Frida has been with us for 2 weeks. She hide from us for the first week and now feel a little bit more comfortable around us. She will follow me, sometimes, around the house. She still won't let us touch her. She was extracated from previous owners house and was under fed and barely watered while living in a wire cage. How can we finally reach out and pet her.

What you're doing for Frida is genuinely wonderful, and the progress you're already seeing — her following you around — is a really meaningful sign. For a dog who came from that kind of situation, that's actually a big deal. She's telling you she's curious about you and starting to feel safe. You just need to keep building on that trust at her pace.

Here's the general approach that tends to work well with dogs who have had a rough start:

Let her make the first move — every time.
Rather than reaching toward her, try sitting or lying on the floor near her and just… existing. Read a book, watch TV, ignore her. Dogs like Frida often relax much faster when they don't feel like they're the center of attention.

Use high-value treats as a bridge.
Toss a small treat near her without making eye contact. Over time, toss it a little closer to you. Eventually, hold one out in your open palm and let her come to you. Never pull your hand back — just wait. If she takes it, that's a win. Don't try to pet her in that moment; just let her walk away feeling safe.

Avoid direct eye contact and looming over her.
To a nervous dog, a person staring and leaning forward can feel threatening. Turn slightly sideways, look at the floor, and let her sniff you on her terms.

Keep your movements slow and predictable.
No sudden gestures, no loud voices near her. The more predictable you are, the safer she'll feel.

When she does let you touch her, start low-pressure.
If she comes close enough, try a gentle scratch under the chin or on the chest rather than reaching over the top of her head. Reaching over the head can feel scary even to confident dogs.

Celebrate tiny wins.
Two weeks in and she's already following you — that's real progress for a dog with her history. Some rescue dogs take months to fully open up. Patience really is the whole game here.

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When to see your vet:

Since Frida is newly adopted and came from a neglectful situation, a full veterinary checkup — if you haven't had one yet — is a great idea soon, ideally within the next week or two. Undernourishment and poor living conditions can leave hidden health issues. Watch for:

• Not eating or drinking normally
• Vomiting, diarrhea, or unusual stools
• Lethargy or seeming physically weak
• Coughing, sneezing, or discharge from eyes/nose
• Any signs of pain (flinching, whimpering, limping)

If her fearfulness seems extreme or isn't improving at all over the next few weeks, ask your vet about a referral to a certified animal behaviorist — they can make a huge difference for dogs with trauma histories.

You're already doing right by her. Keep going. 🐾