I wonder if that's true: "..some dogs are never able to bond." Not challenging you of course, just wondering.

In my opinion, it takes a lot longer than a month for a dog to settle in, bond and gain confidence. That said, I think loving care, a good routine with lots of fun built in, gentle correction for mistakes will keep you from ever being just the feeder, walker, etc. Play is a strong bond-builder--retrieve, tug of war, whatever the pup likes. Training is a bond builder too. Or if she's trained, practice what she knows. Make her "stay" in the house, go hide, then call her....if she finds you, she gets a treat. That sort of thing.

I have no qualifications except that I took in another family member's dog, and although most changes took place in the early months, I saw a stronger relationship between me and the dog for quite some time. He minds better now, revels in our routines, looks to me for guidance when unsure.

Just my 2 cents. At least you have a few weeks left, so don't try to force the decision until you need to make it. Keep us posted.

I've had rescue dogs for years and it can take a very long time for them to come around, and some times they don't bond, it all depends on what they had to go through before we get them. My current rescue is an 8 yr old Yorkie that had lived with a hoarder all her life, I got her back in October and this poor girl was stuck living for 3 months in the shelter waiting for the court case and for the judge to award the Yorkie's to our ASPCA. Lily had never been on a leash or had her tiny paws touch grass,she still does not do her business outside,no matter what I do,but she has learned to use the p-pads, she doesn't like to make eye contact yet, she will let me hold her for brief moments. It takes a lot of patience and time to try and bring them to a point where they can trust again, it all depends on the dog. It could take months, so if your not in it for the long haul, I would advice you to let the rescue group help re-home her, I think your a great person and you care enough to try. Socks gave you great advice and I wish you the best,and please keep us posted.

I work with a rescue organization and there's no bonding "timetable". Some dogs adjust almost instantaneously and others seem to take forever. It seems that you are under time constraints and do not have the luxury of the time and patience that may be needed for this particular dog. Socks gave some great tips and you could try incorporating them and see how she responds. Try to make her feel safe and secure by allowing her to experience new people, dogs and situations at her present comfort level. Sometimes it takes a lot of investment but the payoff is really remarkable!

Bless you all for your input. Had a breakthrough yesterday......she came to me several times of her own volition!! I'msensing she WILL bond with us, at her own pace, and that's fine.

I've had nothing but rescues the last 30 yrs. One was feral for 4 yrs, and took me 9 months of leaving food and water beside road at same time every day to catch him.

Most dogs have an adjustment period of a week or so, if they have been socialized beforehamd. One that only knew it's owners, or was not socialized, can take a month or two to really bond. I've found the previously in socialized dogs develop a REALLY strong bond, once they learn they are safe.

My previously feral dog would defend me with his life. In fact, one night my husband walked into office where I was on my computer with my back to the door, and told me he was going to bed. Rusty (dog) was laying near me.

My husband walked away, but 10 min later quietly walked back in and put his hands on my shoukders, scaring the crap out of me so I gasped. Rusty jumped to his feet, fur bristled, and did a low growl at my husband. I think if I had not told him "it's ok" or struggled, Rusty would have attacked and defended me.

Some things you can do to help bond- have a schedule for feeding, walks.

Walk dog briskly for 45 min a day. Excess energy feeds anxiety. Walking briskly, without lolly gagging to sniff, reduces stress for dog, increases bonding, and fulfill the dogs need for forward movement (like a pack/pack leader) would do. It also reduces energy level/anxiety levels.

Keep high value treats ( something dog loves) with you, and whenever dog looks at you, when you are sitting around, toss a treat to him. If he approaches you, hand him a treat. Reward any desire for interaction by him.

Look up NILIF. (Nothing in life is free). It helps dogs learn that they can control their environment, and what to expect.

Get some toys for him, and play with him with them. Balls, etc. It will encourage him to interact with you.

Again...walk briskly 45 min a day. I can't stress enough how much of a change/improvement this makes. Just make sure he can't slip his collar, because with a new dog, things like loud trucks/car backfiring, can really startle some dogs. And you REALLY don't want a new dog that is timid getting loose. I'd use a choke collar, or marinade collar as opposed to a regular one at least until you know the dog. Definitely don't use a flexible leash, as they can break or be hard to hold onto if a dog suddenly pulls away.

That's wonderful news. I bet you'll have some more good news for us as the weeks go by.

Congrats, she will love you more than any other dog you may have had. Rescues know when they have been rescued and they show it in many ways.Please keep us posted on her progress, I'm so happy for both of you... I would love to see a picture of her...

How this beauty ended up in rescue is amazing to me.

She is so pretty and a smart breed, its heart breaking knowing that someone broke her spirit. I couldnt be happier for her that she now has you. Walking her was great advice.Looking forward to your updates..

Oh wow, she's gorgeous Martin, she's just scared, you've gotten some great advise and I sure hope it works out for both of you.

Thanks all!! I. FYI. I'm marti. Never thought about it looking like a mans name till it was a done deal. .:>0

What a beautiful dog! Guess the adaptation time just really depends on you and the dog.. when we rescued our dog she came home and right away within 30 seconds was running round the house sniffing everything and then came and jumped all over us and filled us with kisses. But you never know what her past was like, if she's going to have reasons for trust issues with humans.. just be patient. I think that's the key. Good luck to you both!

Oh Marti!. I'm so sorry, I get called "Lurk" a lot so I try to be sensitive to that. I'm really glad she's coming around for you though, hopefully you'll post more pics to show us how she's doing.