I’ve just adopted a four year old collie/border collie mix from our local collie rescue group. I’ve gotten a lot of dogs there, mostly older so they didn’t have long lives, but good ones, I believe. This guy is the most traumatized dog we’ve ever had. He’ll come to me for affection and enjoys being petted and loved on, but any sudden movement, especially on the part of DH, just sends him flying. Our already- here dog is a collie/great pyr and very calm and confident, which I hope will rub off on Blue. Anyone here dealt with such a dog, and how did you build his confidence?
I have a suuuuuper skittish dog. I know most of her history and she didn’t experience trauma per se, but she is cautious about basically everything and remembers things that alarmed her forever. She is very bonded to me and gives most people about one chance to not be scary or unpredictable (and after that she keeps her distance if you didn’t pass her test).
I got her when she was 3 and at first I was very concerned that she was never going to settle in, but she did. I’d advise giving your new guy a loooooong settling in period with a very simple and predictable routine as much as you are able. I wouldn’t take him anywhere other than the vet or on the same walk every day for awhile.
Find out what he likes and what makes him feel connected, settled, and proud of himself. If he settles well with something to chew on, do that every day. If he does well doing everything the same as his brother dog, try that. If he seems to enjoy learning or practicing some simple skills/commands, do a little of that. If he needs a crate or a hidey-corner to go recalibrate himself in, give him one. My dog really benefits from things being predictable, calm, and quiet–not a whole lot of talking to her unless she is already relaxed and settled.
Since you know he’s a spooky fella, be very careful about keeping him leashed and start working on recall as soon as you think he is ready. I’d also recommend an Airtag or the like.
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My heeler was like that the first 3-4 months after I foster failed and adopted her. Super skittish around men. Took her around 1 year to be comfortable with my daughter’s boyfriend who was over every weekend and super kind to her.
Keeping her mentally challenged/tired was key for her to relax. It was like her ability to just lay down and be was broken.
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