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Our Newly Rescued Australian Shepherd Is Still Quite Afraid of Me

by Patrick
(Nebraska)

We've just added an Aussie to our family. He's between 1 year and 18 months, and we were told he was a breeder surrender.

He's started warming up to my almost 5-year-old twins and my wife, but he’s still quite afraid of me.

He’s very sweet and I’m really hoping he’ll warm up to me. I imagined adopting a dog I could take out and be active with, and I ended up with one that barely wants to come out of his crate!

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Fearful dog
by: Anonymous

Your time is just beginning with this dog! If you don’t know his circumstances it is harder to work on his healing. Ask the breeder about his personality. Winning his trust will likely take awhile. Maybe he was yelled at or mishandled by a man. Try to be as non threatening as possible. Sit on the floor, ignore the dog, no loud voice. If he is food motivated just toss a treat in his direction from time to time, no engagement. Once he relaxes a bit go with your wife when she walks him, eventually walk him yourself. It will take months but be patient.

food!
by: jcrply

You should be the only one to feed the new pup. First just let him see you put down his dish at his meal times. Eventually I hope he will take the food from your hand. Sitting on the floor with a freshly cooked piece of bacon in your hand might also tempt him to get close to you. But just let him take the food. Don't attempt to touch him. Try not to look at him, just hold it out away from your body. The goal is for him to come to you, not you go to him. If the bacon works, hold it a little bit closer to yourself next time.

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