Hello,

Just brought home an 11 week old terrier mix pup and the lady I got him from suspected that he was abused (the previous owner dropped him off at a training kennel and never picked him up - real winner). I don't know how severe it was, but he shies away from our touch and runs from us when we come toward him, not in a playful way. My question is this: what should I be doing to regain his trust in humans? He is just a little baby so I think I can get it in time. Any help would is appreciated.

Welcome to the forum. Personally, I would not make a big issue of it :-) Just carry on rearing him as you would any other puppy. Socialise him well and do all the usual things you would do with a new puppy and he should be fine. Do not be tempted to reward fear. Trying to comfort him will give him the message that it is ok to be nervous/afraid. Much better to ignore this behaviour and reward him when he does something that pleases you. He will soon learn that you are not going to hurt him and he will take confidence from how you react to things. If something scares him, he will look to you for reassurance. If he sees you carrying on as normal, he will realise that there isn't problem because you have ignored it. My only other advice is not to be overly soft on him just because you suspect he has been abused. The biggest problem with people who rehome rescue dogs is that they let them get away with murder 'because' they have been abused. This will not do you or your puppy any favours in the end. Start as you mean to go on. Good Luck

I agree 100% with Admin. Act natural and his own natural inquisitiveness will bring him to you eventually.

Regards, John

and give him a big cuddle from me!!!!!:) :).

I agree too :)

You will surely get there especially as he is very young - sounds as if he has fallen on his feet :)

Lindsay