Seeking some help and advice for a severely abusd dog?

11 mnths ago I adopted a very badly abused dog from the pound. When I first got her she was totally emaciated-litterally skin and bones.I actually went to the pound b'cos I was looking for a German Sheppard (or a 'mans' dog) The last one I thought I would walk away with was a poodle cross! 4 some reason I saw her %26amp; jst felt we needed each other. She is my best friend in the world, but its been and continues to be VERY hard work!


She has never known love until I met her. Her previous owners had her for 10 months %26amp; had shown her only pain %26amp;suffering, severely abusing her, beating %26amp;kicking her, not feeding her. As a result she is phycalogically damaged. I hav been to 3 vets about her behaviour problems hoping for some assistance. They tell me that she is not sick, just needs training. We have been to obediance school.. nothing is working. She barks at dogs and people maliciously. she is afraid to be touched by any1 but me. I cant even walk her.


I guess I am just looking for some advice?

Seeking some help and advice for a severely abusd dog?
That is just horrible that that poor dog has suffered so much in her life. Your to be commended for saving her life and taking a chance on her. Now all you can do is love her, correct her gently when she makes me mistakes and give her time. She may never be 100 percent, she might be too damaged from her abuse but with love and love and lots of time she might get to the point where she can get beyond a lot of her issues. Please don't give up on her.She CAN heal!


Good Luck to you and again, your a good human being.
Reply:It takes time for you to be able to fis your baby, and it is possible that he might not be the same again. Just take your time with him, he is learning from you that not everybody is out there to abuse him. Good for you to adopt him!
Reply:Get a referral from your vet for an animal behaviorist. It's a little costly but they give you a lot of time and my experience was really good. I adopted a mix breed that I didn't know anything about and her behavior really had me stumped. The behaviorist was a life saver for us. GL and I hope all goes well for you and that poor baby. I'm glad she found you :)





ADDED:


I'm not trying to evaluate your dog. You need professional help for that. Seriously take her to a dog behaviorist. They don't cost THAT much and there's more going on here than simple things and it will be a huge help to you in understanding her and helping her. You don't have to take my word on it, talk to your vet about it. I'm sure you will have good results, possibly a whole lot better than you'd expect.
Reply:Well, unfortunately, even though you may get a lot of what seems like good answers nobody can really give you the proper answers without first seeing the dog and exactly how it acts. The main thing is that the dog has to see you as the one in charge before it accepts training and that means you cannot baby it while you train it,just remember you don't have to hit a dog to teach it. Just be firm and also give it plenty of exercise.
Reply:Awww thats so sad!


I guess she will never be a normal dog after such a rough start to life! Can u blame her for her lack in trust though?


I have a stafforshire bull terrier ***** that i bought from the pound also that was mistreated and has many issues.


I think all you can do is give her treats %26amp; plenty of attention when she is good, and use a harsh tone when she is beeing naughty.


As for her trust issues i doubt she will get over them, People will just have to earn her trust , some more than others.


I found with my dog that she loves some people and is scared or can get snappy around others i assume its all to do with the fact that some people remind her of the people who abused her.


Sounds like you are very loving and caring and im sure she appreciates and love you for that, Keep at it and be persistant and patient.


Goodluck %26amp; Give your poodle a pat %26amp; bickie for me!
Reply:Let me say, I consider you a hero. You knew what you were getting into and took on a challenge. Not many people would.





That said, you probably don't want to hear what else I have to say. Here goes:





Don't expect this dog to ever be Miss Popularity.


She will never be completely comfortable with people or other dogs. She is NOT a dog park dog. She is NOT a purse pup.





This is something you have to accept.





By ignoring the behavior you don't want and praising the behavior you do, you will be able to get her to cope with situations with people and dogs.


BUT,


In the long run, you will do better to lessen her stressors.


When people come over, find her an out of the way corner, or another room to hang out in. Avoid the dog park, and on walks, turn around when you see another dog.





Good luck