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How cute! I can tell by her look she was definately abused. I think she was probably an outside dog and was paid no attention too, poor thing. She is probably not too trusting of anyone right now either. That will take some time. She also had pups not too long ago. She looks so much like my Suzie who passed over the Rainbow Bridge not too long ago.
My Suzie!
Last edited by Blondie621; 05-11-2009 at 10:01 PM..
She's lovely, I love her coloring. When you pet her, go under toward her chin rather than over her head, it's less threatening that way. Would definitely go at her pace, wouldnt push her if she's not ready and uncomfortable. Each day she'll relax a little more and will become more confident - in time you may want to take her to doggie classes which may help with her confidence but right now would let her get used to you and your family and would go slow. Like others have sugg'd, treats will help, would make them tasty treats, very small, maybe the size of a pencil eraser such as chicken, steak or cheese (easy on the cheese or she may get the runs), those will be more effective than milkbones. Hard to tell her body type from the picture, I really don't see whippet or italian greyhound, would go easy on the treats (maybe feed her a little less as you don't want her to chunk up). Congrats and best of luck w/ your new kiddo!
Two days ago we got a 1 yr old Italian Greyhound- Whippet mix from SPCA San Patricio TX. The dog doesn't bite, hasn't barked but left on her own she will hide. I have two children who are experienced and gentle with dogs but none of us are experts. We walk the dog on a leash and read all about pack leader and even that a new rescue dog shouldn't be showered with affection, but eventually this could be very depressing.
What can we do? and How long should we expect it to take?
As a side issue- SPCA lady told his this was a fun playful doggie - loved to play fetch and just a bit nervous at the store because of the animals and noise. We can't be talking about the same animal. She rarely has eaten but probably ate a few bites if we were all gone - I suspect that SPCA told us all this to get rid of the dog. We are hanging in there -we've rescued baby possums and other problematic animals but this time we were hoping for a real pet - maybe it just takes time.
She is a real pet. In the end it is what you make of her! It is your choice, a happy dog, a sad dog or a mad dog! Just give her the time and space she needs to gain your trust. She will come around. Pay lots of attention to her though. Talk happy talk with her and get her some safe toys. No bones!
I have no other suggestions besides the outstanding ones already given to you. Patience. Love. Understanding. I hope it works out for you, as she does look like she needs all of those. Best of luck!
When I was a teen, my brother and his then girlfriend brought home a dog from the pound. I believe this dog must have been abused as she submissively peed a lot and also cringed whenever someone yelled or a man walked by.
She was a lovely dog but bro and his g/f lost interest. She became my dog. Kindness and quiet brought out her qualities. She was a sweetheart who died too young.
Be kind and patient. Dogs will respond. Thanks for saving a life.
Our little furry family member (Poodle Mix ) is a rescue also. when we first got him he was nothing but a ball of hair and bones, nearly starved to death. I couldn't put his food in a dish because he would eat so fast he made himself sick. I had to hand feed him until he got use to eating a regular meal every day.
He was like the OP's dog, scared of everything. Now he's 17 months old and I can't move without him being under my feet, he's like my shadow, every where I go he's right there. At night he sleeps on my arm like a baby,lol I think I may have spoiled him a little too much.
The OP has been given some very good advice, it takes time for these little guys to come around and trust again after being mistreated.
She's a sweet looking little thing...sort of submissive out of fear tho as if she's not sure of what's around the corner. Don't give up; if you let her come to you when she's ready to interact, I think it'll all work out. I wouldn't force anything on her yet.
And she's no Italian Greyhound/Whippet for sure, not even close! Has she been spayed? Hang in there with her - she just needs time as everyone else has said. Cheers and good luck!
The SPCA is coming over Monday night- maybe they will have some additional insights after I wrote them the doggie is nothing like advertised. We want to keep her but it does no good for them to say just anything to adopt the doggie out- because in the long run - people will be upset.
STT - well what kind of dog is she? When she stands up she does have the hind quarters a bit taller than the rest but I was going on what the SPCA said.
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It is your choice, a happy dog, a sad dog or a mad dog! Just give her the time and space she needs to gain your trust. She will come around. Pay lots of attention to her though. Talk happy talk with her and get her some safe toys. No bones!
