Okay, so my sister moved home to live with us and brought her dog bella, shes about 2/3 and has been severely abused, locked in a shed and used as a puppy machine. She has several damaged teeth where she was forced to eat rocks, through hunger.

My sister previously lived with her fiance in theyre own home and Bella lived with them, but they both had a very busy life (i dont think it is at all suitable for a dog with these problems, but she wont listen) and Bella was kinda living, her behaviour had improved slightly as in she would sit with my sister but she still HATES being outside, cowers at any movement, HATES loud noises, hates men.

And I cant bare the see Bella like this anymore, Im not working, however I do voulenteer full time at a dog rescue centre, I am determind to train Bella and just show her the world isnt out to get her. Ive been slowly introducing the lead to her, she asleep next to me with the harness on now. I took her out round my street where it is quiet and no people and teaching her she doesnt need to pull everywhere or sit between my legs and we were out there for about 15 mins and she was slowly getting it.
However it is hard to teach her anything, because I dont know how to praise her, she will NOT take any food/treats out of your hands!

Any advise on how I can help Bella and where to start?

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Does she eat ok indoors?

If so and she will not eat outdoors, then you have proceeded to far and too fast as the dog is too stressed to eat.

Nope she just wont take any food from anybody...

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I would suggest that, instead of trying to get her to take a treat from your hand, you put it on the floor, close to the dog. Gradually put it farther away, and I do mean gradually over weeks, until it is closer to you.

I can't bear to think what this poor girl has been through and how long it will take to gain her trust, or even if she will ever trust anyone completely, but please don't give up. Poor little love.

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http://www.owning-a-giant-dog.com
http://www.gentle-newfoundland-dogs.com



Will always miss you, my little Joshie Woshie xx

If you want real love, buy a dog

If you wouldn't use it on a child, don't use it on a dog

Will she take food if it's dropped in front of her? Maybe try some seriously hard to ignore treats like cheese before she eats so she's hungry and the food smells nice

What you could try is conditioning her to realise food comes from hands, little things like have a handful of kibble and throw bits near her, then gradually reduce the distance so eventually she will take food from your hand.

I don't really know much about this stuff so hopefully someone comes along with more ideas

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Owned by Tummel the rottaridgeador

Well she obviously eats as otherwise she would be dead, so how does she eat her food?

Well clearly! She eats her food from her bowl, about 2 hrs after it has been put down when noone is near!

Ah I said; 'she wont take food from ANYONE'

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Thanks for the ideas guys. She does take SOME treats eventually if they have been sat in front of her on the floor for about an hour or so :/

Its so horrible and I really don't think being with my sister is the place for her my sister works full time :/

Ive seen nervous dogs in the kennels, but never like Bella bless her i dont think I have seen her tail in the (almost) year my sister has had her

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Then you cannot use FOOD for training can you?

Would this dog not to better with a reputable behaviourist who can devise a behaviour modification plan for her?

i know that, thats why i asked what i CAN use!!!
She probably would yes, but my sister won't do that, so Im afraid that I am the best hope she has at the moment (which i know isnt the best you dont need to tell me again)

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