Q: A 2-year old female beagle was given to me today. She is very timid, jumps at all noise and is generally very fearful--so fearful in fact she appears almost fearful to eat. She had 5 puppies 6 weeks ago. The owners were selling the pups, which is why I went but was told they were giving the mother away, and well, I could hardly resist. She is so sweet, but quiet and very fearful of noise, things moving, floors creaking, etc. I have set up a crate in my bedroom, where she seems to be more comfortable as it is quiet. I have it partially covered with a sheet to give her privacy so she can retreat if need be. The crate is for sleep, hiding, and a place to be when I need to go out, and basically until I know her bathroom habits better.

I guess my question to you is there anything we can do to help her be less timid? This is by and large a quiet home with myself and husband and 12-year old girl, but I feel so bad for her when I make the least noise such as move a chair and she flies down the hallway to the "safety" of the bedroom. In spite of her flights down the hallway, we are all falling for her.

Also I have been taking her out side and once she gets past the noise of the branches and crackling leaves she has so far relieved herself out there and I praise her ever so softly, so I am hopeful. Thank you for any information you can share.

A: It sounds like she has had no experience with the world at all, even with the inside of a house. Perhaps she has lived her life in a pen. Since you just got her, other than a vet visit, I would recommend a couple of weeks of quiet time for her to just settle in. Let her experience your routine. I hope it won't be too exciting for her during the holidays. I would give her privacy in her room whenever anything apt to overstimulate her is going to happen. Don't ask her to deal with very much right now.

The housetraining response sounds very encouraging. I would not expect this dog to ever be a social butterfly or performance event contender, but she sounds promising as a sweet pet in a quiet household.

Keep her handling and environment such that she does not get the idea of having to protect herself. Give her time to get used to things, and let her keep a distance from things that scare her. Let her approach as she feels more ready.

Try sitting near her (your reducing your height, without bending over her, can be encouraging to her) and rolling a hollow ball such as a tennis ball on the floor moving not toward her but away from her. Watch for a response, and encourage her to play. Take it slow, take it easy, keep it light.

Watch for other games she might like to play. "Find the Cookie" is a popular one with hounds like Beagles, who adore food and have excellent noses. Keep the cookie small, so it won't make her fat -- a Beagle problem! Play is a powerful means of building a dog's confidence and building your relationship with her.

Another thing to do with her, daily as she gets comfortable with it, is a gentle, loving rubdown. Using a soft tool such as a rubber curry groomer, or even just your hands, go over her entire coat. It will only take a few minutes but will help her greatly.

Chances are this process will take months, not weeks, before she seems at ease in your home. And she may never be at ease much of anywhere else. If she is, and that's not impossible, it will be a great gift, and probably a sign that underneath her deprived background was a basically sound genetic temperament. You could ruin her chances by rushing her, so be very, very patient. I hope she has found just the right home for life.