Rescue dog with high anxiety

[RebeccaDuvall]

I recently rescued a coonhound who is about 4 years old. I don't know much about his past other than he was quite emaciated when the foster group found him. He came from a foster home who said he was very laid back and easy to get along with, but since I brought him home, he has nothing to do with me and doesn't seem to trust me. He constantly stares at the door and whines (probably because he misses his foster mom) and isn't too interested in treats. However, he has been counter surfing which is becoming more of an issue since I'm trying to only use positive behavior reinforcement. I have started with basic obedience (sitting and responding to his name when called)and taking long walks to wear him down, but haven't had much luck with creating a bond. Does anyone have suggestions on how to help him establish better trust and decrease his anxiety? 

[Adrienne Farricelli]

Hi there!

Welcome to the forums!

Thanks for rescuing and what a happy ending for this boy with such an obscure past!

I had a foster dog named Sadie, who showed similar behaviors (pacing, whining at the door) the first days in my home. You can find a video of the behavior and what helped me in the case study found here: https://www.braintraining4dogs.com/members/case-studies/

Bonding takes quite some time with these fellows. These dogs benefit from a routine and recognizing what may be triggering their suspiciousness. Here are some basics: https://www.braintraining4dogs.com/members/archive/helping-fearful-rescue-dog/

What is on the table when he is counter-surfing? Maybe that can give us a hint as to what foods we can use for training, as long as they are foods not toxic to dogs. 

Until he is better trained, it may help to block access to the kitchen counters through a baby gate/pet fence/closed door,  while emphasizing that food and treats mostly are served on the floor, or on a mat. 

https://www.braintraining4dogs.com/members/video-archive/train-dog-go-to-mat/

[Adrienne Farricelli]

Wanted to add that, if you recognize any signs of fear such as reacting to certain noises in your household or innocent thinks like your sneezing/coughing/clearing your throat these can put a dent in the bonding process. If there are reactions to sounds, you'll find the 'hear that' method helpful: https://www.braintraining4dogs.com/members/archive/fear-noises/