i really need some advice on my springer spaniel girl called Ellie she is near 4 years old the story is i got her in the summer of 2005 along with her sister (i dont think she is really) and she is called Jess and is nearly 3 years old we live on a farm they they came to stay with us the lady we got them off was very upset to rehome them she told us the reason was as she was leaving her home and moving into a rented flat with no garden in the end we lost her number as she did ours and about 1 week ago from today we got a phone call she said who she was and she lost our number and wanted to know how the girls were getting on they have both always been very cuddly dogs they love laying on there back like a baby and Jess still does Ellie did up untill about 3 weeks ago when i went over to her to give her a fuss i rubbed her back and she cryed and ran away from me i just thought i rubbed her to hard and try to go over and make friend but she wouldnt come near from since then when ever i go over to her try to talk to her call her over anything if i touch her she runs away from me and crys and then starts to scream and i cant get near her to calm her down we started to worrie i then rang her lasr owners and said has anyone ever beaten her and she since told me her ex husband did with both dogs and also he sexualy abused (molested)eek::mad Ellie she said that is the reason she got the dogs out of there also she said she has taken her to the vets and had test but no phycial scars just mental ones i guess we can not understand why now she has started to be like this with us she was fine before we have tryed alsort giving her treats but nothing works some men she is scared of some she isnt she has never let me trim her nails or hair as she has feathering on the backs of her legs and head i have tryed dog behaviourist dog counsellors but nothing can anybody help us we are running out of things to try for her and we would NEVER REHOME HER she never get smacked for doing anything wrong so people agree with a smack were are the people who dont please help us

What are you trying to do?   

Are you trying to tell us about your dogs?  

Are you asking for advice?

If so - advice on what?

It is very difficult to understand your post.  Sorry.

Whilst we try and help people, Unless they manage to give us information in a Manner we can respond to, it is difficult.

i think the OP has taken on two bitches that were molested in their prevoius home by the man??? (that is why the lady wanted them rehomed) ????

I think that is the picture being painted......

i tell you what forget it if you read it all propley it explains fully and no i didnt hurt her back and yes she has been checked by the vet if wouldnt last over 3 weeks if i patted her to hard and she has never had a problem with it before asking for advice on how to build trust if anybody has had this happen to them before with a dog

personally i dont think it was because of her past. she may have hurt her back & you hurt it when you touched it. get her checked by a vet.

Hi greatdanes,

I can understand why people are so confused with you having her since the Summer of 2005 and only just recently this behaviour has started.  I would also be inclined to say that one was nothing to do with the other. BUT, have there been any other signs along the way of her being afraid, or remembering the abuse, did you tell your vet of her past when you took her to be checked? I would not trust the previous owners word that no damage was done to Ellie, sometimes a vet does not know what to look for unless told the whole story. (And I doubt very much that this woman would have done so.) If Ellie has been abused there could certainly be some internal damage to her.  Tell your vet everything.

If it is to do with the abuse touching her back may trigger a reaction from her. I know plenty of animals who do not like their rears stroking and will growl or warn you to not touch them.

Give her lots of TLC, if your vet gives her the all clear, and she still continues to cry when you touch her back, I would not push the issue, remove your hand and stroke her under the chin or on the head instead, it may be something she will never forget.

If what you say is true, it is absolutely horrendous and a shame that the woman concerned would not report her husband. (I personally think I would put my fist where the sun don't shine, the pervert) Glad you are going to keep her whatever, she deserves a good home, poor little girl. :-(

Also with the grooming, she needs to have her nails clipped and a trim every now and then, find a good groomer, some vets even do it, explain she is a nervous dog they are experts and will harness her to do the job, groomers are usually extremely tuned into dogs and eventually she will enjoy going.

I know of a dog that was abused physically, however in this instance the dog was extremely aggressive towards the new owner, who took her time and was very patient so that trust was built up. In this case however, the dog was known to be very aggressive (understandably) from the very beginning.

I think it's strange that she has been fine for ages, since last summer, and has only relatively recently reacted in a scared manner. Can you think of anything that was different - something small such as you stroking her differently might have triggered something. If you are certain the informatoin you have is correct, I'd consider getting some help in how to desensitise her. Perhaps visit the vet first, and then ask for referral to a reputable and knowledgeable behavourist :)

Lindsay
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