Pet Lovers

[Marp]

@Ohio St8,  is your dog food motivated?  If so one of the ways you can stimulate interaction is to cook aromatic foods.  If he responds to the aroma and joins you give him a high value treat.

Treats or attention or affection when he initiates interaction will encourage him to continue doing so.

To get him to accept and play with the squeaky toys you could try putting peanut butter on your hands, wipe it off but leave the scent on your hands then handle the toy before giving it to him.  The smell of the peanut butter may be enough to get him to start playing with the toys and you will no longer need the peanut butter stimulus.

[BlueFinch]

@Ohio St8 Okay, a different animal here, but a good analogy. I remember an elephant that had been on a heavy chain all its life. A rescue team came and removed the chain. Then what happened?

The elephant continued to stand in the same place for days, on end, swaying back and forth, as usual, like the chains were still applied. He had been conditioned to his situation and accepted it. It took time for him to recognize the joys of freedom.

The elephant's reaction wasn't atypical. It's been seen in many animals kept in some degree of restrictive captivity. Sadly, even humans. 

Your rescue dog just needs time to evolve and learn new things. I wouldn't push him yet. In fact, I would probably sit down with a book outside the closet and just be with him in a calm, supportive way, when he disappears, to cement trust. When you do get him to join you outside the closet, use lots of positive reinforcement, while introducing new activities slowly. A playful fur friend might teach him some things, too.

In six weeks, you are all still getting to know one another. He's probably not sure this is his forever home so he just secludes himself like the shelter. Learned behaviors take time to break. 

I remember the first six months with my rescue dog (96 lbs). He was a wild one, found running the streets. I always said in a cartoon, he would have been the cigar smoking, gang leader of all the dogs in his hood, taking no prisoners. There were times I felt like giving up. 

He turned out to be the most intelligent, gentle and loving dog -- ever. He can absolutely read my mind...LOL. He's loved by all my friends and neighbors, who spoil him terribly. But, it sure took time. 

You'll see a different dog in a few months, too. After all, he has no idea what to do with his new found freedom. 

[Puggywuggy]

I just wanted to chime in and say Bless You for rescuing an animal in need! You might also reach out to Jason of Ralphie the Reformed Demon Dog on Facebook as he has rescued many dogs, some have which have lived their entire lives in cages.

I know this from rescuing dogs over the last 25+ years...love, gentleness and much patience can and will overcome just about any obstacle. Once again, Bless You🤎

[OneHappyHiker]

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@pigletsmom wrote:

I wouldn't force anything but I would try to encourage him to come out to have fun. Maybe to take him for a ride if he likes that or for a special treat or walk. I'd be a little careful of hanging out with him in his space too much. He might start to think of staying in there as how to get attention. I'd go in the room and chat with him while doing something else. I certainly don't mean ignoring him in there and sitting and hanging occasionally is probably fine. Poor guy is probably overwhelmed by having so muck space. You did a wonderful thing by making him yours. 

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Sooooo true! My mind kept taking me to his need for a smaller safe space being all cozy and snuggly due to his shelter home, but I wasn't also thinking about HIS spacial perspective! We always kept doggies in a smaller area of the house, using perimeter gates to keep their initial space small, recognizable, and safe to explore. Then we widened the space until the whole house was theirs too! Really good thought!

[DSD2]

First, you are a lovely, kind and caring couple. How marvelous you adopted this sweet boy.

So, for all intents and purposes, he has lived in a shelter his entire young life. He doesn't know or understand the concept of freedom, he just knows how to live in a small space. He doesn't realize he now has a house to roam and people who love and cherish him. 

I am confident that if you continue to exhibit patience and try and draw him out, (perhaps strew toys all around the living room will help) he will come out of his shell eventually. 

You mentioned he loves riding in the car. Perhaps taking him out as much as you can will help. Perhaps a pup cup?

I;m sure the vet and/or the rescue can give you tips. 

I wish you the best of luck. Please, will you keep us posted?? I care....

[We rescue cats]

@Ohio St8 I don't have dogs any longer but want to give you a huge hug for giving this fella a home. We never understand what baggage these wonderful babies bring with them, it is deeply ingrained in their being and carried with them. Figuring out how to bring them out of that and allow them to learn to be loved is a huge challenge for all who take in a rescued pet. We have a similar situation with one our cat rescues she is also hiding in a closet . . . while her 'sister' is just fine and is making great strides. Time willheal her broken spirit, and I know you will find a way to make that breakthrough with him.  One 'bright side' of this-at leastas we havemfound over the years, the animal will always return to their 'safe place' when startled or afraid, nearly without fail-so it is the first place to look if he is missing. Bless your loving heart, 

[Scooby Doo]

Some dogs are just like that and feel more secure in an enclosed space.

I adopted a 6 yr old pom (who is now 15) and she has from day one spent most of her time either under my bed or under a sofa sleeping.  She comes out to eat and do her business, but back she goes.  Unless there is a car ride involved.  She knows somehow that I am going out the door and then shes underfoot.

My mother had 3 chihuahua dogs and the two brothers preferred to stay in the bedroom closet most of the time.  They would only come out if we were sitting on the sofa and they wanted to be held.

[Imaoldhippie]

@Ohio St8 ................So sad thats all he has ever known.  I am no expert for sure but how about taking him out in the yard or doggie park and teach him to play fetch?  Take him for walks any active activity.  Start slow as he most likely does not have much muscle strength.

O-H!!!!  Go Bucks!