husky700 Posted September 27, 2013 Share Posted September 27, 2013 (edited) Hello, my name is Joseph and I recently adopted a 7month Female husky. I apologise in advance for the lengthy read. Husky's background. She was raised with both her parents her entire until they were both sold a week or so ago to a breeder. Prior to this the owner said she was very playful and friendly with their kids. When i visited her 2 days ago, the owner told me she had been home alone in the backyard for 2 days and at the time she seemed really frightened and did not respond to the owner's call, though I am not sure if this was because I was around. She was constantly hiding in a thick bush in the corner of the yard and would run/refuse to move when the owner approached to get her out. He got her out several times but she would just run back into the bushes as soon as he let her go. She kept her head down the entire time and looked incredibly frightened. I agreed to take her in as the owner's were moving to Perth soon and I wanted to help her. I spend several moments with her before I tried to walk her to my car but she refused to move so we picked her up and placed her in my car. She has not had any formal training. She has only socialised with her parents, owners and their kids. Situation at home. During the 40 minute car trip home, she lay flat across the back seat and did not look up or at me even though I'd call her name and checked up on her during red traffic light stops. When we arrived home I sat in the back with her for an hour before I put a collar and leash on her and to get her out. She refused to move and so i eventually had to carry her in my backyard. The previous owners never let her into their house so i thought it would be a good idea to keep her in my yard before I introduce her inside. As soon as i placed her down in a 1.5X3m empty wood shed which i had prepared earlier, she bolted and ran along the fence and tried to squeeze through a small gap under our house. I did not chase when she bolted as i knew our fences were secure and paved with concrete. After i grabbed her lead and carried her back to the shed, i grabbed another lead and attached it to the one already on her and tied it to a pole besides the shed. I assume she has never been tied down before and do not plan to keep her tied up but I do not yet trust her. My fences are secure with concrete bases but I've read they are very smart and will figure a way to get out given time. Situation with me. For the past 2 days I have spent several periods of up to an hour just sitting nearby her, both inside and outside the shed and unsuccessfully tried to get her to approach my with the use of treats. She keeps her head tucked into the corner and tries to crawl under boxes whenever I am around. These are old boxes I have kept from before and did not think it'd be an issue. I have tried moving the boxes once but it resulted in her just curled up in the corner and looked extremely frightened so I decided to leave the boxes. The reason i have not gotten her a kennel is because the previous owner said she refused to stay one. I can hear her moving quickly to hide under the boxes every time i open my backdoor. I leave a trail of treats to get her outside of the shed when I am not around and it seems to work. She is eating very little which i assume is normal at this stage and does go to the toilet outside the shed. She never growls, whine or makes any other noises ever. What I am thinking of doing next. I am thinking of getting an Aerial Dog Run so she can explore more of the yard in her own time. I do not plan on letting her run free until she has a good relationship with my family. I have performed a few google searches on how to approach this situation but have noticed some contradictory tips, eg. some say i should show her affection whilst others have said not show sympathy (hugging/cuddling). The general consensus seems to be give them time to adapt. I am sure over time she will adapt to her surroundings but how do i get her to adapt to my family. I realistically cannot more than 3 hours everyday in the yard holding treats and waiting for her to approach me because i have other things to do. My parents both work till late so they can't dedicate more than an hour trying to bond with her. I would love to take her on runs with me but she is no where near ready yet. I do plan on getting professional training once I build a solid relationship with her. What specific actions should I be taking? Thank you for taking time to read my lengthy post. I welcome all positive feedback and advice. Edited September 27, 2013 by husky700 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Nekhbet Posted September 27, 2013 Share Posted September 27, 2013 The best thing you can do at the moment is leave her be. That is very severe behavior from a dog that young, keep her confined somewhere safe but do not tether her as if she panics she can severely injure herself. Frankly I would just put her food bowl in there and leave her be, put a low radio, comfy bed, a couple of toys and bones until she adjusts. It will depend on what you want from the dog but I've had a couple this bad and I have not trusted them long term off lead, etc. I suggest after a period of adjustment and the dog gets used to being home get a behaviorist in and see what can be done with the dog long term. Weigh up if you have the time and what expectations you have with the dog. If you want a friendly, well socialised family pet that will not happen over night and if the behavior is genetic, you will always have to manage the dog and be limited. I know to some people it probably sounds harsh but I would have not taken the dog at all or would return it. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RuralPug Posted September 27, 2013 Share Posted September 27, 2013 Firstly, thank you for the detailed history. I can understand that you really want to do the best thing by this puppy. I fear that this puppy has never left the yard in which she was born, and was very dependent on her parents. When they were sold, before she had a chance to cope with that blow she was taken away from the only world she had ever known. Hence her terror. I am sorry to say that I do not think she will ever be happy as an only dog in the household. Her best chance is with an experienced rehabilitator who can oversee her living with other well-socialised dogs and is available many hours a day to demonstrate non-threatening human/canine interaction. Sadly, places like that are very difficult to find. I honestly think that for you to attempt rehabilitation yourself would take a superhuman effort (by yourself and all other family members at home) and from your description of family circumstances that is simply not possible. No discredit to you at all, but I don't think you can provide this puppy with quality of life, nor does she suit your own needs. I truly regret not being able to offer encouraging advice in this situation. I would dearly love to be proved wrong. There is a very slight possibility that she could feel safe with other dogs. If you were able to arrange a visit from a well-socialised dog or dogs and observe her reactions for signs of relaxation or curiosity that would be positive. Several positive visits/interactions with other well-socialised dogs would open up the possibility of successful rehoming in a multi-dog household with experienced owners. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cosmolo Posted September 27, 2013 Share Posted September 27, 2013 Absolutely agree with the above two posts. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
persephone Posted September 27, 2013 Share Posted September 27, 2013 Aahh Joseph .. you were being kind , but kindness may not be enough here. You have had sound postings here from very experienced professionals already .. This little 'wild dog' may never be a confident and happy girl ... She is very unhappy at present ..and this could go on for quite a while yet . It is, of course your decision, if this is how you want to spend your free time , trying to work on this pup .. Tell me ... is this pup vaccinated at all ? if she isn't there is a big risk she will contract some nasty disease ... What a sad situation for you. My only real advice is to contact a trusted professional ( and here on DOGZONLINE we have several professional members in Vic who could assist you ).. let them see the girl and the situation themselves , and allow yourself to trust their recommendations, Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
megan_ Posted September 27, 2013 Share Posted September 27, 2013 Whatever course of action you decide to take, the kindest thing at the moment is to give her space. People will say "take her out to socialise her" but, at the moment, that will increase her fear. Let her be, carry on life as normal, feed her without fuss. Trying to take a fearful dog for a walk or cuddle them isn't helping in "dog terms". I have a puppy farm rescue dog that took about a month to even come close to me. She spent the first few days outside (even with the back door open and in a storm) due to her fear of people. It has been a very long, hard, and - to be perfectly blunt - expensive road to rehabilitate her. I thought that time + love + dedication was enough, but I was wrong. Don't get me wrong - I love her to bits. She is a happy, funny girl who brings me much joy and who now enjoys life 99% of the time. However, she can't go to an off leash park (too much excitement/stuff going on mean she'll fight any rude dog approaching her), and I can't just have friends pop over (she needs to be crated first, long before they knock on the door). Exercise is limited to certain times and places because large crowds/screaming kids/rude dogs are too much for her to handle. I love her and she will always have a home with me. When she goes I will be devastated. But, I will never, ever, ever adopt a fearful dog again. I simply don't have the nerves for it (we're both worriers, so I'm really not the best owner for her). As a relatively inexperienced owner, I'll stick with happy, confident, "do you want to be my friend" dogs - they are right for me and I'm right for them. I'd suggest getting a true professional to assess her (not someone who advertises themselves as a Dog Whisperer in Gumtree, or anyone who tells you that "socialization" will fix her.). Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
husky700 Posted September 27, 2013 Author Share Posted September 27, 2013 Hey everyone, thanks for your reply, I have just spoken to a fellow husky owner at petbarn and she advised me of some groups I can seek help/advice from. I am going to be optimistic and give this dog a chance before i give her up. I genuinely enjoy the company of dogs. My cousins has two small dogs which i have a very good bond with as I look after them when they are on holiday. I will ask to borrow them over the weekends and see how that goes. I will keep you guys updated. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kirislin Posted September 27, 2013 Share Posted September 27, 2013 No advice from me but what a sad story this is. Poor little pup must be absolutely terrified, all she's ever known has suddenly gone and the foolish breeder never bothered to put the time and effort into socialising her. I wish you good luck with her. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
persephone Posted September 27, 2013 Share Posted September 27, 2013 (edited) My cousins has two small dogs which i have a very good bond with as I look after them when they are on holiday. I will ask to borrow them over the weekends and see how that goes. unless you have written proof that this dog is up-to-date with vaccinations , it is very unwise to expose other dogs to her . There needs to be a 'quarantine' period, to make sure she is healthy ... Personally I think it is unwise to bring in dogs anyhow ..too early yet . .. Edited September 27, 2013 by persephone Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BlackJaq Posted September 27, 2013 Share Posted September 27, 2013 Unfortunately I don't have any useful advice for you either but I am keeping everything crossed for you that she will open up to you and become a happy dog once again. Sadly some dogs like this never do come good but some can eventually lead a fairly normal life at home and with their family at least... Good luck to both of you! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Steph M Posted September 28, 2013 Share Posted September 28, 2013 My cousins has two small dogs which i have a very good bond with as I look after them when they are on holiday. I will ask to borrow them over the weekends and see how that goes. unless you have written proof that this dog is up-to-date with vaccinations , it is very unwise to expose other dogs to her . There needs to be a 'quarantine' period, to make sure she is healthy ... Personally I think it is unwise to bring in dogs anyhow ..too early yet . .. I would also wonder about bringing smaller dogs into her space. Given she may not have met smaller dogs that could be problematic. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Steph M Posted September 28, 2013 Share Posted September 28, 2013 What an awful situation. I do have to say though if the time comes where you simply can not keep her, please please please seek advice from a reputable rescue or breed club. I would hate to see this poor love damaged further in a different home. I do hope you can make it work though. She is young and hopefully resilient. :) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
huski Posted September 30, 2013 Share Posted September 30, 2013 I would definitely recommend getting professional help ASAP, have the dog assessed by a reputable behaviorist to take the guess work out of the equation so you 1) know exactly what you are dealing with and 2) can get honest advice as to how much will be required to improve her behavior. Anything else now is just a guess and could help or hinder her progress. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
husky700 Posted October 8, 2013 Author Share Posted October 8, 2013 Update! I would like to thank everyone for their kind words and advice. After reading everyones post and taking everything into consideration, I sought out other husky owners and talked to them about how they treat their companion and what they thought of my scenario. First thing i did was remove all her hiding spots and held her by my side in her shed for 1-2hours for 3 days in a row. She now follows me into the shed every time. She is a lot better now and often follows me around the back yard without much prompt. The result from introducing her to a lot of my friends and family is that she no longer hides from people. I have walked her around my area a couple of times and find she gets easily distracted by other people and loud noises. She often just stops and refuses to move until the person has passed or refuses to go past loud construction areas so I have been walking her early morning and late nights and also get her to sit with me in my front yard whilst I do my work so she can get used to strangers passing by. Her personality is still shy and timid but she doesn't bark or howl to disrupt my neighbours or destroy my garden which is good. I have spent countless hours sitting in her shed doing my work next to her, comforted her through stormy nights and given her my absolute patience. I am happy with my efforts and believe we have taken a small step forward. I am looking into getting some proper training in the following weeks. I would like to thank everyone again for taking time to provide their words of wisdom. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
persephone Posted October 8, 2013 Share Posted October 8, 2013 I'm so glad you gave us an update . You've been working very hard! :) She has made progress .. just now be very very choosy with who you get to help with training . Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BlackJaq Posted October 8, 2013 Share Posted October 8, 2013 Wow what a great update! It is good to her that she has improved so rapidly, makes me wonder in what kind of isolation she was kept in before as she has obviously started to become attached to you fairly quickly and is even out and about walking without completely shutting down? Good on you for sticking with her! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rebanne Posted October 9, 2013 Share Posted October 9, 2013 Wonderful progress. To me this suggests she has a good baseline temperament and while she may never be as good as she could have been if she had been raised properly, you will most likely still end up with a good companion. Just take your time and as persephone said, be very careful which trainers you use. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gertrude139 Posted October 9, 2013 Share Posted October 9, 2013 That sounds like great progress! Well done and thank you for helping her. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RuralPug Posted October 16, 2013 Share Posted October 16, 2013 Wow! That is a lot of progress in a fairly short time, congratulations for making the time to do that and doing it so well! Please ensure that your chosen trainer uses gentle methods, preferably mainly positive methods. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RuralPug Posted October 16, 2013 Share Posted October 16, 2013 (edited) Sorry - the double post imp strikes again. Edited October 16, 2013 by RuralPug Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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