QuestionWe adopted 2 rescued dachshunds about a year ago. The older is white-faced but the vet couldn't tell how old he was, guessing at about 12. His teeth were so infected that they had to be removed immediately, the lower jaw bone had been broken in two places and the infection had spread through it. He was a former breeder and because of his age, had been tied in a backyard in the snow and left to die with no shelter, food or water. A neighbor called the rescue. He had been kept in a kennel with other dogs, was not house trained, never worn a collar, and had no name. Overall he is doing very well, he has learned to use the bathroom outside (most of the time), and walk without fighting the leash, but he cringes when one of us moves unexpectedly. He also runs at strangers, trying to bite their feet. Since he doesn't have teeth it isn't really a problem other than it startles people, but we would like to train him not to cringe or bite. Other than this he is a loveable old dog. Can you give us some ideas to try? Thank you!
AnswerSounds like a fear reaction. Try picking him up they come in and then putting him down. I have to do that with a rescue or he will bite. Cringing is a fear reaction and it will take a long time to overcome. Try giving him treats when he cringes so he understands he will not be hit or beaten on. Give him some petting and talk to him softly. We have a cringer too and after 3 years he is finally getting better. He has not known love and happiness but he will thanks to you.
