How to bond with an older rescue dog?

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Give her more time, like Lorraine said.

Allow her to become acclimated

She is worn out should be in special

Diet. She may have to be put down. Horrible depressing life.small waks lits of love and attention

Patience/time, depending on the individual dog she may never come around completely you may see only gradual small improvements over the remainder of her life. Appreciate whatever you do see, do not force it because you're not seeing what you would like to see, as she could take two steps back for every step she moves forward.

Take it slowly; she will come around, but it will be slow. See this from her perspective:

She has live her entire LIFE in a CAGE. She is not unlike one of those poor kids locked their entire lives in a basement, never even going to school. Perhaps, the kids were beaten by their parents and living in their own filth. You see many versions of abuse, in kids & in puppy mill situations.

So, the love seat has become her new "refuge". It is a wonder she is mentally SANE and can accept so much (rapid) and extreme (by her standards) - change. While everything you are doing for her is fine, (wonderful) try BABY STEPS, only. I think it is GREAT she is willing & able to go OUTSIDE, to go potty.

It is best to move very slowly around her and ONLY pet her from UNDERNEATH her chin, rather than reaching down from ON TOP of her. It is a less threatening & less dominant gesture.

You may need to work on extending the time spent outside (if possible) in the yard WITH you (and the other dogs) as long as they do NOT gang up on her.

She may show NO INTEREST in toys. Do NOT be discouraged. Many kennel dogs have never learned to play and it can be hard for them. Some never learn; some come to it very slowly, & only like some of the many things most of their breed enjoy. You will have to slowly introduce her to a variety of toys (over time) as she opens up more in your home & yard. Do not even consider taking her for a walk, yet. She's got to be more comfortable roaming, in just your fenced yard.

You might gradually try - if you can find a spot to take her by herself (say in the front yard on a leash) trying "nose work" with food and just putting out a few pieces of dog treats she LIKES, around the perimeter of the yard or edging. Praise her for each "find" & make it very, very simple. You might do this a number of times (making the finds a little more difficult) or trying putting a treat inside an open shallow card board box. You can find many links on YOU-TUBE to nose work, ideas.

Please use a lot of patience, and have FAITH = she WILL improve. I've rescued Weimaraners for over 10 years, and I've seen a LOT of abuse cases.

This is not unusual at all and sounds very familiar. You are doing fine except expecting a bit much for two weeks. Come back when she's been there a couple of months and see how much she's come out of her shell.

Really just don't push anything, and let her take her own pace. The fact that she's happy to rest her chin on your lap is good and could be MUCH worse.

It's wonderful that you've taken her on and given her a life she should have had all the way through.

Please don't worry yet and just give her time.

This sounds like my story! This March, I rescued a 13 year-old poodle with only two legs who underwent years of abuse and being a stray. He too seemed lost for about a week, then quickly grew EXTREMELY attached to me. The trick is to let her know that she is no longer in danger, and that you are her new friend for life. Do this by always using gentle, loving movements towards her. Never leave her alone or get stressed or angry around/with her, and always make sure you're in her sight. If she shows affection, give her lots of affection and praise in turn. If possible, always try to keep her with you and let her sleep in your bed to get used to your smell and demeanor (if she won't be able to sleep in your bed, give her a used article of your clothingً to sleep on). Stay attuned to her needs, and always act accordingly as soon as possible to show her that you care. If she acts up, NEVER scold her by swatting at her with your hand- I recommend a spray bottle. Good luck with your furbaby!

hmm... odd. I assume, as you have detailed knowledge of the background, that this dog was rescued by a registered animal charity? So I am struggling to accept that such a charity would place a very vulnerable, disturbed animal in a home where there are other dogs, and with an owner who seems to lack any level of understanding of the psychology of a dog, and without any after care.