How can I help my fearful shelter dog?

My Freddie is 15 months old. I adopted him 4 months ago from a shelter. He was abandoned and mistreated. He is afraid of everything - sounds, people, other pets....

We give him so much love but still his fear issues are not any better.

I love my dog so much,I just want him to be happy. How can I help him regain confidence?...please help

Comments for How can I help my fearful shelter dog?

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May 16, 2011
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some dogs like people, re shy
by: Iris Miller

My dog Tuffy is 3 1/2 years old and 8 1/2 lbs. He came from a breeder who had very small children, and he loves kids. Tuff gets jittery and jumpy at times, especially with sudden noises. He loves attention and hates being left alone.He watches animals on nature programs on TV and likes to sing and dance and roughhouse with me. Not only that, he worries! He was not very social with the dogs in his puppy classes, but he has made friends with two toy poodles in the neighborhood.We go there for play dates once in a while. Tuffy is neutered but still very dominant male. He thinks he is boss of the world and everything in it. He has a great sense of humor, is psychic, telepathic, loving and the most intelligent dog I've ever had.
The dog who got rescued will settle in and pick his favorite person to trust. Give it time, you will be blessed for it.

May 16, 2011
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fearful and shy dog
by: Carol

I had a Tibetan terrier that was the same way. My brother came to live with us while his house was being built and he had two big collies at the time. well...Poppy soon got over her shyness...she wanted to hang out with the big boys and have fun and fun she did have..those two collies got her out of her shell in no time. I am not suggesting you go buy a collie (but they are very sweet and sensitive dogs) but the other person suggested getting your dog socialized and I agree but doing that very slowly and in a controlled environment where you can watch from the sidelines without your dog seeing you.

Good luck..It will get better!

May 15, 2011
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working on fear
by: Anonymous

Hi, with a fearful dog, you are going to need lots of patience. Be sure to go slow with him and not pressure him to do anything he is not comfortable with. I strongly recommend doing positive training with him, maybe see if you can enroll in a training class in your area. The more confident the dog gets, the less fearful he will become but it will take some time. Also, another reason I recommend positive based training, is if you reward/treat him while he is around other pets,sounds etc, he will eventually learn not to fear those things. Best of luck to you!

May 15, 2011
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fearful pup
by: Dee

Awe the poor thing. The only thing i know is not to give him affection while he is showing these kinds of fears at it trains him to continue his fear in lieu of releaving it. Just as you would show him affection for a stay, or sit command, the same goes for any other action, so when you show him affection you are acctually conditioning him to continue to be fearful as he believes its pleasing you.

I would reccommend looking into products from Cesar Milan, the dog whisper. His shows are on National Geographic channel and i have learned so much from him. Almost everything i have learned has wored for me. If you plead your case, you may even get a visit from him and be on the show.

May 15, 2011
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Fearful dog...some thoughts
by: Sharon

Just a thought but it seems like he needs socialization. His fear meter is way up there so it will have to be done very slowly and carefully. I think the worst thing you could do (although it is tempting) is to try to protect him from every situation he might find uncomfortable. Stern training should be avoided. Take him to your nearest Home Depot (they are dog friendly) and let him talk to other people and dogs a couple times a week just for a few minutes each time. Doggy Day care would probably be too much but eventually might be a good place to socialize him. Good luck & give him a kiss on his little button nose from me.

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