Central Virginia's Pets: Mental scars in adopted dogs can be overcome

I named our dog, Tasha, after the female security officer in the television program, “Star Trek: The Next Generation.” Like her namesake, Tasha is NOW attractive but tough. She is protective, yet friendly and trusting. In 1998, the eight month old Tasha that we adopted from the Lynchburg Humane Society was a very scared, young dog.

In a previous column, I used the example of my youngest feline, Terry to discuss setting reasonable expectations for your newly adopted pet. I hope that our experience socializing Tasha will prove helpful to those who adopt a canine from their local humane society.

Tasha’s mental scars were apparent. She would not walk; instead she crawled on her belly. She was extremely fearful of people and noise. My husband, Ed, and I knew Tasha’s fears would present numerous challenges.

Unlike Tasha, many dogs awaiting adoption at animal welfare agencies have had positive experiences with humans and will readily acclimate to a new home. The following suggestions will help an adopted canine become a happily integrated family member. If you choose to adopt a dog that has experienced neglect or abuse, these tips will help you provide a healing/assuring environment.

Establish a routine and be consistent

Animals, like humans, find routine comforting. We introduced Tasha to our routine immediately upon her arrival. She learned very quickly by emulating her canine sister, Jazzy. Tasha’s routine included:

• MY crate is MY safe place to rest and a great place to get treats

• The phrase, “That’s the place,” means go to the bathroom outside

• I go for a walk every day before breakfast and dinner

• I get fed two delicious meals a day

• Car rides are exciting and often result in a hamburger or other tasty treat

After several weeks of exposure to these routines, Tasha’s fears and stress decreased significantly. However, even with Jazzy’s enthusiasm toward people, Tasha was unable to trust strangers. She would cower if strangers approached her and she was still very frightened of loud noise.

Practice patience and use what motivates

Given Tasha’s continued distrust of strangers, Ed and I knew that increased socialization was necessary. We enrolled her in obedience classes to expose her to new people, sights and sounds, and we enlisted the help of neighbors. Because Tasha is very food motivated, we had neighbors toss her treats as we went on our daily walks. The obedience instructors used cheese and hot dog slices to earn her trust. After several months, Tasha began approaching strangers rather than cowering and her tolerance of loud noises increased.

Today, Tasha is enjoying her golden years. She is now 12, still a chow hound, and enjoys the affection of strangers. She is proof that patience and consistency lead to successful adoptions. If Tasha could speak I’m certain she would say, “Be kind and patient with your new pet, and don’t be stingy with treats or belly rubs.”

Beehler is a volunteer with the Lynchburg Humane Society.