I rescued a hound mix on April 1. She is very intelligent and very cute. We have bonded but she is afraid of most people and loud noises. She avoids my friends and only lets people touch her if I am right there also petting her. How can I get her used to people? I am afraid she will bite them out of fear. During storms she shakes even if I hold her. She hides under my bed. Should I give her a pill to relax her?
I had a trainer comer and work with the dog and with the person who was going to pet sit for a weekend. The dog was eating cheese out of his had and letting him per her but she did not respond to him when he came to feed her and to let her out when I was not there. She hid behind the flowers and would not leave the kitchen until he left and then came back later to shut the door. On the second day she showed her teeth and he felt she was going to go after him. I came home immediately.
Thanks so much!
I would suggest finding a veterinarian who is a Board-Certified Behavior Specialist. Not only are their credentials much more strict than non-veterinary “behavior specialists,” but also they can prescribe medications likely to be helpful. This case sounds like one that is likely to benefit from medication. Ask your veterinarian for a referral. If no such specialist is available in your area, your veterinarian may be able to prescribe medications to try, but at least keep working with the trainer or a non-veterinary behavior specialist during the trial of medication.
Melinda R. Burgwardt, DVM
Melinda R. Burgwardt, DVM
Lancaster, NY
What does your vet say about using drugs?
I’m pretty sure she needs them.
Phillip McHugh, DVM
Park Veterinary Hospital
Durham, NC