Insecure rescue dog

[doxielover]

I need some advice. I've been doing dachshund rescue for 3 years and am on my 17th foster. I'm stumped how to handle this guy. I received a 5-year-old mini doxie yesterday who was an owner surrender. This is one insecure dog who I don't believe has been socialized to people or dogs. This dog has been barking almost nonstop since he got here. He barks at every noise, all family members, the dogs, etc. My dogs totally ignore him but if one of them even moves he starts barking incessantly and has charged them. He will also chase family members if they leave the room and tries to nip at heels. What I'd like to handle first obviously is the chasing my husband and 2 grown kids. If they turn to look at him, he backs up. All this leads me to believe he is completely insecure. Any ideas would be very welcome. If you need any more information, please let me know.

Thank you.

[emmabeth]

I would ignore him as much as you can, whilst also trying to not look at him, speak to him or walk towards him (if you have to go in his direction wherever possible, try to walk in a wide arc around him rather than directly at him).

Is it possible to toss really tasty treats to him whenever you get up, move etc, or would that cause problems with your other dogs?

[Mattie]

I always put Rescue Remedy in my dogs drinking water when I bring a new dog in, it helps all of them to settle especially the new dog who is always a rescue.

[doxielover]

Well, I had to tell my group I couldn't continue to foster this dog anymore. He nipped at my husband twice since my original post. My family was walking around on egg shells and my dogs did all they could to avoid this dog. I couldn't even crate or pen him because he would bark incessantly. I draw the line at my family getting snapped at. He needs a home with one person who doesn't get visitors and no dogs. It's proof that socialization is critical. The people who surrendered him bought him at a pet store.....and it all makes sense, especially the fact that they did absolutely nothing to socialize him after they bought him. Thanks for your suggestions though.

[Mattie]

He needs a home with one person who doesn't get visitors and no dogs. It's proof that socialization is critical.

You are right, socialization is essential to any dog, even more so to him now, he needs someone who has the time, patience and knowledge to socialise him as well as teach him how to live in a normal house. It can be done and TTouch is usually very successful with dogs like this.