So many, including a couple of greyhounds! One dog wedged himself into a tiny space in the house and refused to come out for weeks. I fed him there, he went to the toilet there. He wasn’t aggressive, just terrified. It was less than ideal, but we went at his pace. It took about a year but he came good.
That is many, many years ago and he’s fearless now, loves everyone and everything, especially trips to new places which I could not have imagined all those years ago! He is also always the first to offer reassurance to the frightened newbies 🥰
We have also had quite a few ex breeding bitches. Hard, hard work because most have literally never left their crate, so are terrified of the world 💔 Awful to watch, but slowly slowly, they realise that you aren’t there to hurt them. The first time they approach you for affection is always so lovely 🥰
Another one tried to bite me every time I went near her. She wasn’t actually trying to bite, she was telling me very clearly to bugger off. Again, in time, she totally settled and is now the sweetest girl who despite being far too big, always tries to sit on my lap and the lap of anyone else who visits!
I find the key is to provide them with a safe space (usually a covered crate, with the door open) and then just…ignore them. For some, a crate is not seperate or safe enough, so they start off in a separate room and I visit them often throughout the day. They will not be persuaded that you aren’t going to hurt them, they have to learn for themselves. So, they watch from their safe space and they learn. It’s always useful if you have another confident dog they can learn from, but, if not, time, time and more time. Put food in the crate whilst talking nicely to them “oh. What’s this! Dinner time, yum yum, lovely girl” etc and walk away. Yes you sound slightly deranged but it works! Put really high value treats (liver/sausage etc) in the crate and walk away. They will begin to associate you with good stuff and then become more confident to follow your lead.
We currently have two ex breeders who come together. They have definitely been a challenge because rather than taking confidence from my other, settled dogs, they stick with each other and have remained fearful for longer. BUT, they are getting there now, no longer do they hide in their crate, both happy to come and sit on the sofa with everyone, take treats from my hand, eat well, explore the garden with confidence, which is lovely to see. Haven’t managed to get them on walks yet, putting leads or a harness on them literally makes them pancake to the ground 😩 But, we will get there and they become more confident everyday.
Honestly, being able to show a traumatised dog that hands aren’t there to hurt and that they will be safe from now on is such a joy and a massive privilege. Good luck xx