A deerhound was given to us 3 years ago. I would like to find out where he came from and his background. His previous owner says he bounght him at  a dog sale. It took me  3 months just to get him to eat and to this date he is soooo scittish you can hardly get near him. I have the impression he was not around humans at all. If you can help me to win his heart and give me any information as to what I need to do to gain his trust I would be ever grateful. Please post here and I will check it weekly.
Thank you in advance.
Gemma

I had a german shepherd (rescued) that didnt like men or children, wouldnt come anywhere near the rest of the family.
I didnt do anything specific, just let him do his own thing if he wanted to approach the kids or OH that was fine, he'd sniff them maybe get a treat. by not forcing attention on him he gradually starting coming forward for some fuss more and more often.(encouraging him with tasty treats every now and then) I just let him take it at his own pace. After a couple of years ( i think it was) he was welcoming all of us if we'd been out and was very happy and relaxed to have fussies with any of us when we wanted aswell as when he wanted.:)

someone else might have some more specific advise
well done you for giving him a loving home. :)