How long should it take for a rescue dog to adjust?

Question

A week ago I adopted a 7-month-old female lab mix from an animal rescue. She was born in an animal shelter and then mom and pups were taken to the rescue shortly thereafter. She's basically lived at this rescue most of her life. The rescue consisted of 2 humans and a bunch of other dogs.

The foster mom described my dog as bright, sunny, and lovable with people. I've definitely found this to be the case with me, but not with other people we've met. When I take her for walks, she often seems very afraid (tail down and often she freezes in place). When I had a friend over on Wednesday, she barked incessantly at her and growled a lot. It was almost a little scary. But as I said, she's GREAT with me and with her former foster parents.

I was wondering if maybe the fear is as a result of adjustment or something deeper. Her foster mom said she never showed any signs of aggression and was always content at the foster home, but she almost seems to me like she has been under-socialized with people.

I took her to my vet yesterday and she was absolutely petrified. She barely moved and the vet was very concerned that even with training, she'd always be a little timid.

I know she needs to be socialized more, but how much of an impact can I realistically expect to make? I have read over and over that crucial socialization happens between 3 and 6 months. Is it to late for her now?

Anyone with a similar experience?

Answer 1

Similar but not the same.  My Sister adopted an 8 month old Lab that had been kenneled most of it's life as well.  She is missing many social skills that humans and dogs would have taught her in the early months.  Under these circumstances it will take months to years for all the shortcomings to be corrected.  

First, Labs are lively dogs and need lot of evercise, in her case long leash walks are ideal.  She needs to be tired before you ask her to behave and meet new things or people.

She should always be leashed, even at home alone with you.  It gives a dog a great deal of confidence to know you are there to guide her.

  She should meet lots of people, BUT they should be instructed that they should ignore the dog.  By putting a service dog jacket on her people may behave better.  You may also tell people she is a fear bitter so they will leave her alone.   Distract her with chicken so she does not fixate on people.  

As an exercise - Take her to the vets every week (with their understanding of course), just to be at the office.  Just sit calmly.  When she seems to calm down, leave.  

Have "dog" people help by ignoring her but giving her treats.  Hopefully she will start to associate these new things and people with positive rewards.

The big rule with a fearful dog is don't look, talk or touch the dog.  If people you meet will follow this rule it will ease her anxiety greatly.

Answer 2

Adjustment will vary for every dog. If she is afraid of strangers, you need to make strangers more appealing. Have a treat jar next to the door. When a guest arrives have them take a treat and gently throw it close to the dog (not at the dog) and then ignore her. Let the dog approach them at her own pace. This will make her feel less threatened by the new person. Don't let anyone pet her until she has seen the person a few times. Do this for a few weeks and she will begin to get comfortable with strangers coming into your home, although don't expect miracles. She may or may not overcome this fear.

You can also see if you have friends with non-aggressive dogs to go on walks with you and her. Maybe the addition of another dog will help her too. There are professional trainers that can help you, but they must be trained to deal with her problems.  

Answer 3

you can make some improvement, just lood at the puppy mill dogs!  my friends have a puppy mill golden, and she's the best dog ever (other than mine, haha)

as for the adjustment time, it depends upon the dog.  some settle right in, some take time.  

take her to dog obedience, this'll help a ton, and go on walks, to dog parks, and anywhere else where you can have her experience new things.  start out slow though, so she doesn't get scared, like how you said.  really, you should wait to do this til she warms up more.

Answer 4

With adults, it'll probably be harder to properly socialize him, but it'll still most likely be completely possible. It's like listening to a song till it no longer catches your attention. Take the dog out for walks daily and let him sniff around, also, reward all wanted reactions and ignore all unwanted while also trying to bring his attention to something else to keep him calm.

http://dogs.about.com/cs/basictraining/p...

Answer 5

My first words are: It's never too late.  It's all about the environment.  Of course she was a fantastic dog in her foster home.  That was her "place".  Where she felt most comfortable and safe.  If she were seven years instead of seven months, it would be completely different.  Just give her time.  And by all means, PLEASE don't give up on her.  Have a party for her in her new home.  Invite numerous people (black, white, red, purple, g*y, straight - make it diverse).  Invite people with pets (dogs, cats, hamsters, ferrets).  Make sure anyone attending shows no fear (I'm assuming she's not tiny anymore).  

You will probably end up being 'her' human.  Her master, if you play your cards right.  Just make sure she knows that it's okay if there are other people around.  

That's usually the problem from what I've seen (working in a vet's office).  Sometimes they relate safety with only one person and all others are "bad".  She's only seven months old.  This can easily be avoided.  

Answer 6

You're right, socialization was lost - that socialization cannot be gotten back.  BUT, all is not lost - there is still hope.

My dog's story is exactly the same as yours except that he was 3 days old when he was brought to the shelter.

He is 10 now, and he is a completely different dog than he was when I got him...most people who didn't know him then cannot believe what a terrible disaster he was, and those who did know him are amazed at who he has become today.

I can tell you that your dog will never be a "normal dog".  He will probably always have some fear issues, but there is a lot you can do as long as he does not bite out of fear.  Let me be very clear on that - if your dog begins to bite out of fear, that is the point at which you are the one who is responsible for making sure your dog never hurts anyone.  If my dog had been a fear biter when I got him, I would have had no choice but to put him down.  But, because that was not the case I was able to work with him.

I highly suggest reading as many of Patricia McConnell's books as you can get your hands on.  Especially he mini-book "Cautious Canine" and her book "For the love of a dog".  I think it will give you some great insight into your dog's behavior and how to help him.

You are most welcome to e-mail me for further help if you wish.  

Prepare yourself - your dogs progress will become a lifelong journey.  This is not something that will ever be truly "fixed", but it is something that you can do a lot to help.