How to Train Dog Owners

[Bolts]

Dear Mentors,

I recently inherited a year oldish Female Pitbull Cross. When she first arrived her rib cage was poking out and her tail was tight between her legs. She is very timid. When approached she will run for the furtherist spot in her area and roll into a ball ( I'm not sure, but I think she actually closed her eyes a few times). She hasn't really barked since she's been here, but she does give a whine when I leave after feeding her. She wont approach her food until I'm well clear of it, which may not be a bad thing as I don't really like being jumped all over by a dog.

Her name is Missy.

My problem is, I don't know how to make her feel safe and secure around us. I would also like her to act and be a Pitbull.

Your Sincerely,

Liz

[Guest Biblicist]

Liz,

Congratulations on adopting a Pitbull, you are very brave! They are wonderful, unappreciated dogs. God bless you dear! If you could post photos of her I'd love to see them!

Where do you keep her? I have heard that the best way to bond with a dog is to feed it from your hand, sleep with it and generally keep it with you at all times. Not everyone wants a dog sleeping in their bed, but you can just put a crate or doggie bed in your room and that way she will get used to your noises and scent at night.

Don't try to show her affection when she is scared. This will reinforce her fear. Making her think that behaviour is OK. Wait for her to come to you. Sometimes you just have to sit there and wait for them to get curious about you and come to investigate. Dogs are as curious as cats are.

Be very careful around this dog. Scared dogs are more likely to attack if they feel threatened. I'd say, don't try anything alone. Have someone around to help if there is a problem.

My biggest piece of advise to you is to watch Cesar Millan on National Geographic Channel. He's very skilled, a professional, at dealing with extreme behaviour problems in dogs. He's helped me train many dogs. Let me know how things go.

Bibs

[Ddavid from NC]

Its apparent by breed and behavior this dog has probably been abused in some way. Biblicist gave good advice. I would add to that approach the dog with your hands lower than their face with palm open, speak in low voice reassuring them as you approach them. Once the dog trust you enough to allow you to hold them do so. A firm hug and lots of petting will bring trust. Control anyone else in contact with the dog, wrong approach will set you back. Time and consistency and avoiding any harsh tones during the adjustment period are important. As Biblicist said reinforce with hand feeding and treats, take calculated advances daily for progress.

[Bolts]

Liz,

Congratulations on adopting a Pitbull, you are very brave! They are wonderful, unappreciated dogs. God bless you dear! If you could post photos of her I'd love to see them!

I don't have any photos of her yet, but when I do, I'll definitely add them

Where do you keep her? I have heard that the best way to bond with a dog is to feed it from your hand, sleep with it and generally keep it with you at all times. Not everyone wants a dog sleeping in their bed, but you can just put a crate or doggie bed in your room and that way she will get used to your noises and scent at night.

She has a large area where she is kept at the back of the house. My brothers reckon I ought to leave her there so that she will get to know the difference between strangers and us. Otherwise she will befriend everyone and wont bark at strangers.

I like this idea of bonding. The only thing that concerns me is that I'll be back to work next week and I really don't want her crying all day for me - will my going back to work affect her badly? she's a very timid dog. Will she become dependent on me or am I humanising her too much?

Don't try to show her affection when she is scared. This will reinforce her fear. Making her think that behaviour is OK. Wait for her to come to you. Sometimes you just have to sit there and wait for them to get curious about you and come to investigate. Dogs are as curious as cats are.

Thank you for this. It is a really helpful piece of information.

Bib, your post has been really helpful. When do you think she should be taken for walks?

[traveller]

Dear DDavid and Bibs,

(Boy - did I want to say Dear Abby!)

OK - I have large Rhodesian Ridgeback and a small Border Collie. Both males. The Ridgeback is a fun loving adorable overgrown pup, though he's past his prime. The BC tries his best to irritate him. Normally the ridgeback ignores him - however - when a storm is brewing the Ridgeback comes unglued! When lightning and thunder nears, the Ridgeback will actually attack the little guy! They both want to be on the backporch when the storm comes - I guess becasue it's the closest to us. The little dog stays there in good weather, but during a storm the big guy wants that spot. They have a very nice solid house of their own to huddle in, but they'll sit out in the rain.

The rest of the time they tolerate each other or even play together. How do i keep the big dog from killing hte little one in a storm?

[Guest Biblicist]

If you can take her for walks, take her right now!! If the weather were nicer, I'd be walking my dogs an hour a day. But as it is, too cold, I don't walk in the bitter cold weather. Brrrrrrr!!!!

Dogs walk, it's how they become a pack. Fish swim, birds fly, dogs walk. It's in their nature. The sooner you begin walking her the sooner you will bond with her.

Do not worry about her not barking at strangers. Dogs will defend their pack, strangers do not belong to the pack, and therefore will be "scared" off. The closer she is to you, and her pack, the more she will defend the pack.

OOH, thank you so much for giving me the opportunity to help you with her. I miss helping people with their dogs.

[Ddavid from NC]

If you can take her for walks, take her right now!! If the weather were nicer, I'd be walking my dogs an hour a day. But as it is, too cold, I don't walk in the bitter cold weather. Brrrrrrr!!!!

Dogs walk, it's how they become a pack. Fish swim, birds fly, dogs walk. It's in their nature. The sooner you begin walking her the sooner you will bond with her.

Do not worry about her not barking at strangers. Dogs will defend their pack, strangers do not belong to the pack, and therefore will be "scared" off. The closer she is to you, and her pack, the more she will defend the pack.

OOH, thank you so much for giving me the opportunity to help you with her. I miss helping people with their dogs.

Bib, have you ever ran into a dog you couldn't mold?

[ladypeartree]

dear doggyabbys

I have a bichon that is 11 years old. until last year she lived happily with her mother outside ( they have a dog house within a shed and a 75 foot x 35 foot garden to run in ) Now mum is dead and she is on her own She is warm enough as she has a double duvet in her house but she is lonely as she has never been on her own before . I would love to bring her indoors BUT the reason they started to live outside is still there ...she cant stop wetting EVERYWHERE ..I have had over 35 dogs ( I used to home dogs for rescue organisations ) and this is the first I have failed to house train ...the vet says she just has a leaky bladder and nothing that can be done.

The other problem is that she is just SOOOO destructive. If she is left alone even for a very short time she destroys everything in sight ( and she can get out of any "secure" place like houdini) ...after three duvets and two mattresses 5 house doors, one leather settee, a tv, and more clothes than I can even begin to tell you were destroyed I gave up and banished her from being in the house. ...Any ideas

[Ddavid from NC]

dear doggyabbys

I have a bichon that is 11 years old. until last year she lived happily with her mother outside ( they have a dog house within a shed and a 75 foot x 35 foot garden to run in ) Now mum is dead and she is on her own She is warm enough as she has a double duvet in her house but she is lonely as she has never been on her own before . I would love to bring her indoors BUT the reason they started to live outside is still there ...she cant stop wetting EVERYWHERE ..I have had over 35 dogs ( I used to home dogs for rescue organisations ) and this is the first I have failed to house train ...the vet says she just has a leaky bladder and nothing that can be done.

The other problem is that she is just SOOOO destructive. If she is left alone even for a very short time she destroys everything in sight ( and she can get out of any "secure" place like houdini) ...after three duvets and two mattresses 5 house doors, one leather settee, a tv, and more clothes than I can even begin to tell you were destroyed I gave up and banished her from being in the house. ...Any ideas

Control your dogs roaming when you are not at home, either with a gate or kennel. Dogs destroy when they are bored and have free reign of the house. If the dog has a medical issue, the wetting may have to be tolerated. But controling the dogs roaming while you are not around or busy is an effective method usually. Strong correction when caught in the act will usually deter it and a kennel when not there.

[Guest Biblicist]

If you can take her for walks, take her right now!! If the weather were nicer, I'd be walking my dogs an hour a day. But as it is, too cold, I don't walk in the bitter cold weather. Brrrrrrr!!!!

Dogs walk, it's how they become a pack. Fish swim, birds fly, dogs walk. It's in their nature. The sooner you begin walking her the sooner you will bond with her.

Do not worry about her not barking at strangers. Dogs will defend their pack, strangers do not belong to the pack, and therefore will be "scared" off. The closer she is to you, and her pack, the more she will defend the pack.

OOH, thank you so much for giving me the opportunity to help you with her. I miss helping people with their dogs.

Bib, have you ever ran into a dog you couldn't mold?

Not yet, my friend.

I see in your profile you have a Rottie. LOVE THEM! We fostered one for a short time and "baby"sat my cousins. They are such big teddybears!