Ok my brother just adopted a rat terrier and he is 6 months old. The dog seems to be spooked all the time not to mention his name is Spooky. He seems to always try and find a place to hide away from people and in a corner where no one can find him. From my knowledge aren't Rat Terriers suppose to be energetic dogs. This dog slept under my bed the entire night. We currently have a 3 year old pomeranian, but he hasn't seemed to follow her league. Everytime we approach the dog he runs away with his tail tucked under his behind. Is it possible he could have been abused before? and if so, what can we do to make him feel more comfortable?

It's very possible that your fearful dog has suffered some type of abuse... or perhaps the dog simply has never been socialized. To help this little dog... it's gonna take time and patience... this little dog needs an owner who has perseverance and compassion.

The best strategy is to allow the dog to adapt as his own pace... any type of pressure could very well make the situation worse. Let the dog hide if he needs to... investigate things at his own pace or at a distance (for example.. if he's afraid of children put him in a position where he can watch them at a distance so he's not intimidated by them. Then praise him... give him treats...and soon he will associate children with GOOD rewards.  Take him closer... slowly.... each time showering him with treats and verbal praises.)  Allow him to come to you ONLY if he wants to and don't "make" him by pulling him to you on a leash. Also, Pam had an excellent suggestion about getting on the floor on his level thereby making him feel less threatened or intimidated. Avoid as many negative experiences as possible, including loud noises such as the vacuum cleaner.

Eventually the dog will bond with probably one person.. more than likely will never be as sociable as you want him to be though. Dogs like this are not for everyone. It takes a special person to work through these issues with a shy/timid dog -- regardless of what the reasons are for his behavior.

I certainly wish you luck with turning this little dog around !!

thanx alot he has been opening up alot.

no one is in a rush to get rid of this puppy.