Catahoula Leopard Dog Forum:
help with working with abused dog

I have a catahoula that unfortunately the people who had her before me beat her very bad. I have had her for about a year now and although she is better than at first, she is still very, very timid at just about anything. She isnt afraid of me now and seems to trust me fully, but if anyone else is holding anything or reaches to pet her (just about anything) she gets scared to death and hits and ground and starts trembling with fear. Even with the people who are around her a lot. I was wondering if anyone had any thoughts on how to work with a dog that has been beaten. She is a great dog other than that and Im glad I got her, but I feel just awful for her and I dont know how to help her or if it is possible for them to not be so scared after being abused. Any information would be appreciated. Thanks in advance.

My dog was badly abused, too. I got him when he was 8mo. now he's 1yr. He was scared of objects and noises. My bongo drum & boyfriend's guitar(examples). We laid them on the floor& ignored the dog. When he got courage to sniff them, we told him he was very good, but were careful not to move too quickly during this time. His trust needed to be gained on his own. He's now much better. Read more professional training info. for sure.You've got a tougher case.

Another thing that might help. Have the people she's used to seeing sit in a circle on the floor and ignore her. I think it will make the people more approachable. If she comes up to them to sniff, have them slowly put a goodie on the floor. Do not praise/pet her for being scared,even to calm her down. DISCONTIUE this exercise if she shows any aggression. How old is she?

Some catahoulas are born timid sadly. Some catahoulas are just VERY submissive to their owners and their owners have never beaten them. It\'s in the red wolf blood in \'em. It could have well been never hit but just not socialized. It will take a long time for them to get to the point where they aren't that way. Some never do.