NEGLECTED

Question
I HAVE JUST BOUGHT A GERMAN SHEPHERD OFF A FAMILY WHO BADLY NEGLECTED IT. HE HAS NEVER BEEN WALKED OR HAD A TOY TO PLAY WITH.HE IS SCARED OF MEN AND HIS DOG LEASH AS HIS PREVIOUS OWNER HIT HIM WITH IT. HIS FUR IS ALWAYS MATTED AND HE IS CONSTANTLY CRYING. HOW CAN I SHOW HIM THAT HE IS SAFE LIVING WITH ME AND MY FAMILY????

Answer
Hi Carla
You've taken on quite a challenge haven't you? This will be a star in your crown for sure. How old is he and is he neutered?
People tend to want to commiserate with mistreated dogs and comfort them when they're afraid. This is a huge mistake as in their minds you are reinforcing the behavior. So no petting, snuggling and oh it's ok baby when he exhibits fear inspired behavior. Instead stay calm and be very matter of fact. Ignoring it is better than petting him and trying to soothe him, though I do understand that's difficult to do it is necessary for his recovery. In order for a dog to feel safe and secure they must have faith in their pack leader, which should be you. So the first step is for you to learn how to be a GOOD pack leader. Type alpha boot camp into your web browser and follow their recommendations. It is a WONDERFUL website that will give you lots of ways to help your dog to feel secure. Also if you can purchase Cesar Milan's Be The Pack Leader, as far as I am concerned it is the BIBLE of learning how to have a calm/submissive/happy dog. As soon as you get a little further along DO walk him consistently, briskly every day focusing on the path ahead and not the dog or your surroundings, keep him at heel and walk him until he's tired twice a day. Get him some toys that he has to work to get treats out of, once he settles in a bit he'll love them and its' a great way to introduce him to toys. Try not to make eye contact with him right now and don't approach him in an upright position if you can help it. Kneel, or sit on the floor and call him to you quietly with your hand out palm down until he reaches you, give him a treat if he'll take it. If not, scratch him gently under his chest between his front legs and under his chin. Rubbing his face from nose to ears on his muzzle is a great relaxer. This is the way mother dogs comfort their pups and most dogs just melt into it. Try not to ever come down on top of his head to pat him, that's threatening under good circumstances but with a dog who is afraid and abused it's horrifying. Put the leash away. Find something that doesn't at all resemble the leash he's used to for walks when you begin walking him. A cotton horse lead rope is usually good in a lighter color. When you get it, leave it on the floor and every time he looks at it reward him. Even if it's just from a distance, saying good boy in a high soft voice.  Let him approach it and look at it and smell it for a couple of days before you even pick it up, and then just pick it up and hold it, walk around the house with it, ignore him if he panics. Try sitting in the floor with it next to you or on your lap and when he finally comes to you reward him again. If he wont' come to you at first, that's fine. If he just stops and doesn't run away and looks at you with it, tell him good boy and leave it there. Let his reaction dictate how quickly you move along. This could take some time, so I am hoping you have a great deal of patience. Reward him at least with words for every step he takes closer to you while you're holding it. When you finally are ready to touch him with it, let him come to you, reach up and scratch his chest and then use the rope to scratch his chest., If he stands for that GREAT continue doing that over days until he is comfortable with it. I'm sure you are getting the picture by now? When you at last clip it to his collar, make it a short very pleasurable experience with lots of pats If he shows fear, don't react, just remove it and wait until the next day. When at last he allows it clipped to him without showing fear let him drag it around the house for awhile, provided he doesn't panic. Eventually, you can go back to a leash but for now, just go slowly with lots of praise for NOT showing fear. And for goodness sakes, see if you can coax him into the bath the same way. You may have to take him to a vet's groomer who can sedate him to bathe him and get the initial mats out. From them on make grooming a wonderful experience. My dogs lie on the floor tummies up and love love love to be brushed. He will eventually too.
Again , kudos for doing such a loving thing.
Cindi