Helping a rescue dog feel more at home

[madadrama]

Hi everyone, just after some of your tips, advice, opinions, anything really, on what I can do to help our boy settle in.

He's a one year old labradorxhusky (labsky?) and we found him through a private seller.
His background is a bit... Vague to say the least. His previous family (the ones I met) were lovely, and there is no doubt in my mind that they loved him, but there are some things that are 'iffy' in my mind.
He's been with us for almost three months, and he's improved loads already. We've had BIG problems with mouthing/ 'rough housing', separation anxiety, anxiety on walks etc. He's starting to show more and more of his 'real' personality now, and I've noticed him flinching at certain words, or if we move our hands quickly. Just as a disclaimer - we have never shouted at/or hit him!
He also panics if he hears a lot of shouting; if he hears people yelling whilst he's out he doesn't like it, or someone at the back of our house was arguing, and our boy ran through our home back and forth, tail between his legs. Basically frightened.

Despite this, he really is a good lad! Bit of an obnoxious teen at times, but there's a brilliant dog once we get through it.

If anyone could suggest anything that could help him, or help us to help him that would be great! tia

 

[planete]

From my own experiences of dogs with a traumatic past I can suggest a few things. Provide your dog with a safe place to retreat to when he gets scared, like an open crate covered with a blanket or any other darkened den like space and teach him to settle down in it when he is relaxed by giving a filled kong or other food dispensing toy there. There is no miracle cure for his traumatic experiences but the more he bonds with you, the more he will trust you to keep him safe, time and routine will also help. I would avoid adding stressors in daily life for now, feed at regular times without asking anything of him like sitting and waiting for permission to eat for instance, that can come later if it is your thing. The greater the number of positive experiences you can provide him with the better for his mental health. Make his life as predictable as possible. Some dogs are worriers and can become really stressed if they are wondering what is going to happen next. You are trying to rebuild mental resilience and will have to be guided by your dog's reactions. Train yourself in the subtle body language of dogs (yawning, head turning, lip licking, freezing...) so you can recognise the warning signs your dog is becoming uncomfortable before a situation escalates. And do not believe people who tell you reassuring a scared dog reinforces the behaviour. To your dog you should represent safety and comfort at all times even when teaching good behaviour. And be patient, you say he is already improving and you will see more and more changes as the months go by. It is a long road for dogs like yours but you sound as if you are already seeing improvements. Finally be prepared for some set backs and do not get disheartened, I am sure you will see more improvements as time goes by.

 

[madadrama]

Lovely thank you. TEaching him to settle has been a challenge, but we got there. It's hard to remember he's still a baby (the size of him!). He doesn't have a crate, but what I ended up doing was putting up clothes-airers with a sheet or whatever over them. He could lie behind them and have a bit of privacy but still keep an eye on us.
He has a couple of Kongs; one came with him and at first he was terrified of it. If I touched it, moved it etc, he would fly into panic-mode and bolt through the house. Definitely a negative association there, I think he learnt that whenever the Kong came out, he'd be left! Again, patience, consistency (and chicken skin!) has made it a fun thing for him.

Thanks for replying. And also reminding me that there will be set-backs. He used to be very, very mouthy (at first I was scared - long time since having a dog, and my last had outgrown mouthing by six months or so) and I didn't know what was going on. We've nearly combated that, although the last couple of days he's done it a bit. The more I get to know him, the better it will get.
You said about reading his body language - for the first few weeks there was a lot of what you mentioned above, coupled with a constantly 'stressed' looking face (wrinkles). He generally looks much happier now, most of the time. Lot's of exercise helps!

 

[Dobiegirl]

Stick to a strict routine, dogs need to know they are safe so as Planete said a safe area and just because you suspect he might have come from a less than ideal home dont try to make it up for him by spoiling him. Dogs live in the moment and his painful memories will get less and less , be firm with your commands and consistent. Does he follow you from room to room if he does, stop it, a stair-gate between rooms is an excellent aid towards helping SA, he has to get used to being on his own. Im not sure if you have another dog or not and suspect not, Ive always find they help in getting new dogs to settle but Im not suggesting you go and get another just wanted to be sure of the complete picture.

It sounds like you are making progress so well done for that and just take your time with him and enjoy his company. I t might be a good idea to sign up for a training class and will help build the bond between you. I cant say I envy you with that coat combo, hope you have a good hoover.

 

[madadrama]

Oh I absolutely love hoovering. I gave up being house proud when I got married/had kids.

Thanks for replying. He does have a decent routine, had a bit of trial and error on when to do things, between us we've figured something out. I did absolutely spoil him rotten at first, and it took my kids pointing that out to me to make me realise. His behaviour has improved with me backing off and leaving him to it.
We have a weird house; the only room we can put a babygate on is the kitchen, and we had to attach pieces of wood on the inside of the door frames to do that! We tried blocking off the stairs with a flattened pen - he pulled it aside. He's a bit of a Velcro dog, towards the evenings less so (tired out).

He's our only dog! I see what you mean about an older, calm dog helping. I have no chance at convincing DH to get another one right now! I have hopefully found him some mature dog-friends to walk/play with (that's a separate issue).
Finding a training class is a nightmare - the ones I like the sound of are too far away (I don't drive), and there's not many that are within walking distance. We're not even rural!

I missed what @planete said about reinforcing the behaviour by comfort etc - I don't exactly fuss him loads, I try and distract him ' get a toy, let's play!' That has worked in nearly all cases.

Thank you both for your help!

Do you have any advice on outside the house?