Fearful Rescue dog

Question
Hi Lucy!
Thank you for volunteering your time!

We recently adopted a parsons Russell terrier 1 1/2 years old.  We were told that he originated from an Amish puppy mill raid by the SPCA in Ohio, an that he was absolutely not abused.
He has been very fearful especially of my husband and any other men especially with facial hair.  To the point that he will growl and show his teeth or run yelping and peeing to hide trembling in a corner.
He is a wonderful dog, good with the kids and myself, good with the birds and out other dog.  We love him to death and want to help him overcome his fears but don't know what to do.
I am concerned that left unchecked he will eventually bite someone.
Is there hope for him?  Or are we being selfish by trying to make him comfortable with us.  Would he be better off in a home with a single woman?
I can provide any additional information that you would like!
Thank you for your time!  

Sincerely
Danielle

Answer
Hi Danielle

well done for taking on this poor dog and for being so committed to helping him.

Firstly, dogs do not have to be abused to become fearful or even phobic of things.  this can happen simply due to lack or absence of exposure when young (especially during the sensitive period of 3-12 weeks).  Puppies bred in less than ideal or impoverished environments have a distinct handicap when trying to function later in life.  Genetics play a part, hormones and other aspects of neurochemistry are affected and observational learning from the mother also takes place (i.e. if the mother is stressed/fearful the puppies see this and learn from it).  all these factors predispose a dog to being fearful, and puppy mills are infamous for producing these unfortunate individuals.  that said, 1 1/2 years is a long time to be at a puppy mill - has he been somewhere else since or was he been used for breeding?

Anyway, to begin to answer your question: The first thing he needs to do is to be allowed to settle in and to start to feel secure. this takes time and cannot be rushed but you can help him along.  Teach him to play games with toys (such as tuggy or fetch) as this will help him relax, lower his inhibitions, use some of his energy up and places little pressure on him.  try to spend some time with him away from your other dog so he bonds with you strongly and does not become reliant on the other dog's presence.  

Your husband should begin to ignore him.  I imagine he has been trying hard to make friends with the dog, but this simply puts too much pressure on the dog as he is unsure of his intentions.  If your husband ignores him from now on, perhaps occasionally dropping food by him but making no eye contact and not trying to touch him, the dog (sorry - name?!)will begin to relax around him and will hopefully start to seek him out as safe, non-threatening family member.  at this stage it is vital that other men ignore him too - if you have visitors who are unable to do this shut your dog away so as not to scare him.  you should be aiming to protect him from anything which frightens him so his body gets a chance to calm down and stop producing all the adrenaline etc which is coursing through it at the moment.

you are right to fear he may bite eventually.  if his fear remains unresolved his confidence in his new life will still grow (e.g. relationship with rest of family, security in home etc) so he may start to use aggression instead of running away when frightened.  this is why is is vital you don't allow anyone to put pressure on him.

I don't think you are being cruel by trying to help him - he will have to learn to accept men no matter where he lives and you sound kind and willing to put the work in.  

All I can really offer is a general guide in this format.  the problem is quite severe by the sounds of it, and would benefit from a qualified behaviorist coming out to see you all.  If you take advice from anyone else, whatever you do don't use anything aversive (anything at all that stops behaviour by frightening him such as loud noises) on this chap.  I'm sure you wouldn't but you will be surprised at the advice you may get!  

there is a lot you can do but see how you get on and let me know if you have any questions or need further help with him.

good luck and well done.