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Hi-Adopted rescue Bichon with no issues except a little timidity. We bonded immediately and he is sweet and ok with people he meets-a little reserved. However, he is terrified of my husband. Growls-barks and has nipped from behind. I was advised to have my husband assist in his care-walks-feeding-treats-this doesn't work. He seems best when my husband simply ignores him and doesn't interact. This morning when my husband attempted to walk him and he was very excited at the propect of a walk-he pullled to go back so hard he pulled away and ran home. He will accept treats from him tentatively and generally leaves my husband alone unless he feels his space entered. There is no reason for the fear except that my husband appeared on the scene the next day after the dog had settled in. The barking started immediately. My husband doesn't really care and says he can live with it-but sometimes I need him to do things for the dog such as if I am away for the day and I know he would enjoy giving the dog treats and walking or petting him occasionally. If I talked to a trainer what kind would be best for this circumstance? Would letting the little guy alone and allowing him to manage his feelings over time be an option? Thanks--Gail

>>Hi-Adopted rescue Bichon with no issues except a little timidity. We bonded immediately and he is sweet and ok with people he meets-a little reserved. However, he is terrified of my husband. Growls-barks and has nipped from behind. I was advised to have my husband assist in his care-walks-feeding-treats-this doesn't work. He seems best when my husband simply ignores him and doesn't interact. This morning when my husband attempted to walk him and he was very excited at the propect of a walk-he pullled to go back so hard he pulled away and ran home. He will accept treats from him tentatively and generally leaves my husband alone unless he feels his space entered. There is no reason for the fear except that my husband appeared on the scene the next day after the dog had settled in. The barking started immediately. My husband doesn't really care and says he can live with it-but sometimes I need him to do things for the dog such as if I am away for the day and I know he would enjoy giving the dog treats and walking or petting him occasionally. If I talked to a trainer what kind would be best for this circumstance? Would letting the little guy alone and allowing him to manage his feelings over time be an option? Thanks--Gail
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The wrong trainer could make this much worse. You need a veterinary behavior specialist (who can also check for physical causes, such as a bad knee). Read the article Behavior Specialists and Dog Trainers at the veterinarypartner.com link below my signature to understand the different experts and why this is the kind you can most trust.
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Kathy Diamond Davis, author, "Therapy Dogs: Training Your Dog to Reach Others," 2nd edition, and the free Canine Behavior Series articles at http://www.veterinarypartner.com/Content.plx?P=SRC&S=1&SourceID=47