw type, and is the kind my vet recommends due to its greater accuracy and report. See your vet.

 

[Phylodog]

Re: Help with a Rescued Dog

It took Phylo three weeks to come out from hiding if I was in the house after I found him and brought him home.

He had obviously been mistreated by a man as he didn't have near the problem with my wife that he had with me. It took me 45 minutes to coax him into the car when I first found him and he wouldn't look at me. He was skin and bones and took a crap in the backseat of my car on the way home. It barely had any odor to it because it consisted of pine cones and needles which his body wouldn't digest. Not sure how long he had been on his own but a couple of days for sure.

He's ten years old now and tied for first place as the best dog I've ever had. He's still pretty cowardly and afraid of cameras or anything you point in his direction but he is full of love and literally lays his head against my chest to give me a hug almost every day. He's been wonderful to have around both of my kids and everyone in the family (extended) loves him.

Rescue dogs, once they get a chance to stabilize and trust their environment, seem to remember what you did for them and tend to make the best companions. We have four and all were rescued in one way or another.

 

[Longrange****]

Re: Help with a Rescued Dog

Phylo....since your dog was obviously scavenging, how long did it take for him to stop....This little one is continuously searching the ground for any little ant or bug she can find as well as leaves or anything else she thinks might be edible....

She gained the lost weight back in a very surprising short amount of time....the middle picture was after about a week of regular feeding and you can still see her ribs a little.

Thanks for the info guys....I know its going to take time and I expected it.

So how does this DNA thing work? I mean do they have a huge bank of DNA info for different breeds? I have nothing to compare hers to......Not that I can really afford to get it done just to say I know exactly what breed she is....

 

[Phylodog]

Re: Help with a Rescued Dog

I don't remember seeing him scavenge but he did eat several couch pillows, a couple of shoes and the legs on a dining room table, lol. I bought him a section of a femur from a cow (sold at the pet stores) and he never chewed anything he wasn't supposed to again. Still chews the shit out of them to this day.

 

[REELDOC]

Re: Help with a Rescued Dog

Longrange, I've done some rescue. A couple things you might consider........
1. Try not petting it or initiating affection for a while. Let the pup come to you for affection. See if the peeing is from the happiness to see you or the fact it is scared that you are going to hit it rather than pet it when it comes to you. You may be unknowingly be encouraging the peeing just by showing affection when you bend over to pet it.
2. When you pet it don't bring your hand down from above. Kinda kneel down and bring your hand from below its head and up, or from the side. I do this to the pup I just got also.
3. I've found that there can be a lot of issues going on at the same time and you have to address them one at a time.
4. Any food aggression with you or anyone else, passive or active, MUST be addressed immediately. Food aggression with your other dog is natural in the pup's condition because it thinks it is competing for food. Its easy to fix by feeding them one at a time outdoors, or both at a time in separate rooms for now. Any food aggression with you MUST be broken because it may transfer to your kids and wife. I've seen some nasty results of food aggression.
5. Be very careful with the pup that being that near your youngest child as shown in the pic. You don't know this pup yet, it was on its own and not straight from its litter like with kennels where it didn't have to grow up to be a big dog in a crappy world. I know they look fine together but if your kid was to roll over or do anything that might cause the pup to get startled he may just latch on to her face or grab an arm or hand. I would keep them physically by a few feet (out of arms reach) separated for another few weeks and not be left alone together.
6. Don't worry about eating the food whole without chewing. I've never had a puppy or rescue yet that didn't. They know when something is big enough that they have to chew it.
7. Make sure it has its own toys.

I'm not a pro trainer but these are tid bits that I've learned along the way. Right now we're dealing with a snipping/biting 17 week old pup. I've for the most part broken it from doing it to me but Chicken Lady is having it rough and will have til she makes up her mind to use some physical activity to stop it.

 

[Redmanss]

Re: Help with a Rescued Dog

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: longrange****</div><div class="ubbcode-body">So how does this DNA thing work? I mean do they have a huge bank of DNA info for different breeds? I have nothing to compare hers to......Not that I can really afford to get it done just to say I know exactly what breed she is....</div></div> Basically yes, they are able to tell the difference breed to breed by the DNA, and if I remember right will even give you a percentage of dominance of a certain breed too. Most folks will do it to satisfy their curiosity, but it also has the benefit in helping predict/diagnose problems that are breed specific too. You can google it and come up with a few references, but I'd recommend speaking with your vet on who they may recommend.

 

[AXEMAN]

Re: Help with a Rescued Dog

good deal man. thats a sweet looking puppy. be careful, but also its afraid of adults it sounds like. she will be your kids best buddy i would imagine. good job keeping it too. they all need love and the pure and pedigreed always find a home easier than the scared. last two akita i took in would only poke their heads in the door and stay out in the back yard for quite some time. id talk to them and they would warm up and start to let you love them. they get it.

 

[Switchblade]

Re: Help with a Rescued Dog

That pup is still young enough to imprint on the family as well as figure out it's rightful place.
POSITIVE REINFORCEMENT Training ONLY for this one. It needs to be given a little leeway so it can regain it's confidance and lose the fear that has been partially ingrained. This can be done with careful positive reinforcement training. Calm voices work best. Let her come to you and do this at her pace. She has to know that her new environment is safe, and hers. She will come around and learn that this is her family and will act accordingly.
Blue Buffalo Puppy Chow will give her all the proper nourishment in the most natural food. Wellness, and Gold are also top shelf dog chows as well.
Look for a breed specific book so you can get a better handle on the specifics of her inate behaviors when they come out after she regains her confidance, it will also give you a littl ebetter idea on how she should respond to training.
Good luck

 

[Switchblade]

Re: Help with a Rescued Dog

ps, looks like a very smart dog with strong will by that last photo so she will be a handful when she figures things out

 

[Sumpter Steve]

Re: Help with a Rescued Dog

Like Switch said use Positive Reinforcement only on her. Be patient and loving and you will get it all back tenfold (never yell or spank her). You will see her come out of her shell in time. She's a cutie.

 

[Spazz.]

Re: Help with a Rescued Dog

It takes time with rescues, there are no shortcuts. The urination doesn't necessarily mean the dog is scared - dogs don't "pee their pants" like people do. The dog is showing submission to the higher members of her pack (you guys) by way of urination, and it's somewhat common (more common in females). You can confuse a dog by letting her initiate contact with you; in packs the alphas are the ones who will let the lower canines know when attention is okay. You may try holding your hand out to initiate the affection, then let her come to you. Gently stroke her side, not her head or back, and rub without petting her. You're basically trying to let her know that she doesn't have to show submissiveness to you by way of peeing on your floor. Keep working with her.

Your whole family needs to be consistent. She's young and will be eager to please and learn new things before very long at all. Start with simple commands like "sit." Hold a treat in front of her, then move it upwards so that she has to sit back on her haunches to see it. Just before she touches the ground, say, "sit," and when she does sit give her the treat immediately. By consequence, the signal for sit will become moving your hand upward from your hip to your shoulder, and she will learn both the vocal and non-vocal command to sit.

Dogs, especially puppies, love activity, stimulation, and they love to please the ones who are higher in their packs. This will help her feel like she's a part of your family as fast as anything else will. Be sure to give her plenty of positive and gently playtime, and only train for about 10 minutes at a time per 45 minutes at most. Any more can frustrate the dog.

Good luck, and congrats on the new family member!

 

[KYS]

Re: Help with a Rescued Dog

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Shot In The Dark</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Cute dog for sure but with the dogs breed and suspected history I'd be hesitant to keep her being that you have a young one. Might consider giving her to another family sans kids that will nurture her as you do prior to her completely imprinting on you. Either way, props on the great rescue! </div></div>

Why does it matter what the breed is? That is the most ignorant thing I have heard in awhile. Your saying because the OP thinks it might be part pitbull that its a bad breed?

I say bullshit on that. First off, that puppy might have a little pitbull but not much. Secondly, my dog is a red nose pitbull that is 4 years old an 98 pounds. He could kill someone in the blink of an eye, has he ever hurt anyone? NO. In fact he is the most affectionate dog I have ever met, especially with children. Do pitbulls love humans, yes. Do they dislike other dogs, yes. That is their aggression, with other animals not people. I have seen a 2 year old stand in front of my dog while pulling his ears and poking him in the face, hugging him and jumping on his back just stand still and take it. Why, because he loves people and he will do whatever you want him to. So for you to say she is a bad breed and to take her back because the OP has a young child is just uneducated slander of the breed.

A pitbull is an excellent dog when treated with care and respect. I got mine from a guy that had been cruel to him. But I rescued him so to speak and he has been the best dog I have ever had. He even protects my pregnant wife. When I leave the house he follows her room to room and stays at her feet or sleep next to her. If someone besides me gets close to her he stand over her. Their history has nothing to do with their future if you work with them. Dogs remember repetition, work with them and they will unlearn their past.

 

[High Binder]

Re: Help with a Rescued Dog

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: KYshooter338$</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Shot In The Dark</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Cute dog for sure but with the dogs breed and suspected history I'd be hesitant to keep her being that you have a young one. Might consider giving her to another family sans kids that will nurture her as you do prior to her completely imprinting on you. Either way, props on the great rescue! </div></div>

Why does it matter what the breed is? That is the most ignorant thing I have heard in awhile. Your saying because the OP thinks it might be part pitbull that its a bad breed?

I say bullshit on that. First off, that puppy might have a little pitbull but not much. Secondly, my dog is a red nose pitbull that is 4 years old an 98 pounds. He could kill someone in the blink of an eye, has he ever hurt anyone? NO. In fact he is the most affectionate dog I have ever met, especially with children. Do pitbulls love humans, yes. Do they dislike other dogs, yes. That is their aggression, with other animals not people. I have seen a 2 year old stand in front of my dog while pulling his ears and poking him in the face, hugging him and jumping on his back just stand still and take it. Why, because he loves people and he will do whatever you want him to. So for you to say she is a bad breed and to take her back because the OP has a young child is just uneducated slander of the breed.

A pitbull is an excellent dog when treated with care and respect. I got mine from a guy that had been cruel to him. But I rescued him so to speak and he has been the best dog I have ever had. He even protects my pregnant wife. When I leave the house he follows her room to room and stays at her feet or sleep next to her. If someone besides me gets close to her he stand over her. Their history has nothing to do with their future if you work with them. Dogs remember repetition, work with them and they will unlearn their past. </div></div>

You said it yourself here: "A pitbull is an excellent dog <span style="text-decoration: underline">when treated with care and respect</span>" while this dog is now treated that way it's anyone's guess as to how he was treated before. The breed's personality doesn't matter so much as it's ability to cause harm to a little one, (OP has a daughter) however the breed does matter in so much as this ones ability to crush things with a very powerful jaw vs. a dog like a cocker that isn't. Thus the breed does matter.

You also said, "they will unlearn their past" Well how long does that take? Surly it takes more than a day to unlearn their past so in-effect you have a traumatized dog on your hands for that span of time which lets speculate takes at least a few months, thus you have a traumatized, i.e. subject to act out of line dog on your hands and around your kids for a few months which is not a safe position to be in.

You also said, " That is the most ignorant thing I have heard in awhile." do you really think my position to be ignorant? The safety a child around a dog whose past is unknown... Really?

 

[smokshwn]

Re: Help with a Rescued Dog

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Shot In The Dark</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: KYshooter338$</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Shot In The Dark</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Cute dog for sure but with the dogs breed and suspected history I'd be hesitant to keep her being that you have a young one. Might consider giving her to another family sans kids that will nurture her as you do prior to her completely imprinting on you. Either way, props on the great rescue! </div></div>

Why does it matter what the breed is? That is the most ignorant thing I have heard in awhile. Your saying because the OP thinks it might be part pitbull that its a bad breed?

I say bullshit on that. First off, that puppy might have a little pitbull but not much. Secondly, my dog is a red nose pitbull that is 4 years old an 98 pounds. He could kill someone in the blink of an eye, has he ever hurt anyone? NO. In fact he is the most affectionate dog I have ever met, especially with children. Do pitbulls love humans, yes. Do they dislike other dogs, yes. That is their aggression, with other animals not people. I have seen a 2 year old stand in front of my dog while pulling his ears and poking him in the face, hugging him and jumping on his back just stand still and take it. Why, because he loves people and he will do whatever you want him to. So for you to say she is a bad breed and to take her back because the OP has a young child is just uneducated slander of the breed.

A pitbull is an excellent dog when treated with care and respect. I got mine from a guy that had been cruel to him. But I rescued him so to speak and he has been the best dog I have ever had. He even protects my pregnant wife. When I leave the house he follows her room to room and stays at her feet or sleep next to her. If someone besides me gets close to her he stand over her. Their history has nothing to do with their future if you work with them. Dogs remember repetition, work with them and they will unlearn their past. </div></div>

You said it yourself here: "A pitbull is an excellent dog <span style="text-decoration: underline">when treated with care and respect</span>" while this dog is now treated that way it's anyone's guess as to how he was treated before. The breed's personality doesn't matter so much as it's ability to cause harm to a little one, (OP has a daughter) however the breed does matter in so much as this ones ability to crush things with a very powerful jaw vs. a dog like a cocker that isn't. Thus the breed does matter.

You also said, "they will unlearn their past" Well how long does that take? Surly it takes more than a day to unlearn their past so in-effect you have a traumatized dog on your hands for that span of time which lets speculate takes at least a few months, thus you have a traumatized, i.e. subject to act out of line dog on your hands and around your kids for a few months which is not a safe position to be in.

You also said, " That is the most ignorant thing I have heard in awhile." do you really think my position to be ignorant? The safety a child around a dog whose past is unknown... Really? </div></div>

SITD,

Don't get too spun up around the axle over KY Jelly's comments. They are usually a failed attempt at being the badass he wishes he was. As you can see here he usually only succeeds in being a dumbass.

FWIW, that dog has every potential to be a great pup, but yes care should be taken around the little ones....as with any dog.

 

[Spazz.]

Re: Help with a Rescued Dog

Never leave any dog around unattended children who are unable to physically separate themselves from the dog. There's a good rule of thumb for ya.

 

[High Binder]

Re: Help with a Rescued Dog

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: smokshwn</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Shot In The Dark</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: KYshooter338$</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Shot In The Dark</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Cute dog for sure but with the dogs breed and suspected history I'd be hesitant to keep her being that you have a young one. Might consider giving her to another family sans kids that will nurture her as you do prior to her completely imprinting on you. Either way, props on the great rescue! </div></div>

Why does it matter what the breed is? That is the most ignorant thing I have heard in awhile. Your saying because the OP thinks it might be part pitbull that its a bad breed?

I say bullshit on that. First off, that puppy might have a little pitbull but not much. Secondly, my dog is a red nose pitbull that is 4 years old an 98 pounds. He could kill someone in the blink of an eye, has he ever hurt anyone? NO. In fact he is the most affectionate dog I have ever met, especially with children. Do pitbulls love humans, yes. Do they dislike other dogs, yes. That is their aggression, with other animals not people. I have seen a 2 year old stand in front of my dog while pulling his ears and poking him in the face, hugging him and jumping on his back just stand still and take it. Why, because he loves people and he will do whatever you want him to. So for you to say she is a bad breed and to take her back because the OP has a young child is just uneducated slander of the breed.

A pitbull is an excellent dog when treated with care and respect. I got mine from a guy that had been cruel to him. But I rescued him so to speak and he has been the best dog I have ever had. He even protects my pregnant wife. When I leave the house he follows her room to room and stays at her feet or sleep next to her. If someone besides me gets close to her he stand over her. Their history has nothing to do with their future if you work with them. Dogs remember repetition, work with them and they will unlearn their past. </div></div>

You said it yourself here: "A pitbull is an excellent dog <span style="text-decoration: underline">when treated with care and respect</span>" while this dog is now treated that way it's anyone's guess as to how he was treated before. The breed's personality doesn't matter so much as it's ability to cause harm to a little one, (OP has a daughter) however the breed does matter in so much as this ones ability to crush things with a very powerful jaw vs. a dog like a cocker that isn't. Thus the breed does matter.

You also said, "they will unlearn their past" Well how long does that take? Surly it takes more than a day to unlearn their past so in-effect you have a traumatized dog on your hands for that span of time which lets speculate takes at least a few months, thus you have a traumatized, i.e. subject to act out of line dog on your hands and around your kids for a few months which is not a safe position to be in.

You also said, " That is the most ignorant thing I have heard in awhile." do you really think my position to be ignorant? The safety a child around a dog whose past is unknown... Really? </div></div>

SITD,

Don't get too spun up around the axle over KY Jelly's comments. They are usually a failed attempt at being the badass he wishes he was. As you can see here he usually only succeeds in being a dumbass.

FWIW, that dog has every potential to be a great pup, but yes care should be taken around the little ones....as with any dog. </div></div>

Smoke you're right. I should know better than to jump into the pot while somebody is stirring. Glad to see that logic isn't totally dead (yet).

 

[KYS]

Re: Help with a Rescued Dog

I will agree that no dog should ever be left alone with a child, no matter the breed. I have raised a lot of puppies and my pitbull must be the exception to the rule of "deadly breed". He is a great dog and there are plenty out there just like him. There are bad apples of course but its all about how you raise them. As a puppy which Im guessing she is only a few months old you can break her bad habits and teach her how to be with your little girl. You will be fine, just be patient with the pup and she will grow into your teachings. Good luck with her and good for you that you gave her a better home.

I am expecting a baby in 2 weeks. With the supervision always present I will let him around the baby. He needs to get used to him. I have every confidence that he will be great with the baby as he grows up.

Im glad smokshwn likes to throw his banter in here when he has no clue what he is talking about. If you would like to dispute my comments bring something to light that is factual. Spare us from your useless banter.

 

[SniperCJ]

Re: Help with a Rescued Dog

longrange

Good on you for rescuing the pup. On the fast eating issue here's a suggestion: hand feed her for a while. Sit on the floor with her and YOU control the food bowl. Give her small amounts of food by hand and make her slow down. You can also use this time for a little positive reinforcement training. Have/help her sit, and when she does give her a pet and another handfull of food.

Good luck. I think her issues can be resolved.

 

[KYS]

Re: Help with a Rescued Dog

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: SniperCJ</div><div class="ubbcode-body">longrange

Good on you for rescuing the pup. On the fast eating issue here's a suggestion: hand feed her for a while. Sit on the floor with her and YOU control the food bowl. Give her small amounts of food by hand and make her slow down. You can also use this time for a little positive reinforcement training. Have/help her sit, and when she does give her a pet and another handfull of food.

Good luck. I think her issues can be resolved. </div></div>

Good advice right there.

 

[High Binder]

Re: Help with a Rescued Dog

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: SniperCJ</div><div class="ubbcode-body">longrange

Good on you for rescuing the pup. On the fast eating issue here's a suggestion: hand feed her for a while. Sit on the floor with her and YOU control the food bowl. Give her small amounts of food by hand and make her slow down. You can also use this time for a little positive reinforcement training. Have/help her sit, and when she does give her a pet and another handfull of food.

Good luck. I think her issues can be resolved. </div></div>

That's a really good idea! It not only shows them that they can trust you but also shows them that you are in-effect somewhat alpha.

 

[KYS]

Re: Help with a Rescued Dog

This may sound hard on you at first but it will make her bond quickly. Try sleeping with the puppy in the bed or on the couch. She will soon take comfort in you being around her.

 

[ufgators68]

Re: Help with a Rescued Dog

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: SniperCJ</div><div class="ubbcode-body">longrange

Good on you for rescuing the pup. On the fast eating issue here's a suggestion: hand feed her for a while. Sit on the floor with her and YOU control the food bowl. Give her small amounts of food by hand and make her slow down. You can also use this time for a little positive reinforcement training. Have/help her sit, and when she does give her a pet and another handfull of food.

Good luck. I think her issues can be resolved. </div></div>

I was just about to post that. Works almost every time.

We recently took in a stray and she's slowly coming out of her shell. She still cowers down at first but when she sees you're not going to hit her, she gets all excited. We may have to put up a taller fence. She can jump, from standing still, higher than fence is.

 

[Longrange****]

Re: Help with a Rescued Dog

Wow....thanks for the info guys...

She is really starting to settle in with every day that goes buy....I havent been too concerned with her being around the kids but yes she is never left unattended....she really is the most gentle puppy I have ever seen....she refuses to even open her mouth or nibble even the slightest bit. She seams to deal with anything the kids dish out or I dish out...Ive been doing the typical puppy training...gently pulling her hair, ears, feet, tail and such and takes it like you arent even doing it.

From what you guys are saying about the urinating thing...she is doing it out of excitement, she will do it when I come home from work or when the wife gets up in the morning....that little tale is going nuts and I swear she tries to urinate outside a minimum of 5-10 times to get the praise. She really has lost alot of the fear she had on day one, she just dies to be next to you, the wife was saying that she loves to lay on your feet when you are sitting down now and follows the kids around the house.

In fact she was so mellow I was concerned something was wrong with her till I talked to a friend that has had pits his entire life and said that he has had some that are just that mellow.

She doesnt have near as much anxiety anymore, she used to get upset if you left to the other end of the house thats gated and she couldnt follow...but has seemed to stop it.

I think I have started to fix the food issue....I figured she is always acting like she is starving, I figured...well I might be in for a mess but lets see how much she will really eat if I kept the bowl full....well it worked. She only ate what I considered a feeding portion. In fact she actually lied down a couple feet from the food bowl and watched my other dog eat without even lifting her head, no aggression...not even a little. Maybe it was a fear of availability or something I dont know. But as I look over to the food bowl is half full and she hasent touched it. She has learned that my other dog is alpha to her and seems to be ok with it and will let her eat first.

 

[Longrange****]

Re: Help with a Rescued Dog

The wife has been hand feeing her for the last few days like you had suggested and it has slowed her down alot.

She is fairly young so I think we got to her before she was too imprinted.

REELDOC.....

1.Good point, I think its a little of both. She does urinate when I get home even when from accross the room. She is kept in the bathroom with a baby gate (its the only place thats not carpeted) and we dont have an issue of her coming to us for affection but does still flinch.
2. Very good point, I didnt think of that, Ill pass that on to the wife and kids.
3.Ill start trying to deal with one thing at a time...
4.Working on this one immediately...
5.We are watching her very close but at this point she doesnt react negatively at all to the kids, I know things can change so we are watching and not leaving them unattended.
6. Got it....
7. Got it....

 

[AXEMAN]

Re: Help with a Rescued Dog

i keep my dogs bowls full all the time and they never over eat. glad she is doing better