If you have just adopted a dog that has not had it easy, you will have to provide him with a series of special care so that he can trust people again, or at least some of them. Although little by little we are becoming more aware of how important it is to treat animals with respect, unfortunately there are still cases of really dramatic abuse that, in addition to causing physical harm, it also causes emotional harm.
The wounds of the body heal more or less quickly, but those of the soul are more difficult to heal and it is easy for the furry to have problems with relationships for life unless he has the immense luck of fall out in good hands. If that has been the case with your friend, read on to find out how to treat a battered dog.
The dog is a social animal, very intelligent that at all times seeks to avoid conflict. When he is subjected to abuse, regardless of what type it is (hitting, screaming, abandonment at home, ...), he has a VERY bad time. That is one traumatic situation for him. Also, you have to know that treating him in this way is prohibited by Spanish law, which is punishable by between three months and one year in jail.
Too little for so much damage, yes, but in Spain everything related to animal justice goes a bit slow compared to other places, such as the United States, where a dog torturer was sentenced to 99 years in jail. But we are not going to talk about animal justice, but about the dog that has been abused, how can you help.
What do I have to do to help a battered dog?
The first and most important thing to do is try to know its history. In the adoption centers they usually know more or less what happened to him to end up in the shelter. Knowing the type of abuse they suffered will help you better understand their behavior. For example, if they hit him, he will be very fearful when he sees a broomstick or mop, or when you put your arm around him with the intention of caressing him.
Treat him lovingly but firmly. All dogs need to be able to trust someone, and that someone has to be calm. You have to become their guide, their companion, their family. Do not humanize him, do not calm him as if he were a baby because if you caress him when he is having a bad time -something that you will know if you see that he is trembling, with his ears back, or in a submission position- what the furry will understand is that it's okay to feel like this, that it's just what we don't want
Speak in a soft tone of voice. Be nice to him. He may not understand exactly everything you want to say to him, but when he listens to your soft, cheerful voice, little by little he will understand that nothing is wrong, that he will no longer suffer, that he has changed house and environment, and that now he has started a new life. Give her treats very often so she knows she can trust you.
Things NOT to do
A dog that has been abused is a dog that has been injured. In order for him to return to a normal life (or to start doing it if he has never had that opportunity) you have to educate him as if we were educating a puppy. Yes, indeed, this furry needs to start from scratch, this means that there are a number of things that must be avoided, which are the following:
- Sudden and violent movements: when sweeping or cleaning with the mop, the animal may feel insecure and / or fearful, so it is advisable to leave it in a secluded room with toys and with the door open. So you can go there whenever you feel nervous.
In addition, you always want to caress or hold him, you must do it gently. - Force you to do somethingUnless his life is in danger (for example, he has been chewing on the cables and for his own safety you are going to take him and move him away), you never have to force him to do something he does not want. You have to educate him, yes, but not overwhelm him, especially during the first weeks he spends with you.
- Take him for a walk and jerk him off: an abused dog does not usually know how to walk well on a leash. If you do not have patience with him and he is not taught with respect and treats and not with jerks, it is easy for him to become afraid of both the leash and being outside.
- Hire the services of a trainer who does not work positively: to help you you may need the help and advice of a trainer, especially if you are very afraid of dogs and / or people. Don't hire the first handler you meet - your dog could suffer the consequences. You should always inform yourself well about the methods it uses. Only the good professional who works positively, that is, respecting the animal in front of him, will be able to help you.
It is very likely that it will take several weeks or even months to recover, but you will see that all your work will pay off in the end. 🙂