Has anyone ever taken in an abused dog?

I've taken in several abused dogs, ranging from dogs that have been tormented by children, thrown across the room by an adult, worst case a starved, burned, bitten up dog used for dog fighting bait.

All I can tell you is that every dog comes around eventually. The key is to not push the animal, don't grab him, hug him, even pet him if he is hesitant - sit down and wait until he comes to you.

Having treats in your hand and hand feeding in general will make him come to you and show that you are the source of good things, not of pain or abuse.

Hand feed, speak softly to the dog, wait until he wants to be petted or held --- give him time to learn to trust - never push it.

I've had dogs that only knew cages and breeding for years, one spent 5 months under the bed, only came out to eat and go out to potty - I just let her be. It took a long time, but now she is loving, happy, and content.

Have patience, hand feed, speak gently - never yell, grab, hug, or intrude on the dog's space until he is sure you are not going to hurt him and until he trusts you. Don't let anyone try to pet him either, he needs to feel safe and learn to trust first.

Glad you are giving this little guy a chance for a normal life, once he trusts you, you will have a wonderful companion animal - just takes time.

I have no proof that my dog was physically abused, but I'm positive that she was mentally abused. When I first got her she was scared of everything. Every movement and sound was terrifying. But I was very patient with her. For the first few days I let her roam around the house and investigate things. She had some accidents of course, but I didn't correct those until a little bit later. Basically I gave her her space. I started taking her on short walks in quiet parks and introduced her to my family. After that I introduced her to children, moving cars, recycling bins, you name it. Now she is very well socialized and isn't even the same dog that I adopted.

My advice would be to relax and let him sniff out his new surroundings. If he has an accident let it go for now. He's not a puppy so you do not need to put yourself as pack leader just yet. No alpha rolling for a while. After he gets used to his surroundings, then start showing him the ropes of your household. Just take it slow. That's my best advice.

Treat him like a normal dog as much as possible. He may or may not have been abused so much as under-socialized (these dogs can act like they have been beaten). When his tail comes up, softly say, good boy with some enthusiasm. If he will not be made more scared by it, a light stroke and maybe a very tiny treat can be added to the good boy. See if he will chase a small ball or play with/tear up a soft toy (don't let him eat the pieces), or chew on a doggie dental treat or rawhide or other treat. Softly say good boy if he does. You want to "accentuate the positive," by praising for all good, normal, desirable things he does...and ignoring him when he acts shy or scared. You want to let him know from the beginning that certain behaviors and ways of acting (happy, relaxed and at ease) are good and the rest will get him no attention at all. He will adjust to his new home and become a happy, good pet.

I have fostered a lot of dogs.

He is probably very confused, lost and pinning for his owner.

Leave him to investigate where he will be allowed to go in the house, the rules start now.

Don't let people fuss him constantly, let him come to you and give a small treat so he knows your a good thing, get the family to do the same.

Feed him what he normally eats, but do not worry if he goes off his food for a couple of days or gets a little bit runny poo for a couple of days, stress can cause these things to happen.

He will also more than likely have toilet accidents in the house as he is going to be confused about where he is allowed to go, if he has an accident, try to catch him as he is about to go, or straight after if you don't quite get there, and gently (do not scold) and take him to where he is allowed to toilet, just preserver with it, as it's not going to happen overnight,v Praise praise every-time he goes outside and when he does what you have asked of him.

The tail between the legs is more than likely fear of the new surroundings, remember don't start bad habit, he is a DOG not a baby etc . So he does not need to come to your bed when he cries etc.

If they have given you blankets from his previous house, use them at the moment until he settles down do not wash them, unless absolutely necessary i.e. he soils them

Also get him vet checked asap....never trust that he has seen one recently, also ask the name of their vets to get history, and if he is micro chipped get the name changed (the owner has to do that) if not get him chipped, also worm and flea again it wont hurt him

Hope that helps

i took in a shelter dog as a puppy that was like that. she'd cower in the corner from anyone but me. the only thing you can do is build trust, constant treats and praise. you need to at first just sit there with the dog and quitely don't make too much eye contact just get used to one another, the bring in some treats, if the dog is too scared to take food from you sit it on the floor and let the dog approach you on his own terms. slowly everyday let him get closer and closer until you can pet him, but when petting him i would suggest just holding out your hand with a treat in it and as he approaches and takes it slowly rub his neck or back, don't go from above his head. over time as you are around each other you will grow a bond, and it will get better. it just takes patience.

another thing to consider will be to talk in a calm soothing voice to the dog, i wouldn't make any loud or sudden movements or noises. also im not trainer i can only tell you that this worked with my dog maybe consult a trainer to help you out in person.

Aw, that's so sweet(: Advice would be to show the dog you aren't scary. Don't make loud noises, and talk in a calm manor. If you have any other pets, don't let them around this animal. This dog is a smaller pup, so you look gigantic compared to him. So don't stomp, and be calm and nice around him. Hope this helped:)

Maybe he was not abused. It takes time for a dog to get used to his new home. Just keep giving him love and a good home.

Take your time with him and he should come around sometimes when you ignore them example go in the other room and play with his toys make it look fun he might get interested and come check things out. Also lots of walks that will help his confidence and learn to trust you.

The dog needs time, it needs time to trust you that your not going to abuse him. my dog was like that too, but i love her so much that it makes me sad to see her that way, she would run away every time i had something in my hand, she thought I was going to hurt her and one time i was crying because she is the sweetest dog ever, how could someone hurt her... but now she is fine, but it takes time..