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Posted by KDiamondDavis on October 04, 2002 at 18:22:21:

In Reply to: possible history of abuse? posted by faustcorpus on October 03, 2002 at 01:57:22:

:I already kinda know the answer to this question, but hey, maybe my asking will help someone else out down the line. I adopted a very good natured, meathead (strong willed) of a dawg from a humane society. We have had him for almost two weeks. He is an american bulldog who is about 1 year neutered and named brutus. Anyhoo. As I said we have had him a week and training is pretty much centered around reward and prong collar. We have *NOT* struck the dog even when play biting. Tonight while he was in down next to me at the side of my chair I pulled out a back scratcher and he FLINCHED and cowered. I assume that this may mean a history of abuse. My experience is with reptile abuse so I need a bit of opinion backing.

:Thanks
:Cindy

As Christie said, most of the time dogs have been neglected rather than actively abused. I would look closely for a physical problem that could be making the dog fear it will hurt if that object touches him. Ask the veterinarian to look for it, too. Could be something as simple as an ear infection, or something orthopedic, like shoulder, hip, knee. It would sure help if the dogs with unknown histories could tell us what they're feeling. Training is a key, though, as you're doing. That builds communication, and lets him tell you a lot more.

Kathy Diamond Davis, author, "Therapy Dogs: Training Your Dog to Reach Others," 2nd edition, and the free Canine Behavior Series at www.veterinarypartner.com

Follow Ups:

• Re: possible history of abuse? faustcorpus 10/04/02 (0)