Rescued a dog...and I need help....

Long story kinda short. DH and I weren't looking for a 3rd chihuahua but we went to Castaways in Port Jeff and what do you know, they got a chi in from a puppy mill raid in Utah. Poor thing was only 8 months old and terrified out of his mind. DH and I said let's fill out an application and leave it to chance (apparently alot of people wanted him). Fast foward to last Thursday (9/9) and we find out we're getting him. We go to Save A Pet on 9/11 to pick him up-he seems totally nervous still but understandably so. We bring him home-he is beyond petrified. As of today (9/15), he still won't come near us. I've tried giving him his space, I've tried picking him up (after he attempted to bite me) and nothing. He is just as terrified now as he was 5 days ago. I don't know what to do for puppy. I certainly don't want to give him back, he's been through so much in only 8 short months. I've contacted a dog behavioral therapist, but she has yet to return my calls. I just wanted to help this little guy out, and give him a good life, but I feel like he hates us and will never adjust. Any advice you can give us would be so appreciated. Thanks if you got this far.

Re: Rescued a dog...and I need help....

We adopted a pit mix at 5 months old who was obviously beaten and abused. He would not come near us an hid in a corner. That actually made me want him more. We took him home, and literally for weeks he would not come near us. We were able to get close enough to hook his leash to his collar and had to have a piece of lunch meat with us to coax him outside to walk him. We had to carry him into the car. We took him with us when we went to our families house. One day he just started coming up to us on his own and we were able to pet him without him being scared. Even now, 3 1/2 years later, he is still skiddish about some things. We can't bend over him or make sudden movements. But he is literally the best dog ever. I say your little guy just needs some time. Seriously just ignore him. He needs to gain trust in you, he's been through a lot. Interact only to feed him and take him outside. Good Luck!

Re: Rescued a dog...and I need help....

Thank you so much for your response, I do appreciate it. Taking puppy out was so traumatizing for him (i mean flailing into cabinets, crying and peeing) that I put down wee wee pads for him because it was that terrible. Now he's just kind of pacing around. I feel like I made a bad decision for him, but I fell like deep down I know I have to stick it out for him. We didn't even name him yet, because we can't tell what his personality is. This just makes me hate puppy mills even more

Re: Rescued a dog...and I need help....

maybe he needs a safe spot, like a crate. that way if he gets scared he can go there and hide.

I would contact the shelter and see if can recommend a trainer that can help you.

heres something from the ASPCA about puppy mill dogs. I hope this helps and good luck, you guys did a great thing saving him.

ASPCA Puppy Mill link

Re: Rescued a dog...and I need help....

Thank you so much. The ASPCA article was very helpful, it outlines and touches upon alot of issues I'm having right now. I just feel like he has a new lease on life, I want him to be able to start enjoying it right away. I hope puppy comes around soon..poor little guy...it is very disheartening, but thanks to everyone for your help!

ETA: I gave him a crate and put a bed in it, DH's shirt that he wore, and a blanket over it for him.

Message edited 9/15/2010 10:01:33 PM.

Re: Rescued a dog...and I need help....

That article is one of the best I've ever seen about bringing a submissive, fearful dog into your home. It really has absolutely everything you need to know and remember.

It's important not to pity him, because that doesn't help anyone. He's like a newborn baby, and has no associations for all the brand new things he's being exposed to. You should do your best to make all his new experiences as positive as possible, slowly increase his exposure to new things and not give him comfort when he's afraid.

Introduce things slowly, let him check them out in his own way and time, but don't let him run away from it or pick him up. It will require TONS of patience at first. But over time, it will lessen with consistency.

Keep in mind that it's completely worth it, and you will be an ambassador, bringing him into a wonderful world as a part of your family. He will learn to love you. He will learn that strong, confident people around him will make him feel secure. He will learn that he's in a pretty damn great situation, and the abuse of the past will fade.

I have a special place in my heart for dogs like yours. I've seen the rehabilitation of dogs like him on DogTown and Cesar Milan. It's hard, but rewarding. You're doing a great thing.

Re: Rescued a dog...and I need help....

I hope your puppy is starting to settle in. Feel free to FM me if you have any specific questions you need answered.

That article is great. Just maintain your "position in the pack" and try (though it may be hard) not to feel sorry for him. He's got great "parents" now. Give it time.

Re: Rescued a dog...and I need help....

Re: Rescued a dog...and I need help....

I agree with the above poster who said he might need a safe spot to call his own.

A neighbor of mine recently adopted a chi who was scared of everyone/everything, but no matter what, she walked that dog EVERYDAY. His tail would be between his legs. Now, months later, he walks with his head held high and tail up and looks like he is having a good time! If I see her within the next couple of days I will try to get some info from her

Re: Rescued a dog...and I need help....

Thank you again everyone for your help and input. I will definately be contacting the puppy mill people to see if they can offer any more advice! Puppy has a long road ahead...

Re: Rescued a dog...and I need help....

I think all he needs is time. I think he'll come around. I actually have a chi also and I do know that the breed tends to be fearful of strangers and just unsure of new people and things. I'm sure the puppy mill had a lot to do with socialization problems, but I'm sure it's something with the breed too. I can say that my chi is the most loving animal ever. She really came around since the first time we got her. I'm sure yours will come around too!