File :-(, x, )
Anonymous
Hey /an/,

I need some help or advice. So a couple of months ago I was taking a walk with a friend of mine near where I live. It was a back road along a ditch bank. We were strolling along when a dog about 30 feet away barked. We stood still and it approached us. We didn't really know what to do, because it wasn't aggressive at all and just followed us everywhere we went. We came home and decided to take the dog in. It had a collar, no tags, and no chip. I checked ads for weeks before I decided I'd keep the dog. I got him neutered and his shots.

I've kept him well since then, but until today I hadn't made an effort to train him. He loves my attention but is VERY wary of my actions. He'll flinch at any sudden move, even when I'm being as loving as possible. I'm also trying to play with him in the back yard, but he just lays there submissively. I can hardly get him to move. Even when I stand offering a treat, he'll make no effort to get it. I've tried petting him and showing that I mean no harm, but he's still extremely apprehensive.

What do I do? I can't train him if he's afraid to do anything in front of me.
>> Anonymous
OP here, I forgot to mention he's a golden retriever. He looks similar to the dog in the OP pic
>> le/x/bian
The main thing is to just give him time. It's only been a couple of months. Just be very, verey gentle with him. When you're approaching him, approach him at an angle as if you're not really going straight for him, hold out your hand for him to sniff before you start cuddling him, and when you're paying attention to him get down on his level and pet him on his sides and chest instead of over the head. Shower him with treats and praise whenever possible and soon enough he'll understand that he can trust you.
>> Anonymous
so long as he knows how to go poo outside and not in, don't bother training an obviously damaged dog. just love them for who they are and give them treats and walks and toys. maybe one day he will want to learn a trick but in the mean time don't bother it will just freak him out.
>> Anonymous
You beat the shit out of him until he grows a backbone. Tough love is the only love that will teach him to stand his own ground. He'll hate you at first, but in time he'll come to appreciate your hard lovin'.
>> Anonymous
>>208101
this person is the reason the dog acts like that.
>> Anonymous
>>208093

Seconded. The obvious bit here is building more trust, not whether you can teach the dog to fetch a redundant piece of item you will throw away again and again.

It is entirely possible that the dog already knows a fair number of commands, and will act accordingly and surprise you one day.
>> Anonymous
Use non-aggressive body language as much as you can.>>207281has good suggestions. Get down on the floor with him lots, lie flat on your back next to him and pet him, that kind of thing.
>> Anonymous
A daily walk (45min-1hr) is one of the best ways to build a trust with any dog. Don't let him walk in front of you. Try some training after that. Keep it simple and don't try to teach too much at one time. Take baby steps.
>> Anonymous
That poor dog fears you because you took his manhood away :(

You should have made sweet love with him instead.
>> Anonymous
First thing is DO NOT PET THE DOG WHEN IT IS SCARED/ANGRY/ETC. Whenever you give a dog affection, you're nurturing whatever state of mind it's in at that moment. That includes aggression, fear, anxiety, etc.

You need to be the strong, assertive leader. That's what the dog needs right now. Take the dog on a daily walk of at least 45 minutes. Use a choke chain instead of a normal collar. If you can't walk that long, buy a dog backpack and load it with about 14% of the dogs weight and use that while walking and you can take the walk down to 20 - 25 minutes or so.

Yes, this stuff is from Cesar Milan, the Dog Whisperer. And yes, the shit works. You should watch at least a few episodes of it on the national geographic channel and you'll learn a lot. Everything I've ever tried from that show work just as you see it on tv. The guy really is great with dogs.
>> Anonymous
>>208359
here

>>208248

I see someone else watches the dog whisperer too. It's good stuff.
>> abused dog airing
The dog has been abused by violence from a human owner. How do you make your actions known to the dog in approaching it? If you are towering over it and talking or showing your teeth, it is more likely to cower in fear of being bitten. The best way to approach an abused animal is very slowly and quietly, don't smile or talk and crouch or crawl in a low to the ground movement on the side of the animal. Also when you are looking at the dog blink often instead of staring as this is seen as pre attack and the dog really doesn't want to be attacked again.