Fostering a semi-feral dog

AmberliG · 06-27-2010, 12:35 PM

I'd love some advice! This dog is young, about 6 months. Looks like a Husky/Shep mix? She was dumped, along with her brother (who was adopted about a month ago). She's an absolute nervous wreck.

It took her a long time to even look at me. She completely avoids human contact, and will run into walls trying to escape it. She's not a biter though, thank dog.

She is following my Rotti around, and he's doing a great job of teaching her house manners.

I decided to try and get her used to me a bit. I put an ezwalk on her, and have her leashed to me. I'm not interacting with her, and she's laying calmly (though as far away as the leash permits).

Is this a good idea? Bad? When and how should I try more interaction? I'm lost here, all my previous fosters had limited behaviour issues.

Sorry for the huge post!

**Criosphynx** · 06-27-2010, 12:45 PM

Will she take food? If you drop in on the floor will she take it?

AmberliG · 06-27-2010, 12:48 PM

Sometimes only from the floor. She will not eat out of my hand.

I've tried just tossing treats to her, she usually gets up and runs when she sees me move, then my super SAR Chi scoops it up.

**fawkese1** · 06-27-2010, 01:41 PM

hmm... on the food thing... if you don't have any resource guarders then i'd say take their daily rations and just sort of hand feed everyone a bit of it for a while... making it obvious that you are the source of the food, without even trying to feed her, just drop bits of kibble (if you feed kibble of course

) if you have a room where you can be alone with her, but that is large enough that she can get far away from you, you can try just sitting in a chair and tossing the kibble to her... or you can try keeping your dogs in a sit near you, and just tossing her portion to her so that she has a chance to get it before your sneaky little chi!

try to keep your posture small, and sideways to her has much as possible, and don't stare at her...

as far as leashing her to you, my only caution is to be extra sensitive to her body language... leashes create tension, and my worry would be that if she feels trapped her flight response could turn to a fight response...

pawzaddict · 06-27-2010, 03:13 PM

I brought in 2 6 week old pups who were this way, I think we had an easier time getting them to love humans due to their age. I let them have their space (they stayed in the laundry room) and never pressured them to come out, one day they were waiting at the baby gate for me, tho when I came around the corner they started to run I just sat down and gave treats.

I think giving treats, sitting calmly and not staring at him might help. Its a way I gained trust from strange dogs who were scared and confused in boarding situations. Instead of tossing them to him, just sit there with a handful and see if he comes closer to get one, then place one on the ground near you and get closer and closer and closer. Hope that makes sense and help

**Criosphynx** · 06-27-2010, 03:42 PM

Tippy hid under the table for about 6 weeks easy....when I brought her home....lots of averting the eyes/ and turning my body away and gently tossing treats at her. Then hand feeding, then eventually training simple behaviors.

I personally would not tether a dog like this. Let her go and hide if she wants IMO.

Otherwise thats a bite waiting to happen.

AmberliG · 06-27-2010, 08:54 PM

Thank you for the replies. I've unleashed her, but left the EZW on in case she bolts (again). Luckily it's easy to herd her safely back to the house. I'll be feeding her soon, I'll let you all know how it goes. And I've been sure to keep my body language nonthreatening.

AmberliG · 06-28-2010, 04:07 PM

She's doing ok, ate out of my hand last night (yay!).

Another question for you all- When she is stationary, and I physically prevent her from leaving, she will relax, and seemingly enjoy petting. When she is moving though, she will slink away and avoid ALL contact, run into walls to get away, ect. How can I use this to my/her advantage?

pawzaddict · 06-28-2010, 07:45 PM

My personal opinion, you forcefully not letting her get away is causing her to not want to get near you in fear you will forcefully hold her down again (or hold her in place). If she wants to get away at any time let her, otherwise you are going to cause her to fear you, you think she is calming down but she is really giving up. At least thats what it sounds like

**Criosphynx** · 06-28-2010, 08:49 PM

Quote:

She's doing ok, ate out of my hand last night (yay!).

yay! good work. This is a good sign

Quote:

She's doing ok, ate out of my hand last night (yay!).

Another question for you all- When she is stationary, and I physically prevent her from leaving, she will relax, and seemingly enjoy petting. When she is moving though, she will slink away and avoid ALL contact, run into walls to get away, ect. How can I use this to my/her advantage?

I have a feeling you are misreading her body language, she could be relaxing because she is giving up, knowing there is no way to excape. Not because she enjoys it.

Lots of dogs, aren't overly touchy feelie...just like som' people. I know your heart is in the right place, but I wouldn't force this dog to do anything, unless absolutely needed (like vet care)

This dog may take MONTHS to come around. It will certainly take weeks. No need to push it.