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The doghouse

If you're worried about your pet's health, please speak to a vet or qualified professional.

Original poster

VERY scared dog

186 replies

EmmrT · 29/07/2023 20:16

My neighbour has a rescue dog, 2 years old, with a bad history of abuse. She's had him for 6 months and he is still scared of everything.

She had to go into hospital today, she has no friends or family so of course I agreed to take the dog for her.

The poor thing is shaking in his crate. He's been in there for 5 hours now (the door is open), do I 'force' him out for a mooch around the garden for a wee?? I've tried gently coaxing him out with chicken and sausages. No luck.

Looks like my poor neighbour will be in hospital at least a week.

Any advice gratefully received. If it's better to leave him in there and just clean up the wee/poo then that's fine. Just want him to be OK.

OP posts:
cinnamonfrenchtoast · 31/07/2023 12:21

Personally I would avoid giving anything high value to a dog in such a state of fear.

If OP gets too close he could potentially begin to resource guard and that's the last thing she needs to deal with.

Original poster
EmmrT · 31/07/2023 13:05

Unfortunately I just had to approach him - he did the biggest pee in his crate, it was a puddle covering almost the whole crate (and it's a large one)... needed to get all the wet blankets out and mop up as best I could.

I gave no eye contact, no noise, just calmly cleaned up.

He cowered at the side of the crate :( can see he's very wet with pee but I don't want to touch him and freak him out more.

Can't say how much i appreciate just being able to post here for help.

OP posts:
RedDoughnut · 31/07/2023 13:15

OP I just wanted to come and say thank you. Restoring my faith in human nature.
I hope your neighbour makes a speedy recovery and the dog will come and visit you when the neighbour is home again.

cinnamonfrenchtoast · 31/07/2023 13:21

Oh bless him, ideally he'll need washing because if you leave pee on him he's going to get really painful skin.

PimpMyFridge · 31/07/2023 13:24

Big hugs op. This poor dog must have been through some awful things to be in such a bad way. Thank goodness you are responding with compassion. Thank you. 💐

Original poster
EmmrT · 31/07/2023 13:42

cinnamonfrenchtoast · 31/07/2023 13:21

Oh bless him, ideally he'll need washing because if you leave pee on him he's going to get really painful skin.

Right I definitely don't want that. I'll gently wipe him with a warm damp cloth to get the worst off him. Will still avoid eye contact and try and be as non-threatening as possible!

There's just no way at all he'll come out the crate so will have to do the best I can...

OP posts:
Original poster
EmmrT · 31/07/2023 13:45

RedDoughnut · 31/07/2023 13:15

OP I just wanted to come and say thank you. Restoring my faith in human nature.
I hope your neighbour makes a speedy recovery and the dog will come and visit you when the neighbour is home again.

I feel it's the least I can do! She's a lovely neighbour.

The poor dog though... I think he'll be delighted never to see me again 😬

OP posts:
Peridot1 · 31/07/2023 13:48

Oh bless him. Poor scared mite. You are doing an amazing thing.

ohsuzannah · 31/07/2023 14:05

What a lovely thing to do! Your neighbour is lucky to have you 😊

cinnamonfrenchtoast · 31/07/2023 14:12

Bless you, you're doing a wonderful thing for this dog and your neighbour!

MNetcurtains · 31/07/2023 14:59

Madcats · 29/07/2023 20:31

You need to reach out to Rory Cellan Jones #sophiefromromania and his guru, Sociabledog.

Sophie has a journey from the sofa that is well tweeted. She didn't venture far, but peeded onto puppy pads somewhere.

This.

MNetcurtains · 31/07/2023 15:37

EmmrT · 29/07/2023 20:16

My neighbour has a rescue dog, 2 years old, with a bad history of abuse. She's had him for 6 months and he is still scared of everything.

She had to go into hospital today, she has no friends or family so of course I agreed to take the dog for her.

The poor thing is shaking in his crate. He's been in there for 5 hours now (the door is open), do I 'force' him out for a mooch around the garden for a wee?? I've tried gently coaxing him out with chicken and sausages. No luck.

Looks like my poor neighbour will be in hospital at least a week.

Any advice gratefully received. If it's better to leave him in there and just clean up the wee/poo then that's fine. Just want him to be OK.

Is there any way you could look after the dog in his own home? That would be far less traumatic for him.

Original poster
EmmrT · 31/07/2023 15:40

Wiped him gently, so he's a bit cleaner now - he was very good about it although clearly hated every second.

Didn't want to end our interaction on a negative so I sat in the room with him afterwards, furthest bit away, ignoring him still, sort of side-on, on the floor, with some bits of chicken (DH popped to the shop, he thought he might like some...)

I've been doing some reading with my laptop on my lap, randomly throwing him bits of chicken.

Well, I'm amazed, I was about to throw a bit more but felt his wet nose! He's just eaten some from my HAND. I'm teary. I resisted the urge to sqeal! My bum is numb from the floor but I don't care.

Still sitting in the room, he went back in his crate sharpish once the chicken was gone but he let out a big sigh. Might have to go and get a cushion.

OP posts:
cinnamonfrenchtoast · 31/07/2023 15:41

Oh wow OP that is amazing - what a transformation! He must trust you if he'll take food from your hand - well done you!

Horriblewoman · 31/07/2023 15:45

I’m having a really rubbish day but reading your update has brought a lovely tear to my eye genuinely.

WhippyLongStocking · 31/07/2023 15:46

Bloody marvellous. Keep going. The dog and the neighbour are lucky to have you in their lives.

Original poster
EmmrT · 31/07/2023 15:49

cinnamonfrenchtoast · 31/07/2023 15:41

Oh wow OP that is amazing - what a transformation! He must trust you if he'll take food from your hand - well done you!

Honestly can't thank you enough for your advice, it's clearly working.

If I hadn't posted I'd still be talking to him and approaching him thinking I was being reassuring, but making it worse! I've got some hope now that at least he'll know he's safe.

OP posts:
Chesneyhawkes1 · 31/07/2023 15:52

What an amazing neighbour you are. Well done!

Original poster
EmmrT · 31/07/2023 15:54

Horriblewoman · 31/07/2023 15:45

I’m having a really rubbish day but reading your update has brought a lovely tear to my eye genuinely.

I didn't think I could be so teary over a dog taking a treat from me! I really hope your day improves, sending an un-mumsnetty hug. Or gin and cake, if you prefer!

OP posts:
DarkForces · 31/07/2023 15:55

Well done on not squealing! It's a huge step for a dog who is so traumatised. Just carry on at his pace and make sure he can get away from you easily if needed so he doesn't feel trapped.
You're doing a great job

tabulahrasa · 31/07/2023 16:25

Ah bless, you’re doing great...

Just let him keep control of interactions and I bet he’ll be your pal before he goes home.

PimpMyFridge · 31/07/2023 16:33

Awwww <wipes tear>
The sigh... That's his tension levels going down. Well done op!!!

Peridot1 · 31/07/2023 16:36

Another teary one here! So nice he may be starting to feel a bit safe with you.

Jenda · 31/07/2023 16:40

Well done OP! You are so kind!n

WhineWhineWhineWINE · 31/07/2023 16:46

Time and patience, you're doing brilliantly.

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