Since 1991, Lynn Hildebrand has served as a humane education teacher with the Humane Society of San Bernardino Valley in California. Lynn Hildebrand continues to guide children in learning to understand the long-lasting impact that human actions can have on animals.

1. SIGNS OF AN ABUSED
DOG
Lynn Hildebrand

2. INTRODUCTION
 Since 1991, Lynn Hildebrand has served as a humane education
teacher with the Humane Society of San Bernardino Valley in
California. Lynn Hildebrand continues to guide children in
learning to understand the long-lasting impact that human
actions can have on animals.
As it does in humans, abuse has a lasting effect on dogs. Some
dogs respond to abuse by withdrawing excessively from
people, even when a person offers a treat or affection. Other
dogs experience intense separation anxiety and insist on
proximity with their owners whenever possible. These dogs may
become distressed and act out when their owners leave the
home.
Dogs may also react to past abuse by developing a behavior
pattern of aggression.

3. DOGS
 Dogs often channel this aggression toward a particular
population that the dog associates with past abusers. For
example, many dogs who experienced abuse at the hands of a
man may be friendly and open with women and children but
wary of any men they meet.
Other signs of abuse are more generalized, rather than targeted
at humans. Generalized anxious or edgy behavior is common in
formerly abused dogs, as are repetitive behaviors such as self-
licking. If a dog has experienced abuse, these behaviors may be
ways in which the dog soothes himself. An owner who notices
these behaviors or other signs of abuse can speak with a
veterinarian or trainer to learn potential ways to help the dog.