Dear Cathy, Two months ago, we adopted Fred, a Shar-Pei/Lab mix, through a rescue. He was found severely malnourished and covered in sores. After two months in foster care, we adopted Fred.
He has bonded well with our five-year-old dog and is learning to be his own dog. While he’s made significant progress, he still struggles with some behaviors. First, Fred will only leave the house through the front door but will return through either the front or side door (the one we use most often).
With the snow season coming, we would like to get him comfortable going out the side door, but food enticements haven’t worked. Second, he’s afraid when my husband or I approach him while standing. Whether he’s in his crate or loose in the house, he backs away as we get close.
I know these behaviors are rooted in fear, but I’m unsure how to help him overcome them. Fred is about seven or eight months old now. He’s a wonderful pup, loves to snuggle, and shows joy when we come home.
But his fears seem deeply ingrained. Is time enough, or should we be doing more? People are also reading..
. — Sharon, Norton, Massachusetts Dear Sharon, Poor Fred. Dogs with an abusive past may associate certain objects or experiences with negative memories, triggering fear that manifests in various and often unexpected ways.
I would begin by introducing anxiety clothing, (Thundershirt® or Anxiety Wrap®), a canine pheromone collar, and over-the-counter calming chews to establish a more relaxed state f.