Dog Health Questions: ?? abused dog/training available ?

My family has adopted a dog from a rescue and she has been doing great with us except she acts strangely around our son and also his friends. My husband and I are thinking that she may have been abused by her previous owners son or his friends. Is there anything that we can do such as training or whatever to get our dog over this fear and to show her that she is safe with us? I am afraid when my son has friends over with the way she acts and I am afraid that she will bite one of them.

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Poor dog. Well, first, just try to show her that the boys aren't a threat to her. Have your son talk softly around her, and each day try to walk up to her slowly, and talk to her. If she runs away, then try the next day. Also, when your sons friends are over, try to tell them not to make swift movements or loud noises towards the dog. This can remind her of her past. Be gentle with her, because if she sees what you do and it reminds her about her past,, it can scare her, and can take longer for her to get used to him. Remember, time is the key. IT is good you care about your dog, and what happens to her. :)

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• Whenever they come in have them (or hand them) a dog treat or squeeky to play with her...make it a positive experience...go slow, it will happen, and stick with it!


• Just let them sit down in the same room with them and have them call the dog. don't let them approach the dog though, not even reach out to it. they can hold treats and toys and when the dog comes to them they may pet it.


• my dog is the same so I know how U feel have your son spend time w/ her and give her lots of treats to let her know that he's nice and won't hurt her...good luck =]