The dog is now in a smaller yard with my little guy, sheltie mix. He escaped three times the first time I put him in the smaller enclosed yard. He is staying now. I have a 2 car attached garage on the other side of the house . The side where my nutty neighbor lives. Don't want the dog near him. The only shelter the poor guy has is a dog house for now. I wish so much that he would adventually come in the house and stay.

Thank you for the advise. I now have him in a fenced in area with my other dog.He sleeps in a dog house, my dog in the house. He was diagnosed with heartworm and he will be receiving treatment at home. I must keep him calm. This should be a challenge.We have Memorial weekend coming up and they like to blow off fireworks in this area. Good idea to feed him and hold the bowl while he eats.

Hi Morning Glory

There is one big differance,a feral cat learns to live without us humans,there is no such thing as a feral dog,they always will need us to provide for them,Cats walk alone.Dogs always need us so you have a fighting chance,and once he trusts and knows that you are the provider,he will come in from the cold,but your journey will be just beginning,gradually he will move to the next stage,but it will be tiny steps,but each step will be a celebration.So keep us posted Gemini54

Agreed he may panic BUT, it may be the only way to move this process forward. There are only a few short months before the weather changes with the onset of winter. Kye needs to be rehabilitated before then and happy to be in a warm safe environment.

As stated, dogs aren't naturally feral, they depend on humans to feed and provide them with shelter. Morningglory is trying a softly softly approach but is worried about her neighbour and the dog control people so time is a factor here.

A dog computes situations in a very simple way - is it safe or not? If not safe, run. Morningglory has to convince the dog that her environment is always safe and that may mean closing that door!

Yes completely agree, we have to put ourselves into the body of the dog and try to see things through his eyes. If nothing bad happens when the door is closed he may well get used to it, especially if something good also happens, like a bit of nice food appears.

Hi Morning Glory With memorial weekend coming,in the UK we have fireworks in November,but was wondering if you can get in the USA Quiet Life it is natural and added to there water,it helpsthe dog to deal with dogshows fireworks etc.I believe you would probably get it on the well known book site.Gemini54

I can only suggest lot's of time and love. I hope someone can give you more usefull advice. But I want to say a REALLY BIG thank you for helping hie/her. I am sure with some one as kind as you it's only a matter of time.

I didn't say panic. I said I'm aware that dogs assess situations as safe or unsafe.
If the dog considers it unsafe and there is nowhere to go, Morningglory could end up being bitten.

Ok, sure, ..... but trying to be Positive, lets hope that doesn't happen eh?
I guess we won't know until Morningglory tries. It's really up to her if/when she takes this approach and the feedback she gets from the dog to give her the confidence to move the relationship on.
This link tells us a bit more about the breed.
http://a-z-animals.com/animals/american-foxhound/

Thanks for the link Apache. It would appear that the breed is nice natured.
Whilst this dog is wary, it's good to read that the breed rarely shows aggressive tendencies.