Neglected and abused by their original parents, behavioral issues among shelter dogs are not uncommon. These emotional wounds can be treated with love, care, and proper training. Learn what to do and what to avoid when parenting an abused dog.
Centuries of coexistence have genetically tuned dogs to trust humans. However, when that trust is breached, pet dogs are often left emotionally broken, confused, and fearful. Abused, neglected, and eventually abandoned, these dogs need more than just love and care. Pet parents who adopt abused dogs often report back, saying that their newly-adopted dogs are showing signs of behavioral issues.
Some dogs spend hours hiding in the corner of a secluded room while avoiding contact with other humans and pets. There are also dogs that consistently avoid being petted by their new human parents.
Common Signs of Abuse
Physical scars are often easy to treat. However, many dogs of abuse develop long-term emotional problems. These behavioral issues usually take months of emotional nursing to rectify. Following are a few common behavioral issues that are often noticed in abused dogs.
- Extreme Separation Anxiety
- General Distrust Towards Other Dogs and Humans
- Signs of Extreme Submissiveness (tucked-tail stance, ears back, wide-eyed glance)
- Unprompted Aggression
6 Things to Do to Heal the Emotional Scars of an Abused Dog
Develop a Routine: One of the best ways to get your newly-adopted dog to trust you is by creating a routine. Start by giving it food at exact times. Schedule a time for its daily grooming session. Similarly, make to point to get the leash out at the same exact time every day to take your dog out for a walk. A busy and predictable schedule will help your dog feel safe in its environment.
Positive Reinforcement Training: Instead of scolding your dog for the mistakes it makes, it’s always best to reward the good deeds. This is especially true when dealing with an emotionally abused dog. Positive reinforcement training allows you to engage with your dog in a relaxed setting while training it to understand basic commands.
Remain Patient and Calm: Dogs with severe emotional scars often take months, even years to recover properly. There is no one-pill or overnight solution. Your only option is to remain calm and patient till the dog starts to open up to you.
Ask the Vet to Learn About Anti-Anxiety Pet Meds: Pet anxiety is treatable by medicine. There are several pet anxiety medications available for dogs. Instead of trying to medicate your dog yourself, it’s best to speak to a veterinarian to understand if these pet meds are the right fit for your dog.
Give Your Dog Attention: It’s your job as a responsible pet owner to give your dog attention and love every single day. However, it’s important not to go overboard. Dogs usually prefer some degree of freedom and personal space. Make sure you schedule one-on-one play time and relaxing grooming sessions.
Create a Safe Space for the Dog: As soon as you bring home an abused dog, it’s important to create a dedicated doggie space. A human home is full of complex objects, and its vast complexity often makes newly-adopted dogs feel overwhelmed. Create a safe corner for the dog with a comfortable bed and a few toys. Designate an area from where it can always maintain visual contact with you and thus feel protected by your presence. Also, keep the dog away from noisy spaces, especially if it displays fearful behavioral traits. For example, creating a space in the living room near the TV set can disrupt your dog’s sleep and leave it jumpy and scared.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can dogs be emotionally scarred?
Yes, dogs can experience emotional scars as a result of traumatic events, abuse, neglect, or the loss of a significant person or companion animal in their life. These events can lead to long-lasting behavioral changes and affect their emotional well-being. It is important for pet owners to recognize signs of emotional distress in their dogs and seek veterinary behaviorist support to help them recover.
How do you help an emotionally abused dog?
To help an emotionally abused dog, you should first seek veterinary care. It is important to rule out any underlying physical issues and to get a thorough health evaluation. Then slowly and gradually expose the dog to new experiences, people, and other animals in a controlled and positive environment. Encourage the dog's good behavior with treats, praise, and affection. Avoid using punishment or force-based training methods. Provide a stable and predictable routine: Regular meals, exercise, and plenty of rest can help establish a sense of security and stability. A veterinary behaviorist can help create a tailored behavior modification plan and provide support during the recovery process. Healing takes time and patience. It is important to remain consistent in your approach and to never give up on the dog. Offer the dog plenty of affection, love, and positive reinforcement. Show the dog that they are safe and loved. Remember, healing from emotional abuse is a slow process, but with patience, love, and the right support, many dogs can make a full recovery.
Do dogs get traumatized when you hit them?
Yes, dogs can get traumatized when they are physically punished, such as being hit or kicked. Physical punishment can cause fear, anxiety, and aggression in dogs and can result in long-lasting emotional scars. It can also damage the bond between a pet and its owner and can lead to trust issues. Using physical punishment is not an effective or humane way to train or discipline dogs. Instead, positive reinforcement training techniques, such as rewarding desired behaviors and ignoring undesired behaviors, are more effective and do not cause emotional harm. If you are struggling with training or behavior issues, it is best to consult with a professional dog behaviorist for guidance.
How traumatic is it for a dog to change owners?
The level of trauma a dog experiences when changing owners can vary depending on several factors, such as the dog's age, personality, and past experiences. Some dogs may have a smooth transition to their new home and bond quickly with their new owners, while others may experience a period of adjustment and stress. There are some factors that can impact the level of trauma a dog may experience when changing owners. If a dog had a strong bond with their previous owner, it might experience separation anxiety and grief when they are separated from them. Older dogs may have a harder time adjusting to a new home and may be more prone to health issues that can exacerbate the stress of the transition. Dogs with a history of neglect, abuse, or abandonment may have trust issues and may find it harder to adjust to a new home. A sudden change in environment, such as moving from a rural to an urban area, can be stressful for a dog. To help minimize the trauma of a change in ownership, it is important to provide a stable and predictable routine, plenty of love and affection, and patience during the adjustment period. In some cases, seeking the help of a professional dog behaviorist may be necessary.
How do you tell if a dog is traumatized?
These are some signs that a dog may be experiencing trauma. The dog may exhibit fearful behaviors such as cowering, trembling, hiding, or freezing. They may also have increased levels of anxiety, such as panting, pacing, or destructive behavior. A traumatized dog may become aggressive toward people, animals, or objects that remind them of their traumatic experience. The dog may display changes in behavior, such as a loss of appetite, changes in sleep patterns, or decreased interest in activities they previously enjoyed. Traumatized dogs may exhibit changes in bodily functions, such as increased urination or defecation, especially in the house. A traumatized dog may have a rapid heartbeat, increased respiratory rate, or dilated pupils. If you suspect that your dog is traumatized, it is important to seek the help of a veterinarian or veterinary behaviorist. They can conduct a thorough evaluation and provide a diagnosis and treatment plan. With proper care and support, many traumatized dogs can recover and regain their confidence and happiness.
