Patience, training and love all help a fearful dog
Just like humans, pets need early socialization to live healthy, happy lives with their families. However, dogs from puppy mills, hoarding situations or dogs that lived without a home for a long time often become fearful, sometimes for the rest of their lives.
Most under-socialized dogs haven’t lived with people in a normal guardian-pet way. While they might view people as a food provider, they’re likely afraid of new things and will often bolt when afraid. Either because of lack of experience or negative experiences, these dogs tend to maintain a “safety zone” of distance away from people.
They may have never worn a collar or harness or most certainly aren’t used to being touched by a veterinarian or groomer.
The good news is that not all hope is lost when it comes to under-socialized dogs. In fact, with patience, training, management and, of course, lots of love, these dogs can live happily and harmoniously in a home.
Getting your dog used to a collar and leash is an important first step in training. A long leash will allow your dog a sense of their “safety zone” but still allow for control. A harness is useful if the dog is clearly uncomfortable with something around the neck; and if there’s a risk of fear biting, a muzzle is a safe and effective tool to keep you safe while getting them used to their leash.
Setting up a safe space for your dog is also paramount.
The space should include a cozy sleeping spot, food and water bowls, and if housetraining, pee pads. Don’t shut a door to block access; instead, use a baby gate or x-pen to keep the dog confined.
A crate can be useful, however a puppy mill or street dog may not accept a crate as a safe place. Never force a dog into a crate. Introduce a doorless crate in your house or in the safe space and feed meals inside the crate to develop a comfort level.
When you’re home, let the dog explore. If the dog comes to you, slip them a
treat without fanfare, rewarding them for showing interest in you without overwhelming them with contact. Place your dog in the safe space whenever you have to leave the house.
When communicating, avoid direct eye contact and sit on the floor rather
than standing. Give the dog opportunities to approach you rather than approaching the dog. Use a long leash to allow the dog to choose to follow you rather than creating a trapped feeling. Eliminate or minimize any scary actions and reward often. A fearful dog needs to learn
that human interaction can bring good things.
Remember to let the dog just be with you — while you’re reading, watching TV or just hanging out are all good times to try bonding. Block access so the dog has to be there, but don’t interact. Eventually, curiosity will get the better of the dog and they will come check you out.
Have some fun! Slowly introduce your dog to play and toys. Object-oriented play provides a buffer between an under-socialized dog and too much human focus. Provide tasty, new objects to chew and foods to try.
Take your dog outside using a long line in a fenced area. “Find it” games are fun and easy to teach; toss a treat and give the “find it” cue. The dog should chase after the treat, gobble it up and look to you for another.
We so appreciate adopters taking a chance on under-socialized pets. They all deserve an opportunity to join a loving family.
Lisa Bloch is the marketing and communications director for Marin Humane, which contributes Tails of Marin articles and welcomes animal-related questions and stories about the people and animals in our community.
Go to marinhumane. org, Twitter.com/ marinhumane or email lbloch@marinhumane. org.