very timid - sled dog

[PaulaHodges]

My husband and I just added a 1 1/2 year old (husky mix?) to our family.
He was trained as a racing sled dog so he spent all his time outside chained to his doghouse amid 30 +/- other dogs or in harness. He was too timid to be a good racer so the owners gave him to a rescue. The woman (trained?) him using a prong collar an electric collar for about 1 month. Now I have him and once he learned he didn't have the electric collar he will not come when called. This is a real problem when we turn him and our 1 1/2 year old female alaskan husky out in the dog run. Also when in the house he either hides under the desk or in his kennel, only coming out to let us know he wants outside.

Can you give me any ideas how to proceed with socializing him?
PS. He will not accept any treats and he barely tolerates petting while shivering violently.

[KOPsBecks]

Hey Paula,

Thanks for your post, sorry I don't have much experience with huskies especially not those that were sled dogs, there aren't many sled huskies in New Zealand. But I will put a post up on the dog training section of this site to see if any people with a background in sled dogs can help. Sorry I can't be of more help. O and with regards to their timidity, just take things slowly and cautiously let their own curiousity of you lead their training. Try sitting in the middle of a room with treats in your hand and let the dog approach you. Feed treats and give quiet gentle praise when they start to approach you.

Sorry I can't be of more help,

Becks