This is so individual.

What is his reaction to strangers appearing in the home? Does he try to threaten them away, or does he back into a corner, or does he just like to watch from the sidelines (from a distance)?

There's another factor: There are so many people who you just cannot rely on to actually follow through when you explain "no look no touch no talk no approach."

He isn't even really quite ready for all of your own household, right?

Has anyone new visited your home since he came? What happened?

These factors would all enter your plans for visitors.

JMO!

I know that we have several folks who have rehabbed shy/fearful/anxious dogs.

How about using marker training to establish some structure with him, Janet?

Marker training is very good for dogs' confidence and ability to accept and trust people who "speak the same language".

If you have the marker system in place and the dog knows how to access the reward you could involve other people that you can trust to work within the same system. Take turns having short motivational sessions with the dog.

This will make it easier for the dog to accept different handlers if he sees the familiar picture.

If the new owner learns the basics of this system they would be able to speak the same language the dog already knows

Ana, you mean the family members, right?

Not the strangers coming to the house?

Depends on dog's comfort zone. Ideally it would be a neutral location. With some dogs it takes time to get them to a point where you could take them anywhere without them freaking out or shutting down completely.

It would have to be strangers at some point (the new owner will be a stranger at first). The foster family are all strangers in the beginning.

It is more important that these sessions are very clear and all positive experience for the dog. If you know somebody who is really good at it but not a family member I'd try to get them involved.

"If you have the marker system in place and the dog knows how to access the reward you could involve other people that you can trust to work within the same system. Take turns having short motivational sessions with the dog.

This will make it easier for the dog to accept different handlers if he sees the familiar picture."



All good stuff. But the dog isn't quite comfortable with even the rest of the members of the household yet.

He's only been there for 3 days.

That "since Saturday" didn't leap out at me right away, either.

 Quote: Ana Kozlowsky

How about using marker training to establish some structure with him, Janet?

Great catch!

Marker work would be the biggest item on my agenda.

That's the point - everybody is a stranger now. This would be a good time to *try* to widen the circle of "friends speaking the same language".

If the foster only gets to be comfortable at foster home among the immediate family it might be harder to get him to accept the inevitable changes later.

Eta: I absolutely don't mean forced interactions with all and everybody. All positive experiences that leave the dog wanting for more

Edited by Ana Kozlowsky (04/19/2011 07:22 PM)
Edit reason: eta

 Quote: ana kozlowsky

That's the point - everybody is a stranger now. This would be a good time to *try* to widen the circle of "friends speaking the same language".

If the foster only gets to be comfortable at foster home among the immediate family it might be harder to get him to accept the inevitable changes later.

Eta: I absolutely don't mean forced interactions with all and everybody. All positive experiences that leave the dog wanting for more

Gotcha.

 Quote: michael_wise

While it is impossible to say anything definitive without actually observing the dog, your approach if certainly going to give him a GREAT shot at a life anywhere.:smile:

 Quote: connie sutherland

You are doing it all right, as Michael says. It's too soon to eval his eventual ability to move on to a "regular" permanent home. But I've done this more than once, and so far no dog has had to come back. Dogs can and do transfer allegiance, and building his confidence is the very best tool you can possibly give him.
"I'm wondering if it would be cruel to let him build trust with me and become comfortable and then send him to another strange place. I'd keep him first," --- you have answered it yourself.

But my money is on eventual successful rehoming (after loads of socializing).

All my rescues have had some amount of fear, I am not hearing anything that extreme in your post. It has only been a few days, I usually give them some time getting comfortable with my house and yard before venturing out into the big wide world. Setting them up on a routine that can be carried over to their new home, I find, helps with the transition.

How is he around your dog?

I'm responding by phone so forgive me if it's a mess.

Connie, Dudley has not growled or gotten snippy, but he hasn't been pushed. I think if someone were to corner him he might. He just moves away or behind me or under a table ect. My neighbors came over for a minute last night. As they approached, I just told them to walk slowly and ignore him. They are really cool and did what I asked...and they were mother and daughter. Women are easier. I was sitting and he was beside me. He didn't run but he ducked his head stayed kind of behind me.

He was pretty comfortable this evening. He was more playful in the yard. It seems to be quick movements and loud noises that really freak him out.

I love marker training with my dog. I thought it may be better to wait until he'd been here a while, but I can certainly try and see how he responds. I'll have to find something he really loves, because he hasn't eaten at all with me in the room and has yet to take a treat from me....even the ever coveted liver treats!

Thanks guys. You're really the best.

Tammy, just saw your post.

I have had him around my dog very little... Just some outside. He seems fine...sort of disinterested. Ollie tried to initiate play...and he was ok with that, but I started chucking balls instead. Ollie can't resist two ball.

Interestingly, he loves my cat. She's dog savvy and comes right to him. He sticks his nose in her fur and licks her!

Hes the only foster I've had that was this afraid, but I've only had a handful, so maybe you're right.