[TrishB]

We've often had threads where a supposed 'abused' dog is being referenced. The truth of the matter is that 99% of the times, the owners have no idea of the past treatment of said dog. Only that they behave as if they've been abused, so they must have been.

This assumption is incorrect. A dog with a solid temperament can rebound from practically any situation. Take the stories of those dogs who have been found in abusive situations and still wag their tails and lick the authorities removing them from their past homes. A dog with a correct temperament can assess a situation and decide that this situation does not call for aggression.

A weak nerved dog cannot make this decision. Everything is interpreted as a threat. They'll act aggressively due to the 'I'll get you before you get me' mentality. Or, they'll cower from a friendly approach because they cannot deal with the situation before them - not because there ever was or is, a threat.

I had a rescue that was weak nerved. I do not know what sort of treatment she had received before I got her - only that she had had several homes which she ran away from and had a litter of pups at some point in her young life. She was fearful of new people, men, loud noises and thunderstorms. She had separation anxiety to the point where she injured herself (cut pads and a broken tooth). A simple raise of the voice was enough to make her crumble and 'disengage' - laying down and shaking.

This is not an abused dog - this is a weak nerved dog. Now to be fair - she could have been abused, but I highly doubt that she had been in reality.

If a person doesn't have leadership skills, you don't make them a manager. If they're quiet and reserved, you don't make them a public speaker. If they're shy, you don't make them a host.

If your dog isn't confident, you don't put them into roles where they need to be. If your dog doesn't assess situations accurately (i.e. assuming a need for aggression where there isn't any), then don't allow them to make decisions.

So unless you KNOW (i.e. were told by authorities) that the dog was seized due to abuse, don't assume that they were. Instead, assess the temperament that you have been given and work with it. Offering them explanations and excuses isn't going to help anyone. This is a dog and needs to be put into the role that they can handle and do successfully.

Aggression or weak nerves are not interchangeable with or equal to abuse.