Q&A for How to Build Trust with an Abused Dog

It will take time, so try to be patient! In the meantime, feed your dog his favorite food twice a day to help him warm up to you.

Call the dog before you move, so it's attention is on you first. Make slow gradual movements, and over time this should help.

Pee pads can be bought at most stores, and using a pee pad is a better option than forcing the dog to go outside. Put the pad in a safe location and leave it there until the dog uses it. After the dog uses the pad, a treat and soft praises will help enforce the behavior. Give this about two weeks, then move the pad a bit closer to the door where you will take them outside. Eventually you will be able to set the pad just outside of the door and hopefully your dog will feel more comfortable going outside.

Be calm, don't freak out or shout. This is a game of trust and love, so show the dog that no matter what he does you won't give in and won't hurt him. Keep a respectable distance and just talk to him, through a gate if you're worried for your safety. Kindness is the only way you can combat fear.

Maybe you should try spending more time with your dog outside so they get used to being out there when they need to go to the bathroom. You could also try taking your dog to a dog park to be around other dogs; maybe seeing them use the bathroom outside will help your dog learn to do it too.

Some dogs are more responsive to affection/petting or verbal praise than treats. Try a combination to see which works best with your dog.

Slowly and gradually extend the back of your hand, without food in it, and let him sniff it or lick it Let him touch you first. Speak to him in soothing tones and make him feel comfortable with you.

Be sure to speak softly with your dog, and don't attempt to drag them outside. If they start following you around outside, give them a treat. Be patient.

Try taking him out on a leash if you can get one onto him. If not, just go out and try to watch him. Talk to the owners and try to figure out where exactly he's getting out and how they usually get him back in if he escapes.

Make sure your husband has ample opportunities to bond with the dog. Have him be the one who feeds the dog and gives him treats, takes him on walks, visits to the dog park, etc. Once your dog learns to associate good times with your husband, he won't be afraid of him anymore.

It depends on the toys. Most dogs prefer some kinds of toys over others. Try to experiment with all kinds of toys and see which ones he likes best. Take Into consideration that some dogs like human toys like stuffed animals over dog toys. So just keep experimenting.

You should start with one then once the dog trusts you, start working with it around other people but go slowly.

Use a suitable muzzle and reward the dog, before and after, with high value treats. Also speak softly, reassuring him throughout the procedure.

You may want to find yourself a dog behaviorist to help you and your dog.

Carry on trying to build her trust, talk to her softly, offer her treats. She's been through a lot of distress at the hands of humans, so understand it's going to take time for her to trust again. Just work with her take it slow and be patient. It's a great thing to adopt an abused dog and you should be proud you've done it, it will all be worth it when you gain that amazing bond with her!

Work with a trained professional for help.

Follow the instructions listed in the article above.

Make sure the dog is comfortable around you first, and when approaching new people, make sure you show the dog you are comfortable around them. If possible, have the new person sit near the dog and let the dog get used to them being there.

Go on walks. When you see a dog a ways away, ask for a "sit" and say, “Oh look, a dog.” Treat and praise your dog, then walk away. Keep this up, getting closer and closer to another dog (on the other side of the sidewalk to be safe). Eventually your dog will be excited to see another dog, associating it with praise and treats. “Other dogs make good things happen for me.”

With mine I used a harness and a leash in the backyard and rewarded him when he walked correctly and with me. Do this for longer and longer sessions each time. After he was good in the backyard, I did the same thing, but walking around the neighborhood. Remember, be patient, as they have been through a lot.

Try crate training. Leave them in the crate for short intervals and reward them for silent/good behavior. Crate in your room, then slowly move to another. There are many more detailed sources on how to crate train on the internet, too.

Remember to speak in a soft and encouraging voice ,so your dog doesn't view you as a predator. Then try giving your dog a treat or bone so he/she is busy chewing something. Back away for a little bit giving them space and reassurance that everything is okay and give a treat or bone. Use food such as chicken so they become very interested in it. Then approach the crate slowly and open it. Walk away, ignoring your dog until she comes out. Once they do come out don't praise them immediately or this action could frighten your dog, making them run back into their crate. Most dogs put under trauma will not gain your trust immediately, so be patient and remember this will take time.

Don’t chase your dog when they run. If a dog has been abused, they run from you because they don’t know if you will hurt them as well. If you chase them, it will scare them more. Instead, crouch down and talk to your dog in a soothing voice. Be respectful of your dogs space and let them come to you when they are ready. Don’t feel bad or angry. If you are kind and respectful your dog will learn to trust you.

Sit down about 5 feet away and keep calling him in a soft voice. And if he comes, slowly pet his back and hand him a treat. Keep doing this for several months and eventually he'll gain enough trust to come to you without fear.

Take them to the vet, spay/neuter them, give them space (if they are scared),. If they want your attention be sure to give to them, but remember; just because they may be scared, doesn’t mean you shouldn’t give them training. Dogs with past trauma tend to cling to their owners, this can develop into aggression toward other animals and humans.

Fearful dogs more often react negatively to men than women, especially those with a perceived intimidating appearance (deep voices, broad shoulders, height.). She may have had a bad experience with a man in her past. You could try to have a man who will be close to her in the household give your dog a treat anytime they are around, to try to convince your dog that it is not a negative experience. Then repeat again with a new person to grow your dog's exposure and slowly change their expectations.