Dog Training FAQ
Dog Training FAQ
My fiance' and I adopted a toy poodle from a breeder
whom we later reported to the ASPCA.
'Lily' was abused as a puppy; being kept in a rubbermaid crate with 5 other
pups and the cover on with only a few holes punched in the top for air. She
was physically abused. As a result, she has very minimal socialization skills.
She lets NO ONE hold her except my fiance' or me. She has lived with us now
for 5 years, and we want to go away, but can't find ANYONE to watch her. When
she goes to get groomed, she MUST have a woman handler. She hates men ..
(except for me).
Is there a way to 'break' her of this? She never leaves my side when I'm home.
We want to have a neighbor come by and walk her when we go away, but she would
NEVER be able to put a leash on Lily. Can you help?
...Thanks! ..RAY
Hi Ray,
Thanks for your question.
How old is your poodle? From your letter it sounds like she is an adult. If this is the case then unfortunately you have missed some of the most important developmental times. Science disagrees somewhat about the precise age but in my personal experience it seems that you do the most important socialization from 8 weeks until about 6-8 months of age.
If your girl is older than that all is not lost, however, you will be limited in what you can accomplish.
As of now every experience your poodle has with meeting a new person is likely a bad experience, right? Each experience is a cause for stress and anxiety. In order to 'rehab' her she needs to start having good experiences meeting new people. I would enlist the help of some friends and other willing helpers to start giving her good experiences. Follow these guidelines as best as possible:
1. Allow her to make introductions to new people. A new person approaching may be too much right now. From what you have told me, though, she probably wont willingly approach a new person. Have the person be in a very non-threatening and submissive position, perhaps even laying down on the floor and looking away.
2. Whatever you have to do to get her to introduce herself to a new person make sure that it is a good experience for her. Have that person speak soothingly and give her a treat if she will take it. The person shouldn't make quick movements. If she is comfortable enough, allow that person to pet her.
3. Go slowly. She has been traumatized. What I said earlier is not a joke, this really is a rehab for her. Make sure that she is comfortable with every step before you increase the stimulus. Don't just hand her off to someone and expect good results. Once she will willingly approach your selected person, get her to the point where she will take a treat, then to where she allows for light touching, then longer petting, than holding in the lap, etc.
4. Be patient. With many dog training principles you can push the envelope and try to speed up certain processes. This isn't one of those times.
Good luck. Keep me posted.
Ty Brown
ps A breeder like that should definitely be reported to the authorities.
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