Worries

I worry sometimes about my ignorance in caring for the shy unsocialized dog. I am reading and researching on what I should do to bring Duncan to his full potential as a pet and companion. But in the meantime, I worry that I may be making mistakes unwittingly that would hinder his growth. Duncan and I have not bonded. Don't get me wrong, I absolutely adore him, and I want to develop a trusting relationship with him. However his past has understandably caused him to be slow to trust. Let's see, he has been with me for almost a month now. When I move about the house he automatically moves to the opposite side of the room from me. He will not come into the house from the backyard without much effort. I am not even certain that he enjoys being petted by me. He seems afraid of my voice any time I speak, even though I always make sure to speak in upbeat and kind tones to him.

In trying to work with him to get him to come into the house more easily, I had gone back to putting his halter on him and letting him drag a long lead about the yard. At first this seemed to make him willing to come in more easily; it gave him the understanding that I was in charge. However after a couple times this faltered and I had to being going out and picking up the end of the lead and reel him. Once I had the lead in hand, I had no problem at all getting him to come inside. He would not freeze or pull against the lead. However, yesterday when I went out to get him I found that he had chewed through the neck piece of his nylon halter! When I went to take it off I unclipped the back piece. I would normally then have to slip the next piece over his head to take it off, and instead it fell off him in my hands. So there goes leaving him in the back yard with his halter on, and I'll have to buy a new one so we can continue our walks.

I cannot seem to find anything that he truly seems to take joy in except for his visits with Hannah. He does not play with toys, or show any interest in the two stuffed animals that I got for him. He doesn't know how to play other than with another dog. Any play that I try with him only frightens him, though gently I tred. I want him to be happy.

I am reading an absolutely wonderful book by the Monks of New Skeete called How to be Your Dog's Best Friend. And I am doing other research on how to care for a shy dog. I just hope that I don't mess anything up in the meantime!