So my neighbor got this new dog and it's really weird...I think it may have been abused by it's previous owners and it kinda displays strange behavior. She's been asking me tips about it to be honest I don't really know what to do. What do these things mean and what could someone do to make the dog feel more comfortable. It always seems scared and I feel really bad for it. Firstly it never wags its tail. It just keeps it straight down even when it's sitting he's basically sitting on his tail. Secondly he hates other dogs. Me and my neighbor sit outside with the dog and when another dog comes by it starts growling and trying to run over to it. Third he won't run no matter what. I'm not sure how to explain it but some dogs do a slight "gallop" i guess. He just walks really fast. He also has two pretty deep holes in his mouth where some teeth used to be.
bluebonnetgranny2017-09-06T18:39:33Z
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There are so many dogs in this condition. All adopted dogs come with a ton of baggage from past owners. It is hard to deal with dogs like this but patience & LOTS of it is required. Just prove to the dog that you can be trusted. Show him live can be very good. Also sounds like he is dog on dog aggressive & should be kept away from other dogs. It may take a few months before this dog feels at ease around new owners. Correct bad behavior but be sure you do not over correct, this could prove more damaging than you think. Start with mild correction cause you don't know just how far you can go on corrections. If stiffer corrections are needed do so but do not cause this dog to fear owners.
I have taken in stray dogs for nearly 50 yrs & some of them had some serious issues. Some I couldn't even get close to for several weeks. It takes time & sometimes lots of time to bring around an abused dog. Patience is very very very necessary. You may want to get a trainer to evaluate the dog & give you advise on how to handle some of the situations.
I can only echo blue bonnet her advice is very sound indeed if i were you though id try taking it nearer to the fence as you see an approaching dog then SIT or squat along with it and reassure it as the dog passes when you get a satisfactory reaction then next time a little nearer to the fence etc etc.... However do not let the dog stand up in the time the other is passing...., Just keep stroking and reassuring it It needs I think to learn that other dogs are not a threat to it either. it will take time but it will be worth it eventually...
Has she asked the adoption group or shelter she got the dog FROM - about the dog's behaviors, or prior past?
Many shelters (now have some very experienced evaluators) and I would HOPE = this dog was evaluated BEFORE, it was placed in her care. I would ask for guidance (if they could offer any) and the recommendation of how to work WITH the problematic behaviors, OR the recommendation of an animal behaviorist, or PRIVATE dog trainer.
It is NOT YOUR JOB to give advice, UNLESS you are experienced with such dogs. (You can do more harm than good.) Her vet may also be another good source of advice on where to find a competent private trainer. (I say private trainer - since this dog seems dog-aggressive.) I do NOT recommend he go straight INTO a regular dog obedience class.