Helping an Unsocialized Dog

Here is a letter I got inquiring about help for an under-socialized dog who has been taken into a rescue. (Names and place have been taken out) and my response to it. It is a good reminder about dealing with dogs who come from bad beginnings. The exercise I outline is for dogs who are extremely under socialized and showing fears that would include trying to hide, shaking, avoiding eye contact, or peeing when a stranger is near.


Hi- I need advice for my new foster dog.  From my understanding he came from an abusive home. He is under 2, I believe ,and has never been inside a home/building. One of my main concerns is his fear of humans. If you have any tips or any advise that could help I'd appreciate it.

Sure, happy to help. 

 To start with try some target training. This means condition him to a word or sound like a clicker. I don't use clickers often because they can be a pain to carry so I say "yes" to my dogs. That means they did well and a treat is coming. To start with just get some good treats and say "yes" and then give the treat. "yes" treat "yes" treat. Do this over and over until he starts looking for the treat when you say "yes".

When he knows "yes" or the clicker is his target word/sound you can start some socializing. How afraid of humans is he? I'd try a week of the following exercise:

Put him on leash, get good treats and your friends to help. Sit on the floor in a small room with him. Have someone come in the room (this person should not look at, talk to, or touch the dog) When the person comes in you say "yes" and give a treat. When the person leaves go back to just sitting with him. Have the person (or several different people) come into the room many times. Each time a human comes in "yes" and treat. Do this in about 10 minute sessions. When he starts looking excited when the human comes in (either a tail wag, perky ears, open mouth) then you can start having the people give him the treat but still no talk or eye contact. Just a flat open hand with the treat. This could take a few days or a few minutes. It all depends on the dog and how deep his fears go.

Also remember not to act as if he is a victim or a "sad case". Dogs can pick up on this and respond that way because they think this is what you want. Treat him as if he is a confident dog who has never been a victim. That is the only way he will ever get past it. I so often see dogs who were abused years earlier and their owners are still telling the story, sadly petting the dog while they do. These dogs stay victims for their whole lives and never move out of their past, not because they can't, but because their human won't let them.

Julie Anderson

Bad Behavior /Good Dog