Is It Possible to Change a Dog's Life When It Has Been Abused?

Bringing a previously abused dog into your home is a kind and loving gesture. Dogs who have been mistreated by previous owners, or who have been abandoned and forced to live on the streets, often harbor emotional, mental and behavioral issues that can be a challenge to overcome. Given the right setting and the right owner, many dogs do have the ability to overcome past abusive situations and go on to live full and happy lives.

  1. Trust

    • An abused dog must learn how to trust human beings again. To establish trust with your pup, you must treat him with kindness and patience and avoid raising your voice, striking him or physically punishing him in any way. Great patience is required to rehabilitate an abused dog. You will need to go slowly in your approach with an understanding that an abused dog may take time to warm up to you, and may even exhibit an initial hostility or aggression.

    Behavior

    • Abused dogs often have underlying behavioral issues. They may never have been appropriately socialized or trained, or may have learned bad habits because no formal obedience instruction was ever introduced to them. Working with an abused dog requires consistency, repetition and patience. You train an abused dog in much the same way you would train a new puppy, from the beginning, with basic commands and instructions followed by rewards and attention.

    Attention

    • Abused dogs need to feel loved and cared for in order to establish a bond with their human companions. This includes spending time with your dog, even if he initially cowers, hides or acts like he doesn't want to be around you. You must make yourself available for your dog within whatever parameters he initially sets for you. Offer physical affection if your dog will let you, or slowly work up to physical touch by hand-feeding your pup, offering treats or enticing him to play. Make sure he has a private retreat like a kennel to go to when he feels overwhelmed.

    Training

    • Abused dogs who suffered psychological damage, were kept in overcrowded shelters or lived in squalor with other animals may do better with one-on-one at-home training than group obedience class programs. This gives you an opportunity to work with a professional and with your dog. Look for a trainer who specializes in rescue dogs or in rehabilitating dogs who have experienced abuse or trauma. Find a trainer who focuses on gentle correction of poor behaviors to establish trust with your pup.