Male Red Toy Poodle

Question
We just obtained an almost 5 yr old male toy poodle from our breeder. We initially purchased two puppies, a female (Domino) in November 2005 and in June of 2006, a male, (Casey) from the same parents. Both of these puppies are WONDERFUL.  At the time, we saw the red male and we fell in love with him.  He's been with her for a little over 2 years and has been used for stud service. We told her if she was ever going to sell him to call us.  Well, she is downsizing and called us. We love this dog and he is from a great pedigree line. He has some issues though that we need help with.  The breeder has kept in a diaper due to "spraying issues" and before she had him, he was kenneled for long periods of time.  He is a sweet dog but very shy and almost seems frightened.  When we pick him up, he becomes STIFF as a board and when you hold him, he doesn't move. He eventually relaxes but you can tell he seems scared?  The breeder said he didn't much care for her children.  He never bit them but would cower and hide when they made noise.  I was wondering if this dog was abused at some point or was the excessive kenneling to blame? The diaper situation has been stopped.  Our other dogs have been spayed and neutered.  He doesn't seem as if he was ever potty trained and we are working with him. We are going to have him neutered soon.  He also growls at our other pups when they try to initiate play. What do you think and can we help this dog come around to be "normal"?

Answer
If he had poor early socialization, it is hard to say just how much you will be able to do.  Later abuse is easier to correct.  Give him time and plenty of affection.  If he is not used to playing with other younger dogs, he may not ever want to.  

I am pleased you have neutered and spayed your other dogs and will him too.  I really question a breeder that breeds a dog she has to keep in diapers.  Breeding any dog with any sort of a problem is inexcusable.