Public Forum Proceed to Auspet's New Discussion Forum | Pet Directory | Classifieds | Home | LinkXchange


Click here to make Auspet.com your default home page

  Auspet - Message Boards
  Dogs - all types
  Shy/Timid/Abused? 10 Month old Pomeranian

Post New Topic  Post A Reply
profile | register | preferences | faq | search

UBBFriend: Email This Page to Someone! next newest topic | next oldest topic
Author Topic:   Shy/Timid/Abused? 10 Month old Pomeranian
Christine
New Member

Posts: 5
From:Woburn, MA, USA
Registered: Mar 2003

posted 03-24-2003 01:20 PM     Click Here to See the Profile for Christine     Edit/Delete Message
I am looking for advice to help my 2nd pomeranian (10 month old male) who might have been abused. He was a rescue and gets along beautifully with my 1st pomeranian but will not come near me. I've had him for 2 weeks and at first he would run into his crate if I came within 10 feet of him. Now he has been showing signs of getting more comfortable like coming within arm's length of me and watching everything I do. He also follows me from room to room but whenever I hold out my hand or start to approach him, he runs away. He does approach me in bed in the morning(licks my face and tries to engage in play but as soon as I move slowly towards him or move my hand near him, he runs away) or when I come out of the shower (he licks the back of my leg) It breaks my heart because I want him to have a happy life and I can't even come near him to put a harness on to bring him out for a walk! Any advice would be appreciated! Thank you!

IP: Logged

shmoopie
Member

Posts: 361
From:Vancouver, BC
Registered: Jan 2003

posted 03-24-2003 03:36 PM     Click Here to See the Profile for shmoopie     Edit/Delete Message
Oh poor lil guy, he's scared.

I suggest you get down on your hands and nees with treats in your hand. You don't want to be dominant with this guy and your actions by moving towards him and going after him are dominant moves. Also, I would suggest NEVER petting him ontop of his head, you will always want to pet under the chin and on chest..NEVER ontop of the head (this is rude in doggie language and also domianant). Also, push your shoulders back and be as submissive as possible. It will take time for this lil guy to gain trust as obviously his experiences with humans were fearful...this takes time, but will work if you are consistent.

Good luck and let me know if that helps at all.

Cheers

IP: Logged

Pauline
Member

Posts: 134
From: NC -USA
Registered: Jan 2003

posted 03-25-2003 09:22 AM     Click Here to See the Profile for Pauline     Edit/Delete Message
I would say that 2 weeks of ownership, and this dog getting comfortable with you a little at a time, seems right nice. I wouldn't rush it, it has only been 2 weeks after all. Good things come to those who wait. Like the above person, I agree, treats and all. He may be left with timidity to some degree, always, just let him always approach you first, his trust has been damaged, and this poor fellow, has been trying. God bless.

IP: Logged

Christine
New Member

Posts: 5
From:Woburn, MA, USA
Registered: Mar 2003

posted 03-28-2003 09:27 AM     Click Here to See the Profile for Christine     Edit/Delete Message
Thank you for your replies! He is getting more and more comfortable each day! I can scratch his back/belly while in bed but it still scares the little one when I am sitting or standing. It will take time and patience but I am so proud of how far he has come in almost 3 weeks now! I can't wait until he can feel the joy of walking outside with my other pom! Thanks again for your advice, it's nice to know that there are such caring people out there!

IP: Logged

Chris
unregistered
posted 04-16-2003 01:27 PM           Edit/Delete Message
Don't let this worry you too much. I have three female Chihuahuas. Each of them are very different in personality.

One of them is, and has always been very skiddish in nature. These girls are nothing but pampered and spoiled. They have never been spanked or hit, rarely scolded (and mildly at that). The skiddish one, Pockets, is just that way. She feels most comfy when she's under the covers. That's on the couch, in the bed, under the bed, etc. She's been that way from day one. She is very playful when the environment is right. She always gets scared when we are inside the house and walking around. She doesn't exibit this fear outside for some reason. She is very loving and affectionate (as are the other two).

One of the other two, Little Bit, after we adopted her at 9 weeks old didn't want much to do with us. She loved the other two girls, but not my wife and not me. She was just wary of us. For the first few months we had her, she could sort of care less if we were around or not. Then she got to a point where it was 50/50. Now she is so far up our ass (sorry about that term) that it gets annoying.

So just give your new baby some time, he'll come around.

IP: Logged

trueleeblessed2003
unregistered
posted 04-26-2003 01:58 AM           Edit/Delete Message
My 10 month old Chihuahua comes up to us for hugs and kisses but when we get up or my 10 year old daughter comes at him to play he runs. He kinda cowers under you when you walk. But he's so funny because if he hears a noise he barks like the is the BIG DAWG! But he just walks and cowers under us but follows us everywhere in the house. He loves to play but when were riding in the car he shakes like a leaf, i wonder why?

IP: Logged

Doc Helladay
unregistered
posted 04-26-2003 04:06 AM           Edit/Delete Message
Hi Christine, welcome to the board. Sounds to me that he probably has spent his life in a crate, and chances are since he was a rescue he probably was not handled much or never and he only saw human life twice a day to be fed and watered. Alot of these puppymills that have toys they stack em high its disqusting. I feel with patience on your part he will eventually realize that being a pet is great. Let him seek you out, follow etc..you spoke of he licks back of your leg from the shower..an idea for you, come down to his level, like lying on the floor with a pillow and a glass of water...dab some of the water on your arm..then as days go on then have a treat with you on the floor, take steps then go to a sitting position, etc...he will realize that he can trust you. As it gets better maybe start moving his crate from room to room that way he has to look for it when he feels unsafe and you never know that might be the time that he runs to you Just be creative it will work. And with him getting along with your other dog, right there shows that he is trying to associate. Well good luck and keep us informed how each day progresses.
Doc~2003
P.S. I am sure glad people like you offer homes to rescue abused dogs..

IP: Logged

Michelle
Member

Posts: 35
From:Pampa,Texas, USA
Registered: Nov 2003

posted 12-30-2003 11:18 AM     Click Here to See the Profile for Michelle     Edit/Delete Message
What do you do if your pom came from a good home and was only a puppy when you bought her and she is act ing like this? SHe will come near me, but doesn't really want me to love on her alot. SHe is very strong willed and when I reach down to pick her up.. she will run away or she will pull back. What does that mean??

IP: Logged

*Beautiful*Girl
Member

Posts: 138
From:evesham, New Jersey, USA
Registered: Jul 2003

posted 12-30-2003 11:43 AM     Click Here to See the Profile for *Beautiful*Girl     Edit/Delete Message
I read this is a dog training guide. Try to hand feed the dog. This of course only works if they are a little hungry. Put the treats in your hand and if they want to eat they will have to eat it out of your hand. Good Luck.

IP: Logged

Samsintentions
Member

Posts: 944
From:Columbus, Tx ,USA
Registered: Dec 2003

posted 12-30-2003 12:15 PM     Click Here to See the Profile for Samsintentions     Edit/Delete Message
Sounds like your a great person and he's lucky to have a great home.

Just give him time. Let him approach you, and don't move. Eventually he'll learn that your not a boogie monster and its ok. The hands and knees with treats gets them everytime!!!! Even if he just comes up grabs one an leaves....at least he knows you have food and are good.

Don't rush him. Talk sweetly too him, play with your other dog and pet them and koo all over them, he'll see that his friend is enjoying all the attention and will get curious as well.

Good luck.

IP: Logged

Michelle
Member

Posts: 35
From:Pampa,Texas, USA
Registered: Nov 2003

posted 12-30-2003 12:41 PM     Click Here to See the Profile for Michelle     Edit/Delete Message
Was this reply to me or Christine? SOrry I got confused.

I would like it if someone could tell me how to get her to stop biting so much all the time. She is only 5 months old, but are these puppy stages going to stop? She seems to be out of control at times.

IP: Logged

Scooby
New Member

Posts: 9
From:Hernando, Florida,USA
Registered: Dec 2003

posted 12-30-2003 01:10 PM     Click Here to See the Profile for Scooby     Edit/Delete Message
I had a Chihuahua shtzue mix, when I got her she was a very abused dog. it took almost 3 months for her to come around. and she did. every day I would talk to her let her know I wasnt going to hurt her. gave her treats. let her follow me around, left her sleep with me. but it took a long time before I could actually pet her. then one day she came to me. rolled over on her back, I got down on my knees and I reached for her and laid there I started to rub her belly and thats all it took, she was mine forever.we played I took her on bye bye rides, to my friends house,I would go shopping early moring when it was still cool and take her with me. I would sometimes sneak her in the store with my over sized purse/ husband called travel luggage.or leave her in the vehicle for 10 minutes with windows down. no one ever tried to take her. I knew she would put a hurting in them. eventually she took to my kids and my husband and grew to love us all. we got another dog much bigger and that was her best friend,and vise versa. I had her over a period of 13 yrs. she past away, she was 16 yrs old, she had a undetected tumor on her spleen.I had to have her put to sleep. but out of those 13 yrs she had a wonderful happy life. she knew she was no longer going to be abused. she was my lil girl and I will miss her dealry. it pangs me to talk about her. but I know that my story will help you and maybe some one else.your lil boy will come around. he needs time and lots of love. he will come to trust you. trust me. when he does you will see so much love come from him. it will fill your heart. good luck with your lil boy.

IP: Logged

tjinaustin
Member

Posts: 11
From:Austin,tx,us
Registered: Dec 2003

posted 12-30-2003 01:17 PM     Click Here to See the Profile for tjinaustin     Edit/Delete Message
IT SOUNDS LIKE HE IS COMING AROUND!JUST GIVE IT TIME.I HAD A RESCUE DOG BEFORE THAT WHEN I WOULD PICK THE BROOM UP,SHE WOULD RUN AND HIDE.A FRIEND TOLD ME TO TAKE THE BROOM AND RUB IT AROUND ON HER BODY,AFTER A COUPLE OF WEEKS,SHE WAS JUST FINE WITH ME SWEEPING.PERSONALLY I THINK YOU SHOULD PICK HIM UP AND HOLD HIM FOR ABOUT 10 MINUTES A DAY AND BUILD THE TRUST WITH HIM.HE WILL SEE YOU LOVE HIM AND YOU ARE NOT GONNA HARM HIM.GOOD LUCK AND GIVE HIM A LITTLE TIME.

IP: Logged

3Dogsihave
Member

Posts: 156
From:
Registered: Aug 2003

posted 12-30-2003 06:02 PM     Click Here to See the Profile for 3Dogsihave     Edit/Delete Message
Michelle,
I have two poms and I got my first when she was 6 mo, she was not very well socialized or handled much. It took her a month or so before she felt comfortable with all the attention. The other thing though, is both of mine think its really fun to be chased. We go to pick them up and sometimes they run, its a big game. If we dont chase them they come to us disapointed. My 4 yo and loves this game and thank god, it wears her and the dogs out for a nice nap! It has now become my favorite part of the day. Also they both have their moments when they dont want to be held.
As for the biting, my second pom was very mouthy, she was around 5 mo when we got her. I would put her down when she bit and just ignored her. She is my pom that loves to be held,so learned quick that she bit and did not get held. Anyway good luck, they are really fun dogs. Keep us posted!

[This message has been edited by 3Dogsihave (edited 12-30-2003).]

IP: Logged

susan_cude@hotmail.com
Member

Posts: 813
From:Santa Maria, Ca.
Registered: Nov 2003

posted 12-30-2003 06:57 PM     Click Here to See the Profile for susan_cude@hotmail.com     Edit/Delete Message
Good for you! You recued that poor little guy. And now he's going to have a home filled with love....You got some great advise here, knew you would. Things will be GREAT for the little one now.....Good Luck! Sincerely, Susan

P.S. I have a house full of DauchyPoms, five in all, they are the cutest little things I've ever seen...They love attention...

IP: Logged

Michelle
Member

Posts: 35
From:Pampa,Texas, USA
Registered: Nov 2003

posted 12-31-2003 06:49 AM     Click Here to See the Profile for Michelle     Edit/Delete Message
3dogsihave,

Thank you for writing me back. I have just been so frustrated trying to figure out why she is acting like this. She can be really good dog if I can get her past the biting stage. You said your dog was like this at 5 months old. How old is your dog now and can you tell me if they will grow out of it?

IP: Logged

3Dogsihave
Member

Posts: 156
From:
Registered: Aug 2003

posted 01-01-2004 10:56 PM     Click Here to See the Profile for 3Dogsihave     Edit/Delete Message
Michelle,
She is a little over a year now. And is really good, sometimes she still gets excited and gets mouthy, but not as hard or intentionally. She came from a home that kept her in a crate 24/7 pretty much, no socialization and had not been handled much. In fact for the first few days we could not catch her, and forget getting her in a crate. I would sometimes pop her gently on the nose. (Not hard, didnt hurt just startled her) I have small children and if she bit one of them I would be a little more firm. But basically when she learned she would not get attention she stopped. As I said before in my earlier post she is very much a people dog and will lay in your lap for hours. Another thing I would do if putting her down didnt work I would carry her outside and have her stay there. I didnt want her to think out side was a bad place but cratting was not an option and sometimes I just needed a break from her. She was extremly HYPER for several weeks. Now she is the perfect lap dog.

IP: Logged

Michelle
Member

Posts: 35
From:Pampa,Texas, USA
Registered: Nov 2003

posted 01-02-2004 07:37 AM     Click Here to See the Profile for Michelle     Edit/Delete Message
3dogsihave,

Thank you for writing me back. She is hiper and wants alot of attention too.. sometimes she likes to do her own thing though. But we keep her in a crate while we are at work, but my husband comes home at 12 and lets her outside for a while and then he plays with her. She is basically in the crate for 3 hours and then out and then 4 hours. Will that hurt her from training not to bite?

Is she just biting becuase that is her way of wanting attention? I am just trying to figure out what to do.

Do you think I should try to not keep her in the crate still while I am at work all day still? OR should I try to make a smaller area for her where she has more room to run? I was just afraid she would potty everywhere if I didn't keep her in her crate.

I guess from now on I need to put her in her crate when she bites too hard.. I was just told that you shouldn't use that to disapline them.. so I didn't ever do that. I alway say NO and ignore her for a while.

Please tell me what to do about her crate sitatuion.

thank you.

IP: Logged

3Dogsihave
Member

Posts: 156
From:
Registered: Aug 2003

posted 01-02-2004 05:49 PM     Click Here to See the Profile for 3Dogsihave     Edit/Delete Message
Michelle, sry cant be of much help in the crate area. Mine never had to be crated long b/c me and hubby work wierd shifts. Also once mine were housebroken, they had safe rooms in the house they could roam free. As dar as the biting I am not sure why, for mine I believe it was lack of socialization and she had not got past that puppy faze b/c no one ever payed any attetnion to her.

IP: Logged

Michelle
Member

Posts: 35
From:Pampa,Texas, USA
Registered: Nov 2003

posted 01-05-2004 06:21 AM     Click Here to See the Profile for Michelle     Edit/Delete Message
ok I see. We don't put her in the crate on the weekneds or in the evenings until we go to bed. She seems to love it and settles down for sleep there. I was thinking of getting a couple of those baby doors and setting her up a room in the utility area where she wont' have to be in the crate during the day, but not sure yet if that will confuse her.

We give her alot of attention and alot of love.. we play with her and love on her.. so I know she is getting the attention she needs.. just wasn't sure how to deal with the biting. I am thinking it has to be a stage she is going through. We thought another dog would help her, but we just don't have time to potty train another dog with us both working all day. It is too much. When the weather is nice here, we put her in our enclosed deck area.. she loves that too.. and we put her toys and food there.

Can you think of anything I should try? I am not sure she is potty trained.. she has had a few accidents here and there. Do you think I should try the utility room and let her have more freedom there even if I am not sure she is potty trained?

Thank you.

IP: Logged

Jamiya
Member

Posts: 1392
From:
Registered: Sep 2003

posted 01-05-2004 06:49 AM     Click Here to See the Profile for Jamiya     Edit/Delete Message
I would not stop using the crate for a few more months, until you are sure she is trained. Some dogs are very mouthy, and some do use biting to get attention. I don't think the utility room would help all that much - even if given room to run, most dogs will just sleep until you get home anyway and still be a bundle of energy.

The biting is a puppy thing and she will outgrow it, but you need to help her along. As others said, put her down and ignore her when she bites. After a few minutes, pay attention to her again but stop if she starts biting.

There are all sorts of things you can do for biting and attention-getting behaviors. Try doing a search on this forum for ideas.


Jamiya

IP: Logged

Michelle
Member

Posts: 35
From:Pampa,Texas, USA
Registered: Nov 2003

posted 01-06-2004 12:10 PM     Click Here to See the Profile for Michelle     Edit/Delete Message
That is what I thought. If I put her in a small room.. and she learns to peein there, then she will be confused about her potty training. She doesn't seem to mind the crate so far.

I have another question:
Me and my husband have to go out of town for a day. Is it wise to keep her in a kennel with other dogs during that time or should I take her with me? I am afraid she will be scared there, but my husband says it will socialize her.

IP: Logged

Christine
New Member

Posts: 5
From:Woburn, MA, USA
Registered: Mar 2003

posted 01-12-2004 12:32 PM     Click Here to See the Profile for Christine     Edit/Delete Message
Hello Everyone!

Sorry it took so long to write everyone back but I forgot my password and it took forever to get it!

I am happy to report that my little male Pom Kenai that I believed was abused has made great progress. We think because we love and care for animals that we can make a dog that is scared to death come around fast because we show it love but I learned that for the first few months, you may have to love your new dog from afar. And then, little by little, you gain some of their trust. It takes a lot of patience but the rewards are incredible! It has been almost 10 months now and Kenai is one happy doggie! He has a wonderful life and is really playful. It is so hard to see the pictures when I first got him, the hollow look in his eyes. But now, those eyes are bright and happy! He continues to make progress and now can be petted and brought outside for walks (his favorite thing to do) but we still have a long way to go in getting him to feel comfortable and trust humans. He is still somewhat scared when it comes to moving towards him (he comes to me when I call him but moves away when I reach for him) so we are working on that as well as interaction with strangers. After this experience I will never "buy" another dog again, I am hooked on giving the homeless a better life! Thank you for all your input!

Christine

IP: Logged

Maisey
Member

Posts: 1387
From:Portland, Oregon US
Registered: Sep 2003

posted 01-12-2004 01:47 PM     Click Here to See the Profile for Maisey     Edit/Delete Message
KUDOS Christine! Glad to hear you hung in there for him.

Michelle...do you mean confine him in a crate with other dogs? If so...definately not would be my answer. It is not safe to leave two dogs in the same crate, if they get nasty with each other, neither one will have an out or a way to back off and they will end up fighting. Even the dogs who get along wonderfully and "would never" fight, when confined to a small area with no escape can get into a scrap..and because they are confined it turns into a big fight.

If you mean take the dog to a kennel or doggy daycare situation for the day, sure...socialization when supervised is a good thing.

IP: Logged

Michelle
Member

Posts: 35
From:Pampa,Texas, USA
Registered: Nov 2003

posted 01-13-2004 09:10 AM     Click Here to See the Profile for Michelle     Edit/Delete Message
Yes I meant just being in a cage alone but around other dogs. I think it would be good for her too, but it just scares me to leave her alone because she hasn't been around dogs much.

IP: Logged

Maisey
Member

Posts: 1387
From:Portland, Oregon US
Registered: Sep 2003

posted 01-13-2004 09:16 AM     Click Here to See the Profile for Maisey     Edit/Delete Message
Michelle, if it's only for the day...look into Doggy Daycare, they can be fun places for dogs. They get to play with others, often go outside and have interaction with people. I would prefer that to being in a kennel all day. Make sure she has all her vaccinations etc...to keep her safe.
Remember, the more experience she has with people and other animals the better socialized she will be.

IP: Logged

Michelle
Member

Posts: 35
From:Pampa,Texas, USA
Registered: Nov 2003

posted 01-14-2004 01:09 PM     Click Here to See the Profile for Michelle     Edit/Delete Message
Well the problem is that where I live we don't have those options. I will still look into it. Maybe the town near me would have one. thank you

IP: Logged

All times are ET (US)

next newest topic | next oldest topic

Administrative Options: Close Topic | Archive/Move | Delete Topic
Post New Topic  Post A Reply
Hop to:

Contact Us | Auspet.com


Ultimate Bulletin Board 5.45c
















© 1999-2017 AusPet.com