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When you first bring the dog home, expect it to be afraid and upset. Don’t crowd the dog or pressure it to explore, even if you've provided a nice set up. Bring the dog to a comfortable, safe space in your home, such as an alcove in your living room, and let the dog get used to your home on its own time. Over time, it may be ready to explore.  If you think it's best to not leave the dog alone, you can sit in the room with it while it adjusts. However, you don't want to hover over the dog or overwhelm it. Offer the dog treats and calm praise. While the dog is adjusting, try not to stare at the dog or make sudden movements. Keep a quiet environment. Turn down the volume on music and TV. Loud, sudden movements or staring could frighten the dog. Some abused dogs are afraid of people. You can help the dog get used to you by sitting in the room with the dog but at a comfortable distance. Occasionally, speak to the dog in a calm, loving tone. When the dog gets comfortable, move a little closer until you can sit next to the dog.  When petting the dog, do not touch the top of its head. Instead, let the dog sniff your hand. If the dog lets you, gently stroke the underside of their jaw. If the dog leaves or shrinks away, stop petting the dog immediately. Do not hug or put your arms around the dog until it is completely comfortable around you. The dog may take this as a sign of aggression. Be sure to show your dog lots of love once it starts to warm up to you. You can teach your abused dog that it can have a positive relationship with a human through having good times together. Have fun with your dog by taking it on walks, playing with it, and petting it. Choose activities that don’t trigger the dog’s past abuse experiences.  Some dogs may like to be brushed. Just make sure to go slowly and stop if the dog growls or moves away. If your dog doesn’t like to play, that’s okay. As long as you’re spending time with the dog, it will help the dog become more open to training. Most dogs have triggers, such as being afraid of the mailman, but an abused dog will likely have many more triggers than a typical dog. These triggers should be avoided. Typical triggers for abused dogs include the following:  Sudden movement. Yelling. Loud noises. Using phrases they commonly heard from their abusers. Threatening gestures. Touching the dog in the areas where it was wounded. Raising items that could be used as a weapon. Using deep or loud voices around the dog. Abused dogs may be extremely fearful, which means that they are more likely to bite. If your dog growls, snaps, or runs from you, you should get professional help. Contact a dog trainer, veterinarian, or a Certified Animal Behaviorist for help.  Signs of a scared dog include heavy panting, urination, whining, growling, pacing, or showing the whites of its eyes. Never leave a child alone or unsupervised with a fearful dog. The dog could bite the child.
Give the dog time to get comfortable in its new home. Acclimate the dog to your presence if it’s afraid of you. Build positive experiences with your dog. Limit triggers that could provoke your dog to react. Contact a dog trainer or behaviorist if the dog growls or snaps at you.