We are thinking about adopting an abused Dalmatian and want to do some homework now. The rescue has informed us that she is 3 yrs. old, never been to a vet, and was beaten. The owner would tie her to a door and would beating her whenever "he perceived her being bad"...here, bad is more the owner than the dog!
She is currently in a foster home for a bit over a week and has begun to come out of her shell. She is now a 'velcro' dog, wants to sit in the foster mom's lap and not scare to eat. But...she is on meds to calm her anxiety, has a severe case of separation anxiety...not surprising!
It seems obvious to us since she's never been to a vet -- she's never had any training to build confidence. I've had two Dals in the past and we were blesses they were easy to train. I have never used the Clicker training method but think this may be the way to go with this little girl.
Does anyone have any suggestions as to where to begin and/or sites which may be of great interest for us.
Thanks!
So Sad!
Oh my - this sounds like such a sad story.
I read somewher that hands low are good, hands above the dog's head is bad - because it's like the shadow of a predator bird. Not sure if this is true, but it does help me remember.
Best Wishes,
RB
Some tips that might help
My favorite thing to teach dogs who are afraid is to touch hands. This build their confidence, and it is their decision to do so. This makes the hand a positive thing instead of a negitive. With her start out by sitting down, your side facing her, avoiding eye contact, and holding your hand out palm up and lower then her head. These are all body language signs that tells her 'I mean no harm'. If she touches your hand GREAT! Click and treat.
Now, because she was so heavily abused, you may not be able to get that far. If not, click for ANY movement twards you and roll to her a very tasty treat. You want to use something that is very highly motivating to her. 'Successive approximations' slowly every day build her confidence like this. It sounds like she can gain trust in people again like she has with her foster mom.
Once she trusts you I would start doing this with strangers too. Was the owner male or female? I suggest really working on getting her used to all strangers but those in particulr that are the same gender as her previous owner. However, depending on how strongly she reacts, you might want to start off with getting her used to people the opposite gender.
Obviously, never keep pushing her into a situation that she is uncomforatable with. Very very small steps, those with which she can succeed, even if it is very miniscule.
I would also do this with doors if she has developed a bad association with them.
For her separation anxiety, it might help to buy some sort of treat dispenser and put her morning food in that while you are gone. This will keep her busy on obtaining her food, and not so much on you beng gone. Make sure the treat dispenser doesn't have just one hole where the treats can easily fall out of. Ones where the treats have to travel through a maze are my particular favorites. Also, make sure that their are plenty of toys for her. Being crate trained may help her, as it should turn into a safe place for her to be while you are gone. Now, if you notice that she gets even more anxious, then obviously return the crate. Most pet stores have a 30 day return guarantee even if the product is damaged, but I would check with the store before buying.
I wish you the best of luck, and you must have a great heart and a lot of love and kindness to take on such a challenge with a dog this heavily abused.