Puppy mill rescue is nervous of people.

Hi, I have 2 Pomeranians already, both happy and healthy rescues. We recently adopted a 18 month old pom from a puppy mill. Based on info from the rescue people and on the behavior of the rescued dogs we think the dogs had very little human contact but were in dog runs with about 30 other Poms.

Now our new boy is having trouble getting used to us. We have to bring him into the house to be with us, or else he hides in corners in the garden or in the house. Once he is with us he appears happy, he even sleeps on the bed with us and the other 2 boy poms, and a female cat. But once his feet hit the ground he runs away from us. He knows his name but won’t come to us. We have to bring food to him or he won’t eat. He has learned how to go in and out of the dog door, so he does come into the house while we are there, but he hides when he sees us in the house.

Any ideas on ways to make him more comfortable? We are very gentle with him, we have no kids. I have him on a schedule so he knows when it’s dinner time etc, he’s fine with the other dogs and the 2 cats we have. He has been checked by a vet and is healthy with all systems working fine. We just feel so bad that he is so skittish and scared.

Any input would be appreciated. Thanks

Every dog can be a good dog—it just takes time and consistency. Ask the shelter or rescue group what kind of temperament testing has been done, and if possible, speak to the trainer who performed the tests. The great news is that with work (and every dog needs it) any dog can learn to be a balanced, happy, and well-behaved addition to your family.

No matter what the age of your newly adopted dog, find a trainer and learn how to teach your new pal the rules at home. If you don’t teach him your rules, he will make up his own. Check this link.

http://dogtime.com/behavior-problems-adopted-do…