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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:
Datafan55 · 01/08/2023 15:57

He could literally be sadder? - missing his owner and thinking she's abandoned him. You keep him going til she's okay, and imagine the delight on his face .... :-)

Original poster
EmmrT · 01/08/2023 16:46

Datafan55 · 01/08/2023 15:57

He could literally be sadder? - missing his owner and thinking she's abandoned him. You keep him going til she's okay, and imagine the delight on his face .... :-)

I know, I thought he was already rock bottom but today is just even more heartbreaking. Noticed he's shaking more too.

Right, will send him positive happy vibes and hope he picks up enough to want some dinner.

OP posts:
Datafan55 · 01/08/2023 17:23

It's probably going to take a while! Even if he's still nervous by the time she's back, but safe (by his standards ie nothing else has happened to him), fed and watered, I'd count that as a big win.

Any chance of getting fresh things with neighbour's scent on, or - and I don't know if this would help or hinder, even if it were possible - her voice talking?

MyBrownEyedHandsomeBoy · 01/08/2023 17:31

Awww 💔 I keep nipping to check on this thread for updates
Poor boy, I feel so sorry for him.
What breed is he?

You sound amazing OP, you must be an angel in disguise for your neighbour ❤️❤️❤️

Original poster
EmmrT · 01/08/2023 20:14

He's a bit better this evening; I was in the kitchen sorting his food and he came out of his crate and stood watching me from afar!

He darted back in his crate when I took the bowl to him, but I'd barely turned round when he came out and started eating, I went back after 30 mins with some chicken and he was happy to approach me (as long as I crouched down) and take some from my hand - he seems a little less sad but that might just be me being hopeful!

OP posts:
Original poster
EmmrT · 01/08/2023 20:19

Datafan55 · 01/08/2023 17:23

It's probably going to take a while! Even if he's still nervous by the time she's back, but safe (by his standards ie nothing else has happened to him), fed and watered, I'd count that as a big win.

Any chance of getting fresh things with neighbour's scent on, or - and I don't know if this would help or hinder, even if it were possible - her voice talking?

Meant to say - great idea, have got another blanket from hers now, that must have helped!

OP posts:
Datafan55 · 01/08/2023 20:32

All good :-)

Original poster
EmmrT · 02/08/2023 07:27

A good night! He slept through with no barks/howls, and he's not toileted at all.

I'm eating in the kitchen and he's getting up to watch what I'm up to. I'm tossing him treats and he's come about a meter into the kitchen, furthest he's ventured!

OP posts:
Peridot1 · 02/08/2023 09:25

Sounds like he is definitely getting used to you.

PimpMyFridge · 02/08/2023 09:53

Wow! That's real progress!

MrsRachelDanvers · 02/08/2023 09:55

Lovely to read-keep us updated! How fortunate that doggie is after his awful start.

Dotcheck · 02/08/2023 09:58

❤️ This thread. Anyone else feel this could be a Netflix movie?

Reallybadidea · 02/08/2023 10:04

What an absolutely lovely neighbour and human being you are ❤️

Original poster
EmmrT · 02/08/2023 14:42

He seems more chilled today so far -I've sat in the kitchen on the floor and he's come out quite a few times and taken treats from me. As long as I don't look at him, or move, he's okay.

We also had a chat. He said 'garr-urr-urr' while stretching in his room and I said 'gaarr-ura-urrrra' and he said 'arruurrr-arrrr' back. I'm not sure what was said but then he trotted over for cheese...

OP posts:
cinnamonfrenchtoast · 02/08/2023 14:47

Oh wow OP this is amazing - you're doing so well!

Unluckycat1 · 02/08/2023 14:47

Oh what a lovely thread ❤️ what a star you are helping your neighbour out and being so kind and patient with the dog. The progress sounds remarkable!

newfloorplease · 02/08/2023 14:48

💐 @EmmrT
You are so kind

PimpMyFridge · 02/08/2023 16:05

EmmrT · 02/08/2023 14:42

He seems more chilled today so far -I've sat in the kitchen on the floor and he's come out quite a few times and taken treats from me. As long as I don't look at him, or move, he's okay.

We also had a chat. He said 'garr-urr-urr' while stretching in his room and I said 'gaarr-ura-urrrra' and he said 'arruurrr-arrrr' back. I'm not sure what was said but then he trotted over for cheese...

🤣🤣🤣🤣

Peridot1 · 02/08/2023 16:26

I can translate for you. It means more treats please. That’s all my Labrador ever says anyway.

perrymason · 02/08/2023 17:37

I have just read whole thread with a tear in my eye and a big smile on my face by the end! How lovely and patient you are and what brilliant progress you’ve made with him, and this has to be some of the most effective/happy outcome mumsnet advice I’ve ever seen! 🐶❤

DarkForces · 03/08/2023 09:19

Deaf not dead... but actually both work 😂

Original poster
EmmrT · 03/08/2023 16:26

Today's update (day 6) last night was great, no upset, seemed chilled when I checked on him at 2amish.

Today I've been busy all morning but kept popping into his room just to literally toss treats to him in his crate.

Well, I just went in to toss another treat and he must have heard me coming because he was stood up and then when I was very close, he took steps towards me, for the treat!

I crouched down and he came up to me, face on, for more treats.

He then went back into his crate, but didn't dart in, just casually lay down, made the grrrarrrhrr noise and stretched all his legs out and rolled over.

I resisted the urge to tickle his tummy but maybe, maybe before he goes he might approach for a fuss.

Please cross your fingers!

OP posts:
Original poster
EmmrT · 03/08/2023 16:27

DarkForces · 03/08/2023 09:19

Deaf not dead... but actually both work 😂

😂

OP posts:
Unluckycat1 · 03/08/2023 17:25

@EmmrT how wonderful, I think the stretching and rolling on his back signs of feeling safe and relaxed ❤️