My rescue dog bit me. How do I build trust with a fearful dog?

It may go either way but I would doubt she has an aggressive nature or the start of your companionship would have not been so well. It may have been too many changes too quickly without letting her adapt. A new environment, people and another pet was overwhelming. It is best to keep her quiet and away until she starts to trust you again and not act aggressive. Once that happens, slowly introduce her to new people and let her explore the environment then let her be around the other pet. She will be scared and stress to start so go slow and be patient.

The best thing to do is to give her a lot of TLC. I would try to keep things quiet for a little while in the home. I would not force her into any uncomfortable situations like a lot of visitors. I would make sure you give her treats for positive behaviors like going outside or coming to you when called. She will learn that you are her new “person” before long but just be patient with her. I hope this helps!

I would make sure that you take your time with Sabo and do not approach him too quickly. Let him come to you and reward him when he does come to you. A good way to do this is to sit down and call him over to you. When he comes, reward him with petting him and giving him a treat. You can also you things like an Adaptil collar to help make him feel calm and at ease. You can find this product at your local Petco or online. Time and patience will lead to him trusting you more. I hope this helps! Please let me know if you have any other questions or concerns and I would be more than happy to help you further.

Hi there! I'm so sorry to hear about Smokey's troubles. It can be difficult when we adopt pets from shelters, because we don't know their history, or what happened to them before they came home with us. It is important to be patient and work with Smokey daily. A great idea would be to call his veterinarian, and get some recommendations for a veterinary behaviorist in the area. Veterinary behaviorists are veterinary doctors who are board certified in behavior. They could evaluate Smokey, and give you the best advice as to how to work with him. If a veterinary behaviorist isn't available, your veterinarian may know of some good trainers in the area, who are skilled in working with fearful dogs. In general, I would not push Smokey, let him come to you. Let him get acclimated to his new home. 3 weeks isn't very long in a dog's mind. He still needs to settle in. As long as he isn't showing any signs of aggression, you can try some natural calming supplements like zylkene or canine compsure. They can help him relax and get to feeling more comfortable more quickly. If he is showing any signs of aggression, like biting, nipping, or growling when you get close to his personal space, dog bowl, or toys, then I would avoid the supplements, and call your veterinarian right away. Giving calming agents can sometimes make aggression worse. I hope you find this answer helpful! Best of luck!

Remember that, while you thought about this dog and bringing her into your home, all she knows is that one day she was Here, and the next day she was THERE, with no warning or explanation. She is confused and frightened. Try letting her come to you when she's ready, instead of approaching her. Don't pet her for the time being. Just be a calm and stable presence i her life. Understand, too, that dogs have no idea what a "name" is, other than a familiar word that usually has something to do with her. Yes, there are things you can do to help her adjust to her new surroundings, but this is not a "one or two sentence" answer. If you would like me to work with you on it, just click on the prompt ot initiate a consult.

Patience and time and lots of loving and treats will help him grow to trust you. Since he's worried on walks, I would keep them short for now, carry treats or a favorite toy with you and when he follows you or comes when you call, even just one step, reward him and give him lots of praise. Find out what he likes to play with, teach him tricks or little tasks, take him for rides with you, whatever he seems to like, do that. As an adult dog in a new situation, it can be overwhelming. Make sure he gets plenty of exercise, play fetch or get him involved in dog agility of some other social activity to help boost his confidence when he's ready.

Oh no, I'm so sorry this happened! When dogs who are fearful, this can be a common reaction, as having a human lean over them can be scary and they react by biting. In the future, when giving Toby affection, get down onto his level first. I would recommend having him seen by a professional behavioral expert. This type of fear aggression may be improved with training, and because aggression is a dangerous behavior to work with, it's best left to the professionals. Your vet can give you a recommendation to one. I hope your friend's nose is ok!