Baby the pitbull and the holiday blues

[slartibartfast]

The "abused" label is quick and popular, but I think it's not always that accurate. A lot of fearful dogs have simply been neglected...not exposed to strange things at an early age, and so they don't know how to react to them and are fearful of them. I can't remember from your early thread if she was specificly afraid of raised hands or not. In any case, it's a pretty easy test...if you threaten to hit her and she cowers, then she has experienced situations in which a raised hand has resulted in pain and fear. (I meet an awful lot of dogs who their owners have labeled "abused" and saddled with a huge invented history of trauma, when in fact they are just poorly socialized...when you threaten to strike them with a raised hand, they are oblivious to the message and do not flinch or duck.)


When I am working a dog through a fearful situation, I try to project confidence and happiness. I do -not- sooth, console, or try to reassure the dog. That only confirms to them that the fear is valid. Instead, praise the dog in an upbeat tone, approach the scary thing confidently, interact with it positively, while letting her watch you. "Look at these silly cows! Boy are they funny looking! Look, I'm walking up to them! They look really funny up close!" It may get you some funny looks, but it really seems to work. They take their cues from you, and if you are telling her that it is no big deal, she'll pick up on that.

I would also start her on obedience work. You can do it at home if you don't have a scheduled class near you. It will teach her positive behaviors she can do and build her self-confidence.

Do not coddle her excessively; I really think it's beneficial for a fearful dog to know that you are unquestionably in charge. If she trusts you as the pack leader, and she knows that you can and will kick anyone's butt who crosses you, she will feel better knowing that you can and will protect the pack and by extension her. I hope that makes sense. It's not necessary to scare her, but don't be too weak around her. If she is that timid, a raised voice should be more than enough to communicate displeasure.

I also strongly believe that it's important to them that you give them guidelines and rules early on, so she has a set of rules she can memorize and rely on when she is uncertain how to act. Stuff like Sitting at doors, Waiting for treats, etc...with time, she will learn that performing these behaviors make you happy, and she will begin to eagerly try them on for you. In uncertain situations, you can reinforce her confidence by putting her through the commands again to ground her in something she knows. She will accept that you are in control of the situation, and be less afraid.

I hope that all makes sense...It's late and I'm tired.