hey guys havent posted for a looong time and not in dogs before but need some help/advise...

we have taken in a little yorkie/jrt x he had an abusive past, severley beaten, never walked (leads were just for beating).

He spent the last 24hrs hiding under our bed and as a result has not yet been to the loo.

Im reluctant to just stick a lead on him especially as he isnt even wearing a collar yet.

He has taken a little pasta from my hand tonight so am worried about breaking this little bit of trust.

Aother forum I joined today suggested PTS cos he wouldnt overcome his fears

Hes not my first, nor will he be my last dog and Im not gonna give up on him after 24 hrs!!!!

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Hiya

I'm in the exact same position as you. Have very recently rehomed a wee Yorkie/JRT girl of 10 months and she's traumatised by similar treatment to your wee fella

I didn't even attempt a walk on lead until she had been here a week. Do you have a garden at all...just leave the door open for him to go out? That's all I did, didn't crowd her or try to pet her as she's terribly fearful and headshy. Took her out on lead for the first time yesterday...was a really bewildering situation for her, going past cars and people till we got to the park. I got to a nice secluded bit and let her off lead and she never moved! She had no idea at all about being in the great outdoors and couldn't do anything but look around herself We stayed for maybe 10 mins max and then took her home again. It's just going to take time. Time for them to learn they're safe and to learn that their new humans won't hurt them.

Anybody who suggested to me that this wee girl should just be PTS....well....they'd better be a good fighter or a really fast runner

I hope that things look up soon for your wee one, I really do.

This is Poppy...

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hey benmac, thanks for the reply

poppy is lovely, bless her, she looks just like buddy tho he has 'uppy ears'

trouble with buddy is he is upstairs and under our bed, cant really leave the front door open as the front garden has to be open plan and wouldnt want him to run off up the lane

To go to the back garden he'd have to go through the house or through the driveway gates which would need a lead as they are at the front (if that makes sense?)

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I think I'd use a large cat litter type tray with some earth/turf in, and put it in the room near where he's hiding. He probably won't 'go' in front of you, but at least it might help contain things. Otherwise, stock up on biological cleaning solution, use plastic sheets. Hopefully you will be able to lure him to near the back door soon, and keep him in that part of the house for the time being.

Do you know what he's like with other dogs? A visiting calm, friendly dog could give him confidence.

Yes...that's made all the difference with Poppy, being here with Ben. He's such a laid back character and she follows him around like his shadow. He's been "nannying" her since she arrived.

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Some years ago I took in a whippet that had only ever lived in a shed and worked - she took a little while to come out of her shell but it was so worthwhile seeing her discover the wonders of a pet life that I wouldn't hesitate to say that every dog can discover the wonders of play and bonding with their human family - I also had a couple of other calm dogs who must have helped her quite a bit - dogs are so bright though that I am sure you will very soon be seen as no threat and things will develop from there - poor wee soul, I wish you much joy on your journey together...

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