HELP PLEASE...I suspect my dog was abused before he came to us!

[sarah & max]

We have a 3 year old Labradoodle. We have owned him for 5 weeks. He came from a local breeder, who retired him after he sired 9 litters. He is VERY loyal to me, and at first was extremely cautious around men. However, after 5 weeks, he has completely relaxed and has released all his fears of men! He is doing AMAZING in our home and we absolutely adore him.

 

BUT, on Saturday my friend and I returned home from shopping. I immediately let Max outside to greet us. When she reached into the trunk to get a roll of wrapping paper and pulled it out, Max INSTANTLY cowered down to the ground, began peeing everywhere and began shivering and shaking for 15 minutes. I am not exaggerating about the amount of time. I have NEVER seen anything like this. I dropped to the ground and just held him, telling him that it was ok and that he was safe. My friend did the same. Max LOVES her!

 

I spent over an hour with the breeders when I went to meet Max. In my heart I don't want to believe that they could ever hurt him that way. I just don't know what to do. Any help or advice would be appreciated!

 

Thanks,

 

Sarah

[Rose Ann and Amante]

Poor baby! I would definitely tell the breeder. Jennifer is so right!! He is lucky to have you get him through this!!

[Jennifer,Chloe & Myla]

I wish the best for Max. It's incredible to think someone can do this but now you know and can take the steps to help him feel safe and train him the opposite reactions will get cuddles and treats. Doodle hugs to you all.

[Jane Smith]

Lucy was always afraid of the vacuum, and I would let her run from room to room to get away from it.  I never gave her attention for it, but I never corrected it either.  Well, the past 10 days they spent at the trainers, she noticed her vacuum fear and asked me why I haven't corrected it.  Basicially I told her ignorance.  I wasn't sure how to correct it.    She said it took her just a few times of putting Lucy on the leash and having her walk along side of her while vacuuming, that got her over it.  She still doesn't love it, but she is no longer fearful of it.  I was amazed at how well it worked.

 

 

[shelly]

This post is so sad, I feel so bad for Max and you...but let me tell you.... I thought the same thing of Tori, but we got her as a pup.... One night a fly had been buzzing around my house. Finally, I couldn't take it anymore and I rolled up a few pieces of newspaper and Tori FREAKED OUT! She just kept barking and barking at the paper and backing away... forget it when I actually swatted at it! I did my own informal testing to see what she was 'bothered by'... I happened to have an empty paper towel roll (which she loves to play with) and moved it in a swatting kind of way and she was fine... wanting to play with it. Maybe if you use something like that, or the empty wrapping paper roll to play with him... maybe that may help?????