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Help a Fearful Rescue Dog Gain Confidence
You’re number one job as a dog owner is to protect them. And, if you have a fearful rescue part of that care will include helping your dog to gain confidence.Now that your rescue dog has joined your pack as a guardian it is your job to demonstate what you want your dog to learn. Dogs learn by doing what you do and that includes being calm, even when your dog is fearful.
Not as rescue dogs are fearful
Most rescue dogs settle in quickly, with in a few days they can seem like they’ve been part of the family forever. While other dogs may need a little time and help to overcome their fear. Dogs are resilient and with patience and the right training your rescue dog can become less fearful, and confident.
What causes a rescue dog to fear
Any dog can be fearful, but because of a rescue dog past circumstance they can be fearful for a variety of reasons. These dogs are called ‘rescue’ as they are rescued from traumatic situatons.
Many are abandon, subject to cruely, abuse and neglect. Some are victims of puppy mills, hoarding situations or caged until they are slaughtered for meat. Others are dumped in the middle of nowhere foraging for anthing to eat if they are to survive.
Given this insight one can see why these lovable dogs may be shy, timid, fearful and even suffer ‘PTSD’ aka post traumatic stress disorder. Through all they may have gone through most adjust right away, while others take time to adjust to new smells, seeing strange faces, and, even new languages.
The best part of helping a rescue dog
This is the best part, you have the rewarding job of helping a fearful rescue dog to overcome their fear so they can live a with confidence. Loving people like you are special, in that you gave a deserving dog a second chance.
To help get you get started here are a few tips that will help you and your dog bond while helping to release his fear.
What Not to do with a fearful rescue dog
While we love our dogs and want to spoil them, its easy to unknowingly make mistakes. One of the things is giving treats at the wrong time.
Treats should be used for positive reinforcement, and, not as a means to placate your dog. For example never give your dog treats if they are showing fear, this can make the situation worse as it reinforces their behavior.
That may seem a little harsh, but if your dog is hiding under the bed and your feeding treats sends the message that he is doing the right thing. In other words telling him that being scared is good.
If this is something you are guilty of fear not, you are by no means the only one. In my earlier years as a dog owner I did it all of the time. I so wanted my dog to love me that I did all kinds of things wrong. Now that I am ‘trained’ and have a better understanding of a dogs congnitive behavior I am better equipped to help my dogs.
In this article we talk about the best ways to help a fearful rescue dog, so that they will become more confident, come out of their shell and lead a happy life of a canine.
Provide some space to your new dog
Try giving your dog less attention. Be slow towards approaching. Don’t pressure your dog to play with you or lie with you in the bed. Dogs learn by investigating the world around them. Give you dog some space and allow him to adjust at your dog’s rate.
Note that trust-building should be your primary goal.
Identify the Triggers – body langauge
Is your dog worried about children? Or it’s afraid of loud men? Is he comfortable with a loud noises such as cars or banging? How about the stairs, does he know how to climb them or do they make him anxious?
Notice the reaction of your dog during such instances. Does he hide behind you? Does he shake and freeze? Do his eyes dilate? How about his tail? These are all signs of your dog language.
Understanding the response of your dog will help you manage him whenever the frightful instance occurs later. And again this is why a safe space is important so that he can retreat if there is too much stimulation.
Train your dog
Begin training your dog on simple exercises such as sitting, jumping, and walking. Pick one at a time so that he is not overwhelmed.
A training schedule will help you to stay on track and give your dog something to look forward to. Your dog will need to trust your actions towards him; therefore, smile, be calm and confident as you look and talk to him softly. Use small treats such as toys or even better food.
Training your rescue dog is not only fun builds confidence helping release their fearful behaviors!
This is also the perfect time to teach your dog good manners. It might be a struggle, but make sure your dog understands your likes and dislikes. Make them obedient as it is a vital part of socializing with them.
Reward good behavior
Your dog might have acquired some unpleasant behaviors which aided them to survive in their surroundings. Therefore it’s ideal for you to take notice of any definite improvement and reward it.
Don’t reward your dog blindly! While it’s tempting to give treats to your fearful rescue for encouragement, such as to come out of hiding. It’s important that you get the timing right. If your dog comes out of hiding and then you reward him that is positive reinforcement.
This is a no! If you throw treats into the places where he’s hiding then what you are doing is reinforcing that is ok for him to stay there. The right training will help you to determine the exact steps and how to best use treats.
Remember that, you don’t always have to use food to award your dog. A belly rub, gentle words are all acts of love to reward your dog.
Don’t take fearful rescue dog on scary adventure
Unike the old school of hard knocks methods; taking your rescue dog on scary adventure will not make him less fearful. If you’re dogs is athletic and confident and wants to climb a mountains with your then go ahead. But under no circumstance should you push a dog or put them in any situation that evokes fear.
Even things that you might think that your dog will enjoy such as a dog park ,may be a terrifying experience.
This will set any progress that your dog has had way. If you have goals for things that you would like to do with your dog in the future, start with baby steps to help them. Monitor your dog and take them to a calm and peaceful places. Walk with them in quiet places and let them relax.
Go slowly and let them come out of their shell as hey get to know safety. And, that you will protect them.
Provide a secure spot
Always remember to give a fearful rescue dog some space. Let your dog explore their new world and in time they will understand that they are not going to be alone again.
If your looking for idea’s then a soft dog bed is ideal since you can move them arounfd the house as your dog gets more comfortable. You can also place a fluffy or soft blanket where they can burrow when they feel insecure.
Remember, it should be in a quiet room or corner. Playing soft music is a wonderful way to help relax your dogs, and you might try a little calming aromatherapy for dogs in the room.
Let your dog approach whenever they’re ready. Please don’t force yourself towards them or try to impulse them into doing something. Let them be.
Concluding How to Help a Fearful Rescue Dog
Helping a fearful rescue dog can take a little extra time but achievable. It requires patience, understanding, and kindness. However, all the strains are nothing compared to the beautiful and joyous moments you will have after that with your cute pooch.