Can You Potty Train A Previously Abused Dog?
I saw this recently. I don’t know who wrote it but it made me think about some poor dogs out there who have been abused but deserve more. We just need to devote more time to their training.
“Sometimes you will meet a dog who has been abused at during their life. These dogs can be difficult to deal with because even the normal things we do can cause them anxiety and fear. You can, in most cases however, teach an abused dog to trust with a few simple changes in approach plus a lot of patience.
Puppy Potty Training – The gentle approach.
When you are near them don’t stand tall. Instead bend down to appear less threatening. When you talk to them, keep your voice low and cheerful. Always remain calm. A loud or frustrated tone will cause anxiety. Don’t go charging in towards them. Remember, they may have been hit or kicked by someone who came at them quickly. If they come to you when called, give them the praise they deserve. You may be able to change some dogs’ attitudes quite quickly.
When you do get to pet this dog, avoid their head. Hold your hand palm up as you approach them and gently rub under his chin or on his chest. Rubbing either spot tends to calm a dog. If they step backward, let them. In time, they will stay longer.
When a dog is nervous or scared, they will often wet the floor involuntarily. If this should happen, it is important not to allow your frustration to show. It is not a deliberate attempt at disobeying and will likely disappear as they gain trust in you.
Keep any sessions short, with just a few minutes of actual touch each time. You can gradually increase the time as his trust grows. Often, just sitting quietly and waiting for him to approach you will make him feel comfortable. If your initial attempts fail, try this.
A once-abused dog can be as trusting and loving as any other. All it takes is patience on the part of those in his life. A crouching position, low voice and appropriate touch will win him over eventually (and speed up the puppy potty training).
