Rescued a wild puppy that is terrified

Posted by lynng
Feb 3, 2009
A friend rescued a pack of wild puppies, never had any human contact. I brought one home, he was growling, angry and scared half to death. Put him out with my two indoor labs and I was in a matter of a couple of hours able to put a lead on him and carry him around until he started walking on the lead and is now getting ready for adoption, I went back and traded him for his brother the most fearful, the most angry of the entire pack. No one had been able to touch him either same as the first puppy, I got him out of his carrier and after he tried to bite me I was able to pick him up and cuddle him for several hours, I tried the lead on him and he went nuts, fighting pulling tugging etc. so I have put him in a pen and trying to give him time out to get use to the house, he is not eating he is not drinking, just in the corner scared 1/2 to death. I do not know where to start with him now. Any suggestions?
Posted by MaxHollyNoah
Feb 3, 2009
Hi lynng,

You did such a wonderful thing to the first puppy!
Each dog is different so I understand that the second one doesn't work as you expected but I still think there is a hope.

Would it be possible to bring the first one back and put him together with the second one again. The second one might feel comfortable being with one of his litter mate. The first one might work as an ambassador and help all the other ones get socialized.

All they need is a socialization to people and a self-confidence.

I don't think the second one will starve to death. He will eventually drink and eat. In the mean time, you might want to throw in your old sweaters and socks, etc. so that he will get used to your smell. It might make it easier for him to be picked up by you next time.

How do your 2 labs do with the second one? Do they come close to the puppy? Does the puppy come close to your labs?

Please keep us posted how things develop...

Good luck