fearful older puppy

Question
Dear D. Connor,
My family has recently gotten a puppy (10 months) from a family who didn't want her anymore because they had too many dogs.  We have had her a few days and she has definately been neglected.  She will not come to us and she is afraid of everything.  She is a black Lab. whom this family adopted at a rescue shelter.  She hides and we can't seem to coax her out to get her used to us or to meet us!  My family consists of 2 boys ( ages 10 & 5) my husband and I.  She is VERY afraid of my husband.  We eally don't know what to do.  She is so tramatized and afraid should we take her back to the rescue center so she could get professional training because my boys are losing interest because she won't come out for them to even pet her or see her.  I have tried different treats, cheese and toys.  She will come out so far, then she rushes back behind our pompass grass.  I would appreciate any advice/help with her.  We call her Kona.  Respectfully, Cynthia Cook

Answer
It will take many weeks (perhaps longer) for this dog to lose her fear. She may very well have been abused by a man in her former home, or may have never met one (total lack of socialization to men), or may have had a traumatic experience involving a man that was totally unintentional -- this we will never know.  She may also have had very little, if any at all, socialization to children, and this is exacerbating her inability to deal with her new surroundings.  I don't know what you mean by "rescue shelter"...is this a municipal shelter or a privately owned no-kill shelter?? If it's the municipal shelter, she will get far worse if you bring her back and may even be destroyed.  If it's a no-kill facility, I very strongly doubt they are very capable, as a dog with this temperament (known in rescue circles as a "slug puppy" because of its extreme fear) should NEVER have been placed without resocialization and certainly not in a home with children.  So that doesn't appear to me to be an option, as they will most likely just give her up once more (possibly to another inappropriate home) and she will eventually (and quickly) totally fail.

I understand that your children are losing interest, but this would have happened anyway within a month or two as they became accustomed to having the dog around.  Not only for the benefit of the dog -- to whom you have made a commitment -- but for the benefit of your sons, you need to make a strong effort on behalf of this dog.  While a five year old is  quite young in terms of understanding, he will "get it" sooner or later, and your ten year old CERTAINLY will, "it" being: we have made a lifetime commitment and we must all do what is kind and beneficial for the dog.  It's a marvelous life lesson for both of them.  Meanwhile, the dog has been in your home a VERY brief time and she is overwhelmed by the demand for attention.  You need to leave her be; do not force interaction.  Put a long, lightweight nylon leash on her when you are at home so you can use the leash to control her movements (should she get into any tight places or refuse to come back into the house) but do not attempt to force her out, do not force her to be petted or to be confined close to anyone.  She will begin to adjust to her new surroundings, very slowly, at which time you can see what she is all about in terms of temperament and trainability.  Be softspoken, gentle and consistently kind and use this predicament to teach your children this behavior; it can only benefit them.  Give it a week or two of your allowing the dog to come out of its shell and then repost with results and we will work together to help this dog grow to trust and love your husband and sons.