I’ve had my rescue dog for a month now. She’s a very scared and anxious Jindo who was rescued from Korea. I want her to feel better about everyday things like going outside or coming out of her crate. Everyone says high-value treats are the way to go, but she doesn’t like any treats at all. I’ve tried everything; cheese, hotdogs, chicken hearts, freeze-dried liver, chicken thighs; you name it. She won’t take anything, especially not from my hand. The only thing she’ll eat is plain kibble, and that’s only when I leave the room.
People suggest rewarding dogs with touch or verbal praise instead of treats, but she doesn’t like being touched, and verbal praise doesn’t seem to affect her.
I just want to motivate her to come out of her crate and experience more of life. Right now, she just seems so unhappy. Has anyone been through this? Do you have any tips? Or maybe a treat suggestion I haven’t thought of yet?
I had a similar experience with a very shut-down dog. She would hide at the back of the crate and wouldn’t respond to anything; treats, affection, nothing. It wasn’t that she didn’t like those things; she was just terrified. It took months for her to start opening up. Time and patience are key.
@Ethan
Thank you. It’s comforting to hear that it took months for your dog. I keep hearing about this ‘3-3-3 rule’ where dogs supposedly adjust after three weeks, and it’s been stressing me out because we’re nowhere near that. Your perspective really helps.
@NICKY
My vet told me that three months is more realistic for some dogs, and even longer for others. Have you tried offering treats while facing away from her? Some dogs feel safer when you’re not directly looking at them.
Patience is everything. One thing that helped my nervous dog was reading to her. It sounds silly, but just reading anything; a book, a magazine, even the back of a cereal box; calmed her. It lets them get used to your voice without feeling pressured. Over time, she started to relax, and eventually, she even approached me on her own. It’s also why programs where kids read to shelter animals work so well.
@Dogtuner
Thank you for this idea. I’ve been reading and singing to her since she arrived. I guess I just need to keep it up and give her more time. It’s heartbreaking seeing her so sad, though.
As someone who works with a lot of anxious dogs, I can tell you this: if she’s not taking treats, it’s because she’s too anxious. If being indoors is overwhelming, she’s probably not ready for outdoor spaces or meeting new people yet.
One thing that helps is just sitting in the room and doing your normal stuff. Let her watch you and get used to you. Leave some treats nearby and then ignore her. Even if she doesn’t eat them right away, she might later, and it helps her associate you with good things. Dogs naturally form bonds by sharing space, food, and experiences.
It’s tough, but the timeline for a breakthrough with traumatized dogs is usually closer to three months. Hang in there. She’ll come around.
@William
Thanks so much for sharing this. Hearing that three months is more realistic makes me feel better. A lot of people told me she should show improvement in three weeks, and we’re way past that with no changes. I’ve been leaving treats in her crate overnight, but it breaks my heart to see them untouched in the morning. She’s so underweight, too.
@NICKY
I walk a dog who was a rescue from a breeder; kept in a cage her entire life until she was six. It took her two years before she even had her first zoomies, and three years before she started playing with toys.
One tip: try eating near her. Dogs often feel more comfortable eating when they see others eating. Put her food bowl down, sit a bit away, and eat something yourself. Sometimes they’ll join in because it feels like a group activity. You’re doing a great job, and she’s lucky to have you.
Have you tried rotisserie chicken? If that doesn’t work, try sitting near her crate with your back turned and the door open. Don’t try to engage her; just be there and let her come to you when she’s ready. It helps build trust.