Have you ever wondered if your rescue dog was mistreated before they became part of your family? They’ll probably jump to every little sound or cower if you raise your hand or pick up the newspaper. While it is often impossible to know for sure what circumstances your dog has lived in before, there are some signs that may indicate a history of abuse.
Here are 5 signs that your dog may be coming from an abusive home.
#1 – Physical signs
If your dog was too skinny or had a wound that was healing when you adopted them, it’s clear that your dog was abandoned at their previous home, but some symptoms are milder. Nails that are longer than normal, coat that doesn’t appear to be healthy, walking with an unusual gait, and areas of the body they don’t like to touch are all signs that they may have been abused. .
#2 – Aggression with food
Does your dog wrap food down so quickly that you wonder if they’re actually tasting it? Do they refuse to leave their bowls while eating? Do they growl or yell at you or other dogs for getting too close while they are eating? These can all be signs that your dog grew up without a reliable food source. Food aggression can be very dangerous and should be discussed with a trainer or veterinarian immediately.
#3 – More clingy
If your dog insists on clinging to you all the time, even when you need to go to the bathroom, they may have had an unstable childhood. This may be more common in dogs that have had one or more molts. Dogs that are too clingy may have or may develop separation anxiety so severe that they whine, howl, become disruptive, or urinate or defecate in the house soon after you leave. . Have some How to deal with separation anxiety that a coach can help you, and comforting hugger can help soothe your dog when you have to leave the house.
#4 – Submission
Although some dogs are generally more submissive than others, an overly submissive dog may show signs of abuse. Some signs of oversubordination include rolling over with tail tucked in when approached, cowering, “smiling” and lying down or cringing when urinating. Yelling at a disobedient peeing dog can make matters worse, so you should talk to a trainer to discuss ways to make your dog feel more comfortable around the house. .
#5 – Fearful or aggressive
Many dogs will have a fear or two and may become aggressive under certain circumstances. Aggressive dogs tend to be fearful of everything and can be unpredictable. These dogs may need medication after working with a dog trainer to become more comfortable in the world.
Remember that some dogs are more shy than others, so if you’ve been the sole owner of your dog since they were a puppy, that doesn’t mean you’ve neglected them. them somehow if they have any of these signs .
