ThatCanadianViking
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Blue here, hes a reacue. Hes amazing with me and my girlfriend. Still very skittish.
He gets on amazing with Otis. Otis is 4 blue is about to be 1
They are beautiful
My advice request is how do you socialize a skittish doh from a terible situation? Do you just keep making him uncomfortable around people? Is there a trick you might have? There are no aggression issues with blue or anything like that. I just feel so bad hes so scared of most people.
VaultGirl69
I have PTSD and also had a shy dog. Just love, patience, and rewards. If he's not coming to you but sees the other dog getting affection and treats, he'll eventually risk it. Same with your friends. Try for a few months and see if there's any progress. And progress will be slow.
Ricdesan
She is such a cutie whatever it takes to make her comfortable! I salute you!
Niloc129
Just give him time. My trainer told me putting them in a social situation is like taking someone who’s scared of snakes and throwing them in a snake pit! That made sense to me. It just takes time. After he warms up to you, then introduce, slowly, social situations
snafu999
I have a slightly different approach. Have a friend come over and totally blank your reactive dog - don't look at him, don't speak to him, just ignore him entirely. Let your dog watch from wherever he feels safe. Let him decide when to initiate contact - he'll gain clues from Blue and the way Blue feels happy to meet your friend. Just don't rush it, it might take a while
ThatCanadianViking
Ive gotten so much advice tonight. Thank you i have some things to try and read. I appreciate those who have reached out
ruint
my totally nonprofessional opinion is to get him high on a suitable dose of anise (dognip)
IcarusMaker
Bit by bit let the dog dictate the grounds ensure the meeting place is neutral and patience lots of patience
gassyclover
Go places and just hang out. Let him sniff. Don’t allow people/dogs to interact with him - this is his time to observe and learn. You can bring treats but I find it gets excitement and we don’t want adrenaline, we want calm. >
gassyclover
With people, I would ask friends for a 15 min visit for a structured game.
The game is: person has treats, Blue shows any Interest In person, person throws treat away, Blue chases treat. Repeat when Blue turns back to person. The point is that Blue learns that interest in person means release of social pressure and he gets to chase a treat. May help if you play this game first so he understands it, the chasing treat and orientation part before social pressure.
Good luck, beautiful pups ❤️
Jamesstin
Do you get on the dogs level? Like will you roll on the ground to play and greet dogs? Some people won't but dogs that are raised with owners like that are just different. They're more friendly and confident
onecowboytoo
It takes time. You have to get them completely used to you and the house members and then you can start introducing other people. 1/2
onecowboytoo
You can go to the dog park and let them run around and see if they want to go up to new people, or have people try to give the dog a treat.
TheChunguskaEvent
Otis is going to teach him a LOT of things. Even before you put Blue in contact with new people, if Otis has some human friends who can come over and give Otis some good attention and maybe some treats. Let Blue watch Otis enjoying an interaction and signaling that it's safe, and decide for himself if he wants in on it. If not, that's ok. If so, he can also get some gentle attention and treats.
ThatCanadianViking
Oh otis has learned him a lot. Shitty part is Otis loves LOVES smack pets you know where instead of bs you kinda smack s bit? It fucks blue up. So its a win lose.
kojitaru
Start slow and at a distance, then work your way up as he gets comfortable. It can be as simple as sitting on a driveway so he gets used to people walking by, or driving to the quieter end of a parking lot and letting him take in the vehicles and people coming and going. And so remember that rewards don’t have to be food. If he loves a particular toy or game, that’s a totally viable way to show him he’s done well
NeverShaveYourDuck
What a handsome couple of fellas!
Nimitz007
Perhaps this book. https://www.patriciamcconnell.com/store/product/the-cautious-canine Mind rest of author's books are great as well.
todaytomorrowwillbeyesterday
Let him acclimate into your home 1st with just the inhabitants. Animals as well. My cat is from Belise & acted (still does) very skittish. For the 1st 7 months, Salsa hid from just me. Live by self. Slowly he started becoming playful. He just needed to know this is his forever home. It may take a couple years depending on Blues' prior situation. Home 1st. Then slowly introduce him to ONE at a time...
sadurdaynight
Desensitization training. You slowly get them into more and more social situations. Have a person over that's new. Then, after they used to it, have several people over. It takes time, b/c the dog isn't certain how long a situation is lasting, esp if they've been rehomed a lot when younger. During the social situation, you just act normal. Talk to your guest(s), entertain. Don't make a big deal about forcing the dog to come out. Ask folks to give the dog distance if it wants it. The dog picks 1/
sadurdaynight
up on how you act around other people, so if you're laid back and have fun the dog realizes it's not a problem. If the dog has a favorite toy, you can bring it out and squeak it to see if they come out. Some dogs can get distracted with play time. Working class dogs are easy to do with this; anyone throwing a ball is their best friend. Like with people, it takes time for a dog to build trust and then to extend it to new people./
Herperchick
Ours was a rescue whose previous owner was up for abuse, and he definitely beat the dogs he had including ours who was a tiny puppy when we got him. We had to first get him ok with a leash, put peanut butter on it and walked away from it. We kept a routine to take him to the vet every two weeks for nail trims, we still wound up putting him on Prozac because he is still easily frightened at home, but he's doing much better. Lots of patience, love, and kindness.
Herperchick
Ours might be a bit more extreme, he can still have issues at home.
Maybe get her a vest or bandana that says something like "friendly, but scared" so people know to go gently.
sometimesidontevenknowwhyibother
Check out the book Positive Training for Aggressive and Reactive Dogs: Proven Techniques to Help Your Dog Overcome Fear and Anxiety by Annie Phenix. An excellent book, and if you can afford it, you may want to engage with a CPDT-KA certified trainer.
jaxomdad
This.
sometimesidontevenknowwhyibother
Also, Decoding Your Dog by the American College of Veterinary Behaviorists can really help to understand why your dog does what he does
ThatCanadianViking
I will look at that one too. Thank you
ThatCanadianViking
Im going to look into that book ty. No aggression from this boy bit the fear and anxiety bit is what he has. Thank you
sometimesidontevenknowwhyibother
That's awesome, no shade here. Aggressive and reactive behaviors are often caused by the same things. I've got a 9wk old puppy sitting next to me (finally run down enough for him to chill) that I'm using 100% positive training techniques detailed in the above. How to be positive when he wants to eat the rabbit poop in the backyard, I haven't figured out yet.
reverendbonobo
Find people he's comfortable with and spend a lot of time around them. My skittish dog was afraid of everything, until I found a few people and dogs he was comfortable with, so we made sure to see them as much as possible. This made him less nervous around other dogs and people, and we gradually increased his exposure.
ThatCanadianViking
I am open to all and any advice. Such a good dog and i want him to be more comfortable. But this being my first time doing a rescue (how could you not) skittish but very calm so long as other people arent around
MultiFacets
My recommendation is to find a local animal behaviorist who can rehabilitate dogs. Try asking vets, dog trainers, rescues and shelters if they can recommend anyone. If they use positive reinforcement and gentle desensitization methods, all the better. None of that Cesar Milan "domination is key, make horrible noises at dogs when they mess up" bullshit, all right? That will only instill more fear in your dog. (Source: I work for a dog trainer.)
louisepostismyspiritanimal
We have a few rescues from bad environments. We had success with two particularly bad cases. 1: don’t expect change to happen overnight. You can’t wipe away a year of bad experiences in a week or a month or even a year. 2: do everything you can to avoid any negative situation. Iffy? Don’t chance it. You’re building up a log of good experiences to change the odds in your dog’s mind. Tailor meetups and interactions to over indulge your dog, at least at first.
louisepostismyspiritanimal
Message me if you ever want to talk through anything. It’s hard and it takes a long time. There’s a reason the rough rescues aren’t for everyone (and there is zero shame in that!!)
Knifesmith
There is an entire veterinary specialty/board certification dedicated to behavior. As each animal and their situation is different, as a veterinarian, I couldn't possibly make any sort of accurate assessment based on a few short descriptive sentences. Like others here, I have my suspicions, but you really need to talk to a qualified person who can ask you the right questions and observe the patient. https://www.dacvb.org/
LollieCom
I really love some of the great advice here, (hetherweaversmagic and replies to mention a few) and I would just like to add that I'm kinda skittish with strangers myself and one additional option is you might just respect it, at least for a while. Mr. Oswalt (Rusky toy) prefers to be in an adjacent room, except for certain people he really likes, and he'll come in all delighted they're here... I just let him do him.
LollieCom
Forgive me, I'm a fountain of UNsolicited advice... My sister had a bad ankle break because her dogs were under her feet. I wanted to prevent that, or hurting my dogs and I have. When I accidentally step on their foot, I don't apologize even tho I want to, instead I say, "Look out!" Even if they just walk too close to my feet, I push them with my foot, "Look out!" And that's why when I'm carrying groceries in, I don't have to worry about stepping on dogs under my feet. "Look out!" works.
MMX2019
What we found to work with our dog: When he moves into a behaviour that is unwanted for a situation we draw his attention to us by a) blocking his view to his point of interest and b) asking a command of him (this can be as easy as asking him to look at us) and give him a treat for completing it. You want the tastiest treats for these situations :D
Example: If we come across a dog he really doesn't like on a walk, we go to the side of the road, let him sit and look at us, then look-treat-repeat
MMX2019
That way, he started to learn that in situations, where he is unsure what to do, he started to look at us for guidance on what to do. When we give him a simple command there (sit/lie down etc...) it is starting to be enough. Sitting still and focusing on you can be hard for a dog when there are lots of distractions around, don't underestimate that ^^
YesImADogPerson
Start slow and reward in situations where he does good. If he is food motivated try to refocus when he gets blocked or scared. Nose is a powerful tool for dogs, so it can help him associate people with something good as a yummy treat
YesImADogPerson
Always wait to do this until he is totally used to all that is around him, like you, Otis, your rutine and the house
KingDD83
Haven't read all the comments, so not sure if someone else mentioned, but some stores (in the US, I assume there are some in Canada too) are dog friendly which can be a good way to socialize when he's a bit further on, lots of people, noise, and activity. For now, since you say you don't have people that can come to your house, you can do parks or even store parking lots. Somewhere with space so he'll be able to see people but you can control how close of an interaction he has.
ThatCanadianViking
I have the odd person come over. My parents sometimes the inlaws. Ive taken him into work ona day off. I am trying to socialize him but he dont want none of that lol. I do appreciate your input. I am gunna start taking him to the local dog park too. Hes great with dogs ao i hadnt considered that as a socializing opportunity
sekanna
Find one person who is willing to help you and have them come over daily for a week and play with him (may take a moment for this to start), but once he's comfortable with that person have them come every other day. The dog should start being happy to see that person. Copious treats aren't a bad idea either. Next start having another person come with the first one. Once he is used to both start having different people come with the first one.
ThatCanadianViking
When i started the foster he hated me and now loves me(it was 2 days for that) . Hes great around my girlfriend who comes over sporadically. He cant get used to my 13 year old who lives with me. But loves my roomate whos been here 3 months. I understand the skittish may never go away though
sekanna
Once he is used to these random people come over with his buddy start mixing up who is coming over. Now obviously this requires a lot of outside help but it should help him be used to other people. Biggest thing is to make sure they put time into interacting positively with him for a good chunk of the time to start.
ThatCanadianViking
Sad thing is, i dont have many people to come over. My parents or my girls parents. I am not a social being
sekanna
That's fair. Lots of treats from the kid should soften that situation. Get a long lasting chew (pigs ears are great) and when he is occupied have them sit next to the dog. Things that will take the dogs mind from it's anxiety. It's not an easy road but workable.
ThatCanadianViking
He likes his crate so i get my kid to sit on the couch next to him in the crate.
hetherweaversmagic
Take him into social situations and bring a bag of treats/kibble. Tell people you're socializing him, what his name is and when he responds to anyone positively, have them give him a treat. Also, when introducing him use a consistent command like "ok go say hi" or something like that.
simonsaysabunchofstuff
great answer
MyHusbandSaysTheDarndestThings
Walking over to whatever they are scared of and saying "it's alright, you're okay" to show them I am not scared has helped with mine!
Onebigcanuck
We had a skittish rescue that kind of loved only me. Good stuff in this comment thread, but wait to do this all AFTER the dog is fully acclimated to your home. Rule of threes, 3 days to relax, 3 weeks to feel at home, 3 months to feel comfortable with your routine. After 3 months, you can start introducing behavior training that takes it out of its comfort zone. It has to know it has a safe space first.
ConstantBitRate
I've watched this work. Seems to take some time though. A lady I know brings her rescue around our house from time to time, it's taken Bella (that's the dog) close to 6 months to be able to walk up to me and "say hello". (She's extra-scared of men, 3 guesses why *don'tgetmestarted*) But now, once Bella gets a good sniff/lick of my hand? The tail just GOES. Still skittish, but SO much better and happier than when we first met.
Kyrian
This. The dog having positive interactions with strangers (through them, not you, giving treats) is key to build confidence. Some dogs find safety in being able to carry with them a stuffed toy for a walk. This is also a good habit to prevent nipping and barking when they get excited - like when a visitor comes over. You can arrange training with a friend where when the door bell rings the dog learns to go to the toy basket and pick up a stuffed toy to bring to the door or to their bed.
TurkeySando
I feel the opposite. I work with my dog to acclimate her to new people. I do not have them give her treats, those come from me for calm behaviors. I do not want her approaching before she is ready and finding they don’t have a treat and now she is closer to them than she is comfortable with and result in a bite. This is likely dog dependent, sone dogs might be more willing to engage with strangers. I know mine requires a more cautious approach.
Vidikron
This is solid advice. I've intro'd hundreds of dogs. Do this but realize that in their turf (your home and yard) they can be protective. Being in a neutral spot they don't often frequent, allows for the training to be better received by them. Consistency and repetition is key. Switch up the locale to help desensitize their anxiety. Once you make progress away from home, work on the at home behavior. Good luck!
ThatCanadianViking
Hes not protective at all. Just anxious. Do you mean i should tske him to other peoples places (i would and have a bit he awesome for car rides)
Isthe4thtimethecharm
You really need to do both. Having different friends come over one at a time. Also, taking him to places with fewer people is better to start. Petsmart when they are not busy. But remember to only give treats when you see the behavior you want from him. Not to get him to stop being anxious. It may help to have the strangers to give treats also. Also, please give them both a hug once a day from me. Pitbulls are the best hugging dogs. The spot between the eyes is perfect kissing spot.
TacTheScribbler
Neutral places are best. Places that don't belong to any one dog or person. isthe4thtimethecharm has the right idea with places like PetSmart, when it's not busy. Maybe a park, as well, if there aren't too many people.
todaytomorrowwillbeyesterday
Good advice FOR LATER. Concentrate on making Blue comfy at home 1st
Vidikron
Yeah, being away from his home will diminish possible protective instincts. Helps take a variable out of the situation. Even if it's not being protective it might be a tendency to scurry off to a safe place. Out of their element has worked for both timid and aggressive dogs for us. Just south of 250 fosters through our home so far.
ThatCanadianViking
Honestly thats not something i had considered. Thank you, ive a couple friends i can bring him to.
wrincewind
total stab in the dark, but a neutral location (park, say) might be better - their home is going to smell like them, he might feel like he's intruding in their territory.
RocMage
This. Always, ALWAYS reward positive behavior and always, ALWAYS correct negative behavior. That doesn't mean you beat your dog, just that you let them know that is not what you want. A quick (gentle) holding of the snout works fine.
Masqueradr
Downvoted because again human behaviour is being used to control a dog. In a pack no dog is going to “hold the snout” of a dog that’s getting out of bounds.
I’m no dog expert but meaningful taps with the tip of your fingers to the sides (where the legs are) are more like a correction from another dog. That is what a dog can understand.
RocMage
You are no dog expert. https://www.telchines.it/muzzlegrab-2/
ThatCanadianViking
No no, none of that. This pup is missing a toe and has what looks like a burn spot on his leg. No way im gunna beat him. Hes been through enough. He was talen with 16 other dogs from a home where here was abused and neglected
Masqueradr
You still need to physically correct if it’s necessary. Not touching the dog can make the socialisation take way longer or not work at all. Dogs are correcting each other all the time. It could be that Otis will do the correction in some situations. Let that happen. Please don’t go overly softly with Blue because he had a bad past. Communicating his boundaries with him is also the interaction Blue needs.
Masqueradr
And yeah treats, treats, treats. For every damn little good action. You will get scoffed at for doing so but fuck those people. It can take 2-3 years depending on the breed but I swear to you the rewards in obedience and happiness and the bond between you and the dog will make the time worth it.
And go overboard with your emotions when you are awarding Blue. People will again think you are making a clown of yourself but fuck them again, you are doing that for Blue.
RocMage
Dude. I literally said you do not beat him. You do not strike him, you let him know that wasn't what you wanted. You can communicate with him without pain or fear, but you owe it to him to communicate.
ThatCanadianViking
You missunderstand. I am fully agreeing there. Was just saying his passed situation and its even more reason not to do any of that.
RocMage
Ah. Cool. Awesome. And thank you for caring for this lost soul. I'm sure he appreciates your kindness ).