When I first got Tucker who had been a stray, then at a Shelter, then with another family for a very short time; he stayed as close as he could to me, right by my feet at my desk as I worked. I had to be careful that I didn't roll over his foot when I moved my desk chair. Gradually he started venturing out into the other room to where my other dog plants herself during the day. Soon he was staying there with her. Initially he didn't want to go outside unless she was with him, but with his being an early riser and her a late sleeper that early morning rising created a problem for her and eventually (although this did take some time) he figured out he could go out on his own.

I think you will find that as your dog builds trust that you are going to be there for her and she can depend on you and you are not going to desert her like the others, she will develop the confidence she needs to function. Most dogs thrive a good daily routine. I find that a special time for play, exercise and individual attention as well as "lessons" is very helpful.

[This message has been edited by RachelJ (edited February 13, 2001).]