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Dog Behavior: Abused Dogs

* Notes Links not working at last update

Because of the severity of some situations, and the possibility of injury or damage from an abused,  fearful, or unsocialized dog, you have to read this:

NOTICE:  What is offered here is from the authors' personal experiences, and may or may not be applicable to your situation.  By reading further, or entering any of these links, you acknowledge that  the information contained within is an expression of an opinion. Further, you also acknowledge that this information is presented in cyberspace, and so any implementation of  suggestions contained within these pages are subject to your own interpretation, and any  implementation of the suggestions contained within are done solely at your own risk, with the authors, www.wonderpuppy.net, and any linked entities held harmless. 
Disclaimer shamelessly stolen and adapted from Dax O'Buff's site
Shofar Shepherds and Shelties

People do horrible things to dogs.   Physical abuse of the worst kinds, breaking their spirits, mental abuses...the list is long and nightmarish.  It's amazing what cruelty that people can inflict. Sometimes the abuse is deliberate, but sometimes it's not.  Ignorance can result in abuse too, as far as the dog is concerned.  No matter here.  People often take these souls in and try to help them, a most admirable undertaking.  There is often quite a job ahead of them.  I hope some of this general advice and success stories help ease that job.  I have also tried to collect information for those situations when you see abuse occur, but are not in control of the animal. 

If you have rescued one of these dogs, you are not alone.  I hope some of these links will give you ideas on what you may be able to do for your dog.  It cannot be emphasized enough how important it is for you to work closely with your veterinarian and a behaviorist, or at least a good trainer with experience in this area. Nothing is better than one on one work with these professionals. What you see here are just ideas and anecdotes, since all dogs and people are individuals, and all the situations are different.