Pet Information > ASK Experts > Dogs > Canine Behavior > Shy Rescue 7 month old dog

Shy Rescue 7 month old dog

18 16:29:03

Question
Hi, I have had a very shy submissive resue dog for about 1 week.  She is also terrified of the car.  I have tried having her follow my other dog, treats, etc. but she is just too terrified to get into car.  Any other suggestions?

Answer
There's no reason (other than emergency) to force this dog into the car.  She doesn't know you, doesn't trust you and she's terrified of a new situation following what might have been extremely stressful and frightening experience(s) (capture by animal control, shelter, or whatever happened to her before you got her.)  From this question and the one that preceded it, I suspect you may not have a full understanding of what to expect from a dog in this situation.  I have no idea where you got this dog but if it was from a bona fide rescue organization someone should be available to answer your questions and help you.  Meanwhile, your OTHER dog is a source of information to this frightened one.  In her sight, take the confident dog in/out of the car a few times a day with treats involved for BOTH in an effort to counter condition her fear of the car.  Remember, people dump dogs out of cars: years ago I happened to be looking out my front window at the very moment some idiot stopped his car and dumped his dog out the passenger window onto the road!!  Imagine how terrified a dog would be after such an experience.  You might try Nicole Wilde's "Help for Your Fearful Dog..." which is available at Amazon.  If the dog proves a tough cookie for you, find a certified applied animal behaviorist who can put your mind at ease and give you lots of in person advice after evaluating the dog's temperament and issues:
http://certifiedanimalbehaviorist.com/page6.html
http://www.animalbehavior.org/ABSAppliedBehavior/caab-directory

Don't give up, even if it takes weeks/months, this could be the best dog you've ever had.