Hi there,
I just picked up a little dog, a lhasa apso, whos owner just died. I take in dogs ALL the time, but this is my first serious case of a dog being petrified. Im not talking shaking and being shy. This dog is down right TERRIFIED.
- will not walk on a leash.
- stands in one spot without moving a muscle unless hes in a crate. When hes in the crate he will at least sit or lay down, but stands and freezes at my every move.
- snaps and bites if we go near him.
- wont eat or drink (I understand this is normal for fearful dogs, and to be honest and am not TOO concerned with this one at this point. )
- Isnt using his nose much. (I tried to entice him through his nose with everything under the sun. Finally, with some freeze dried fish, he smelled it and then went back to avoiding me. )
- Hasnt gone to the bathroom.

When he refuses to move, I just keep steady tension on the leash that i looped over his head, and release immediately when he takes a step. This has gotten him to walk most of the time. Im trying to instill "yes" as the behavioural marker, but im saying it very calmly, instead of excited and happy. Ive also not let him put himself in a corner, under anything, or spend long periods of time in the crate. Ive been doing alot of umbilical with him, and then when I allow him to go into the crate, I get him to sit before I put him in by gently pulling up on the leash until he tucks his bum in. Ive only had him for a few hours, so there hasnt been much time for him to let things sink in, but I would like to make sure my ducks are in a row so I dont send him farther into the hell im trying to help him out of.

My plans are to take it as slow as he needs me to, with no touch, no talk (except for my behavioural marker and his name, which he seems to perk up for a split second to), no eye contact. Im not going to push him into things until he learns to trust me.

Any advice would be much appreciated! Im sorry if I sound a little nuts, or my message comes out as on screen verbal dhiarhea! haha Ive had a heck of a day

Thank you so much. If there are any questions, feel free to ask. I beleive this pup is between 5-7. So I guess I will say 6.

- Kait

Never mind. Weve made leaps and bounds.