Re: Living in Fear?

oh my god thats soo sad. has she been abused before u adopted her?.. maybe by a male? hmm u never know theres a reason for her fear. im sorry hun.

Re: Living in Fear?

I transported a dog to his new foster home (from Kansas to Virginia!) because his fear of men was so great we were all afraid that travel with connecting flights and male baggage guys would do some irreparable damage to the dog's psyche. When I got to Virginia, the husband (who was the one who really wanted the dog) tried sooooo hard to befriend Jackson (the name of the dog) and he just goe more and more fearful. The guy is a salesman and very social and personable. He is used to being able to charm anyone....and I had to tell him "Stop!" I explained (as this trainer does) you can't do this on YOUR timetable - it has to be the dog's timetable. Just ignore him completely and go about your daily business. After a couple of weeks, Jackson approached him tentatively, and he (the owner) just reacted casually and went on about his business. After that, Jackson got bolder.....and now, 2 years later, Jackson shadows Rich (the new owner) everywhere. Jackson is now a conident sweet goof of a dog - and knows no stranger. It just takes time to imprint GOOD experiences over the bad and to have the bad ones slowly recede to nothing. Good luck to you!!!

Re: Living in Fear?

My little Thor had been abused. He didn't warm up to my husband right away. He was not nearly as fearful as your little Liberty. For him, a little time and, like,kathrynks said, some GOOD experiences will overtake the bad ones. Maybe in time have your husband give her special treats etc. She is so lucky to have found her forever home and she will know that in time. She is adorable and it's so wonderful that you are giving her the chance at the happy life she deserves. I hope I am never capable of understanding how anyone could abuse them. It makes me so angry!

Re: Living in Fear?

It took 6 months before Chad bestowed one kiss on me. He would shake like a leaf if I tried to hold him but did allow me to put him on the sofa next to me as long as I didn't touch him very much while he was there. Now he lets me pet him and moans with happiness! Who knows what problems he had before I got him as a foster at the ripe young age of 13! But I adopted him even though he was afraid of women at first and now he is a happy dog bossing the youngster around! BOL!

Re: Living in Fear?

In March I adopted Sunny, a female German Shepherd/Beagle mix from Best Friends. She is three years old and had been rescued as a stray. She is a very shy and fearful dog in general. For example when I first extend my hand to pet her she will take a step backwards then realize it is OK and approach me. She is especially fearful of children; fortunately there are no children living in my home, but it does pose problems when we go for walks. I love Sunny dearly and I will love her and support her through thick and thin. I feel certain, in time she will come around.

Re: Living in Fear?

I got my dog Molly when she was 6 weeks old.When we went to get her at the breeders,her brothers and sisters came running out towards us but Molly hid behind the crate.We wanted to see her and because she was the runt of the litter,she was a lot smaller than the rest.We know she was never abused but if you came in my house and didn't know how much we loved her,you would think she had been.She has panic attacks and is scared of everything.Our vet even put her on a medication for anxiety but she was sleeping more than usual and I took her off of it. When she is outside and running around or going for a walk,she is fine.Certain things set her off but we love her so much and other than that,she is perfect.We willl deal with the problem. I am sure it is harder on her than it is on us but we will get through it. Hopefully someday she will feel fully normal.She is three years old now.

Re: Living in Fear?

yhis is very sad. i'm sorry. and thank you for saving her. i rescue many emotionally and physically damaged animals and have good sucess helping them get over bad humans or other traumas. i agree that ur husband should ignore the dog. have him eat something that ur dog would want and is ok for the dog. if she shows interest let him offer it without looking at her. if she dosent take it thats ok. it takes time. do not comfort her and baby her when she is showing fear, this rewards that behavior, instead try to get her excited and into something fun so she will forget the fear and then reward that behavior bigtime, but not so much that she gets scared again. lol. also have your husband make her food and mix it with his hands, she will get more comfortable with his smell and look at him in a more positive way if he gives her the food.. it takes a long time, be patient and consistent and as loving as you already are. god bless you
shelly, profile name shellandus. feel free to leave me a message. good luck!
p.s. im sure youve done this but your vet may be helpfull and also know if there is medical issue that is causing or exacerbating this :)

Re: Living in Fear?

I'm sorry that this poor thing is so scared. I'm no expert in figuring out why your pet is so scared of your husband. It may be because your pet was abused severely by a former owner who was a male and has caused your pet to become so scared that he or she does not trust other men. I would first of all try to talk to your husband into trying out this method. When your pet is in the room with you, have your husband come to the door of the room and then give her a treat. Keep doing that until he or she feels comfortable with having your husband around. Gradually let your husband come around and keep giving your pet treats to let him or her know that your husband won't hurt him or her. Give it a try and see if that would help ease the fear.

Christine

Re: Living in Fear?

I adopted Nemo just over a year ago (a shih-tzu) he was badly abused. He used to pee on the spot and his whole body would beflat on the floor or he would poop in certain places in the house. He was very frightened of men, and still is a bit today. He growls and shows his teeth like he was going to attack. But it is really his fear coming through. We have worked really hard with him and showed him soo much love and affection, that he has slowly turned around. I have two other shih-tzu's that have also helped in his process. Patience, you and your dog will make it.

Re: Living in Fear?

Oh sweety I wish u and yr new furbabie the best . She is so...sweet looking . What a sweet heart . I just don't know how anyone can hurt any animal.
Yr friend Katherine

Re: Living in Fear?

All of you should be so very proud of yourselves, your families and your pets! Reading over these challenges has been heart-wrenching and warming once the positives start showing through. We have adoptees in our families too and everyone is doing great. Wouldn't the world be a great place if we could do more for the foster kids in the world too. Sadly it sometimes seems there isn't enough love to spread all over the world, but your stories prove that love heals the broken heart!

Re: Living in Fear?

Make sure he doesn't make eye contact and let everyone that visits know not to make eye contact. Eye contact to a dog is seen as a challenge and she isn't up for a challenge.

She may not have been abused. A lot of times if there were never any men in her life she never had a chance to see that they wouldn't hurt her.