Looking for some guidance here. My new adopted dog is quite fearful and loses control of his bowels when I approach him. The image in this post shows how he acts when I get within 10 feet of him. I’ve kept him on a leash so I can grab him and take him to different rooms in the house without risking being bitten. He snarls and bites a lot and digs his claws into the ground. His old owner claims not to know of this behavior and keeps saying “dude I told you he hates his leash TAKE IT OFF HIM” but I’m not sure that’s the right move right now. He needs to be leashed so I can control him. Any suggestions? Maybe he needs to be enclosed in a cage? This dog is shitting constantly and it really is becoming a nuisance. I’m debating taking him to a shelter to see if they want him. I don’t think I’m able to rehabilitate this dog since he is so wall eyed and so very very angry at the world. Thoughts? Ideas?
This sounds really tough—adopting a dog with severe fear issues like this is challenging, and it's okay to feel overwhelmed. That GIF captures classic extreme fear response: piloerection (hair standing up), cornering, and involuntary defecation from terror. This is a stress response, not spite or "anger at the world"—it's a dog whose nervous system is in full fight-or-flight (or freeze/flood) mode.Keep the leash on for now. Your instinct is right. Safety for both of you comes first. The old owner's advice to just "take it off" ignores the biting/snaring risk. Use it to move him calmly without cornering or forcing interactions. Avoid yanking or escalating.Don't approach directly. Give him space. Many fearful dogs improve with "ignore and toss treats" — sit sideways, no eye contact, soft voice, and gently toss high-value treats (chicken, cheese, hot dogs) from a distance. Let him choose to approach.Crate consideration: A properly introduced crate can be a safe "den" where he feels secure, not a punishment. Make it positive with treats, meals, and a comfy bed in a quiet area. Never force him in when scared or use it long-term as isolation. Some fearful dogs benefit from it for decompression; others find it trapping. Test carefully.Constant defecation when approached is likely fear-induced (stress colitis or loss of control from adrenaline). Establish a calm potty routine: consistent times, low-pressure outdoor spots, praise/treats for success far from triggers.Reduce overall stress: quiet environment, predictable schedule, no forced handling.Many fearful dogs improve significantly with time, patience, and counter-conditioning/desensitization (gradual exposure + positive associations). But it can take weeks to months—sometimes longer for severe cases.
>>5131240Key steps:1. Decompression period: Give him weeks to just settle without big expectations. Minimal pressure, lots of space.2. Professional help urgently: Find a force-free certified behaviorist or veterinary behaviorist (not just any trainer). Look for IAABC, CPDT, or Fear Free certified. They can assess for pain/medical contributors and create a tailored plan. Meds (anti-anxiety) may help in severe cases.3. Positive reinforcement only. No punishment—it worsens fear.4. Build trust slowly: Treats for any calm behavior, short positive sessions, confidence-building games.This level of fear + aggression (biting, snarling) isn't something every owner can handle, especially with constant messes and safety risks. You're not a failure if it's too much—rehabilitation isn't guaranteed, and quality of life for both matters.Shelter return: Contact them honestly with details. Many have behavior resources or foster networks. Returning sooner is often better than after more stress. Be transparent with any potential new adopter too.You're doing the right thing by seeking guidance instead of forcing it. Prioritize a vet visit and behaviorist consult this week. In the meantime, protect yourself, manage the environment, and give him (and you) some breathing room. If you share more details (age, breed, how long you've had him), I can try to refine suggestions. Hang in there.
>>51312141) Stop being a wuss. He's a tiny fucking dog. You do not need a leash to control him. That's just you being weak as shit. Wear some gloves and long sleeves.2) Why do you need to take him to different rooms? Stop. Stop being a retard. Set up ONE room for him, a room that you can easily clean and control. Do not force him out of that room until he is comfortable. Put stuff in there to make him feel secure. Barriers between you and him help. 3) While he is in that room, spend time there. Do not force interaction with him. Just be in the room, a lot. Don't approach him. Don't even make direct eye contact. He will eventually figure out that you are feeding him and existing with him and not harming him. This could take a long ass time. Could be weeks. Maybe more. Don't bother trying to lure him in with treats. That's just you being impatient and at this stage it's useless possibly detrimental as he's fear motivated, not food motivated (for now).4) Stick to a consistent schedule for feeding and cleaning the area.5) You can absolutely give him up. Just don't lie to the next person or facility about the dog.
