u/CatnipKerfuffle

I just adopted a 10 year old MN Bull Terrier. This poor guy has been a bit traumatized - his first owner passed from a terminal illness. His second owner died by suicide, with the dog in the room with him. I’m not sure how much time passed before he was discovered.

He is still very fearful of my husband, but has definitely latched onto me. I work from home, and he wants to always be touching me/crawl in my lap. He follows me everywhere (not unusual for the breed though, my previous BT did the same).

I guess my question is: suggestions to support him as he settles in, but not develop an attachment that becomes problematic? Currently, he will stay in his crate overnight without issue, but if crated when we’re in another room, he barks and bites at the bars/digs, etc. A filled Kong doesn’t distract him, and he’ll only stop when he sees me.

I do give him meals in the crate, but he remains hesitant to eat if I’m not present. We’re doing clicker training to help build his confidence, etc. and we do maintain a very predictable schedule so he knows he can count on us. I’m trying not to reinforce his comfort-seeking too much… but I soooo want to comfort him. Any suggestions to help him through this without inadvertently exacerbating his neediness/comfort seeking? Other ways to build confidence?