Whats worse child abuse or dog abuse?

I adopted a Dachshund-Chihuahua about a year ago! He was abused as well....when we got him, he had cigarette burns all over his face...disgusting isn't it? I went through the EXACT same stuff with my dog.

Peeing, screetching in fear, hiding...etc. What really helped our dog build his self-esteem was hand-feeding. I literally laid on the floor, not looking at him, and offered him food in my hand. For a long time, he would take a huge mouthful and run under the table to eat it.

Then he started eating right from my hand. Then he got comfortable with praise and he would wag his tail a bit. We then were able to start teaching him his name.

We had trouble because normally, what I would do is say the dogs name with a treat in front of his face, then pull the treat up to my eye. But he was not comfortable looking at me. So I would just say his name and treat him.

Once we got to that point, I then taught him how to sit. At first, I just kept treats in my pocket and waited until he sat at any point. Then I would immediately say "Sit" and give him a treat.

So then I would start just practicing the "sit" command with him once I thought he learned it. Obedience training is a great way to build confidence. You may want to try different types of toys to entice him.

Sqeaking might scare him, but you could try editable bones, ropes, or balls. Don't be discouraged though, mine was scared to play at first too. And even for a while, he would tentatively pick something up and if I looked at him, he'd drop it and roll onto his back.

The key is to NOT force her into anything. If she seems uncomfortable or is not ready for whatever you're trying to teach her, just ignore her. Be sure to ALWAYS ignore all submissive behavior.

Do not even acknowledge it. If she pees, just clean it up. Don't look or speak to her.

Let her come at her own pace. Reward her for confident behavior such as coming over to you, making eye contact, accepting a treat or a pet...etc. Also be sure she always has a safe place to retreat. My dog's crate has been invaluable to the training process.

He feels safe in there. He will sometimes just go in and chew a bone. Just allow her to hide when she wants to, but if I were you, I would encourage her to hide in her crate if at all possible.

I'm sure she can probably fit a lot of small places, but I preferred to shut doors to rooms upstairs to encourage him to retreat to his crate as needed. He knows we won't bother him there. Do not chase her, call for her or bug her.

Just give her space. She will learn to trust you. Yes, it will take time, but she WANTS to trust you and please you.

Right now, she thinks that her submissive behavior is pleasing to you. You just have to convince her that there is nothing to be afraid of. Try to figure out what all triggers her fright and avoid it at all costs.

I know sometimes you have to talk loudly or accidentally slam a door, but be sure to just ignore it and act like nothing happened. You'll never know what exactly she's been through, (you probably wouldn't want to know) but you can help her adjust by letting her figure things out on her own. Hand-feeding will be helpful, but again, don't push her to fast.

She will come around...my dog has turned into a surprisingly friendly and lovable dog. I have had him for almost a year now, and it's hard to imagine how he was at first. He didn't wag his tail for about the first 4 months or so, but now, he truly is one of the happiest little guys I've ever seen.

I can honestly tell how thankful and happy he is to be safe and loved. Just take your time and work at her pace. It takes patience and I know at times it can be frustrating, but the reward will be amazing.

:) Best of luck!

Just take it slowly. It takes time for a fearful dog to get over such fear. I would suggest instead of approaching her you should let her approach you.

Sit down on the floor so you're closer to her level and don't look her in the eye. Just let her come to you and sniff you. Do this on a regular basis and you'll find her confidence growing.

Works for stray or feral cats too.

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