[Pipersmom]

We rescued a 4yr old female cockapoo 4 1/2 months ago from a puppymill. She is not crate trained because she cried terrible when we put her in it. She does not bark at all so this was an unpleasant sound... 1) She is still terrified of my husband and any man that enters our home. She runs from him when he enters a room and sometimes pees as she runs away. 2)She also is having a diff. time w/ potty training. We pull her food up and only feed her once a day now w/ enhanced warm chicken broth to entise her. It seems to work. She is done eating by 6pm but still wakes me at 2:30am every night to go outside to potty. 3) She also does not know what to do with a leash. She runs when I take it out and will never come to me when I say "let's go for a walk or lets go outside". Any suggestions?

[JudyKayTee]

When you adopted her from the rescue, had her personality been evaluated?

I don't want to be discouraging but some of these dogs never make good housepets (for obvious reasons). It's sad but it's true.

[Pipersmom]

Not sure if a proper eval. Was done. They told us that she was sweet (which she is) and was afraid of doors and didn't do well on stairs. We've over come the door and she is a pro at stairs now. She is very playful with myself and 2 yr old son. It's so hard to see her afraid of my husband when I know she has come so far out of her shell with me. She will jump on bed with him if I'm there and even sleep on his feet! Any further suggestions?

[teachnk]

Patience.. it can take quite a while. It does sound like she is progressing. Thank you for saving this poor baby, you could have found an "easier" dog, but instead chose to give her a loving home. Have your husband try sitting on the floor and hand feeding her at dinner time. One piece at a time, it can really help build trust. Best of luck, keep us updated! :)