| If you have the privilege of adopting a dog that | | | | remember to be generous with your praise. |
| has been the subject of abuse, it is vital for you | | | | Increase his involvement in your activities when |
| to understand how to care for an abused dog so | | | | you feel he is ready for it. |
| that you don't unwittingly add to your new | | | | Avoid staring him in the eyes or standing squarely |
| friend's stress. You have a challenge in front of | | | | in front of him. These stances are best used with |
| you, but if addressed right, it can turn out to be | | | | dogs that need to be brought under control but |
| one of the most rewarding experiences of your | | | | will only serve to terrify a timid canine. Do not put |
| life. | | | | pressure on the dog to behave as though nothing |
| Recognizing Abused Dog Behavior | | | | unusual ever happened in his past. Giving your |
| Signs of shyness can be helpful in recognizing | | | | new dog some space to allow him to progress at |
| abused dog behavior. If you suspect a dog may | | | | his own pace will do a world of wonders. |
| have been subjected to abuse, avoid petting him | | | | Did you know that dogs rescued from puppy mills |
| on the head. Slowly reach under the nose area | | | | typically require a couple of weeks before they |
| and scratch his neck instead while talking to him | | | | start coming out of their torpor and realizing that |
| gently and remember not to stare at him. | | | | the horror has really been left behind? That is |
| Eventually you can graduate to stroking his back | | | | when you see tentative signs of tail wagging, the |
| while chatting away in a reassuring manner. | | | | first hope of better days to come, maybe. They |
| Curing Dog Abuse Behavior | | | | may well try your patience, but the |
| Curing dog abuse behavior is a tall order and will | | | | breakthroughs make it all worthwhile. Just |
| require a lot of patience. The key is to try and | | | | remember to take things slowly. |
| build up your dog's self confidence in as many | | | | Adopting an abused dog requires a lot of patience, |
| ways as you can come up with. A good start | | | | empathy and understanding. How to care for an |
| would be letting him have his meal at the same | | | | abused dog will no longer be an issue when you |
| time as the rest of the family in order to make | | | | learn to put your dog first and foremost and |
| him feel like a member of the pack, or even | | | | remember to always observe your own behavior |
| before everyone else instead of feeding him after | | | | through his eyes. Constantly ask yourself how |
| the family. | | | | you would react to the present situation if you |
| Include him in quiet group activities by making | | | | had been subjected to the same kind of abuse |
| sure he is in the same room with you and allow | | | | your dog lived through, not understanding why it |
| him to participate when he is ready to do so. | | | | was happening and being powerless to do |
| Allow him to go through the doorway first, or up | | | | anything about it. Just how would you want to be |
| and down a staircase. Always be conscious of | | | | approached to elicit the desired behavior? |
| what your body language says to your dog, and | | | | |