We just got a 5 month old aus cattle dog from a person who has keppt her and 2 sisters in a 3 by 3 pen all their lives they were laying in their own feces and urine when we took her. She is so skittish it is hard to get her to come to us and we have to carry her outside. My hoa does not allow outside dogs and we want her as an indoor pet, we have 2 other dogs as company. How can I train her when she knows nothing but laying in her own waste. Any hints? I left her with my fem terrier mix the first night in a 6 by 3 area and they were both covered in urine in the morning. Our house is lg and we have over an acre to run in but she has to be an indoor dog. Zi could not believe the condition she was kept in if we did not already have 2 dogs I would have taken her sisters too.

This will take time, a lot of time - I've had more than a few abused dogs and until they knew they could trust me, until they figured out they were here to stay, what the rules were, they had a very difficult time. Give her some time (and I know it's difficult) but she doesn't know any other way to behave.

Are you notifying authorities and friends in an attempt to rescue the other puppies?

I did not notify authoritities I got her from a canine cop that trains police dog

i did not notify authoritities i got her from a canine cop that trains police dog


I would still report the conditions - you know the other dogs are living in their own filth and doing nothing?

Positive reinforcement... lots of love. Remember she knows nothing besides the neglected life she was living, don't give up on her, she will probably make your most loyal pet as soon as she knows she can trust you.

I did not notify authoritities I got her from a canine cop that trains police dog

This is not even remotely an excuse for this man to treat these poor dogs this way. If anything he is much more at fault because he should know better. This is not a case of ignorance, just plain neglect.

This man treating dogs this way actually jeopardizes more then just the dogs he abuses if he trains dogs to be used for police work. Dogs that suffer from abuse and neglect often have long running mental issues, which is something you do not want in a dog that is suppose to help keep people safe. What if this dog encounters a traumatic trigger while on duty and someone gets hurt?

Please report this man for the good of everyone!!

I would agree with all that has been said. I have a lurcher that is 1/2 aus cattle dog and they are the most wonderful, quirky loving dogs.
However, one thing I would say, is that dogs do live in the moment. We may feel pity etc for them for the lives that they have led, but this is not going to help your dog.
He will learn a lot from your other 2 dogs, they will be his pack, and I would advise that you do not treat him any differently to them. |You are pack leader, he will get his security from you and the rest of the pack. Firm, kind, consistencey will be the best thing you can do for him. Do not pamper him or make excuses for him because of his past traetment. Dogs do not have the same assosciation that we humans do. Yes it was awful, but that was then, this is now and you have to start as you maen to carry on.
You train her the way you would with any other dog. Bear in mind her past, but continue with positive reinforcement- ie- ignore the behaviour you don't want, praise the behaviour you want.
|Good luck x

Energyze that is very good advise and very true. There I a lot that will be learned from the other dogs. And right as well that this dog will soon be your most loyal pet. We rescued a dog from somewhat smlar situations and honestly I didn't know when he would get it... but patience and love and they do get it. Dogs aim to please. They want to please and the love that is given when they learn to trust and behave the way they want to is priceless.