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I have a 4 yr old australian shepherd/border collie mix (or something like that I'm told) who I got from the shelter about 2 years ago. She is the most loving and well behaved dog around me, but she wants NOTHING to do with my boyfriend, who was the one who actually adopted her at the shelter! He has done nothing to harm her, so I'm guessing she may have had a bad experience with a man in the past. Won't come get food out of his hand, sulks and hides in a corner when he comes in the room. When she is on a leash, she's a little better, but her scared and skittish behavior continues when she's off of it. 2 years is a long time for a dog to act this way, I think. I'm wondering if she'll ever get over it - or if I'm just not thinking of the right training for her?? Any suggestions?? She is fine at a dog park and around other dogs...just not crazy about men in general, especially the one who lives with her! Please help. If there is a similar thread out there, please let me know. Thank you!

Hi, there are possibly some similar threads but they may be in the archives. I'm not sure there is an easy answer. How is your boyfriends behavior with the dog when she acts this way? If he gets angry with her and I don't mean hitting her, that will only compound the problem. Has he tried taking her on walks by himself or to the dog park? You may also try enrolling her in some classes like obedience and have your boyfriend take her for some alone time together. Hopefully others will around with some suggestions.
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Bob

If there are no dogs in Heaven, then when I die I want to go where they went.

Well, my boyfriend has taken the approach lately of just ignoring her, but if we're just sitting around the house she never ventures out to lay next to me or roam around to see what's going on. It's frustrating. He has taken her on walks alone, with only minimal success, meaning she'll walk along with him and seem content, but always reverts back to shy and scared when the walk is over. I think we just need to start over, meaning, have him pay more attention to her but easy going, and with treats! Just wish I could into her head and know what she's thinking. Ha! As far as obedience training, I'd like to do that. Recently moved to Nassau, Bahamas - so not sure what I'll find. Thank you very much for your reply!

What your boyfriend needs to do is sit down in front of a movie with a can of bacon bits in his lap. Each time the dog approaches, do not look at the dog, but give a small piece of the bacon. By the end of the movie, your boyfriend will have a dog that won't leave his side. There's still going to need to be work beyond this, but that's the first step to making this work.

Since you don't know the history this dog had with men prior to you having him, you may just want to assume this dog had a bad experience and your boyfriend reminds him of that person.

So, for a week, keep up the routine of watchign a movie with tiny teeny tiny treats available each time the dog is brave enough to approach. Still don't make eye contact with this dog. Don't reach to pet unless you are 100% sure this dog will consider it a reward. Trust has to come first and then you can work on the rest.
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Chelle and the rest of the crew including, but not limited to Kita and Taiko (the shiba inu wrestle maniacs), Adi (reserved and dignified tabby cat), and all 28 reptiles

Thanks for the reply, Chelle! Man, I would be by his side constantly if I were given bacon bits too. Haha! We will try this. I kept thinking treats were the way to go...just need her to come out from her hiding spot long enough to realize he has the treats. Also, I think he needs more one-on-one time with her like walks...he has taken the approach lately of just ignoring her and letting her do her own thing, but that's not working. Don't you wish you could just get in their heads sometimes and know what they're thinking?? If only! Thanks again for the suggestion!

It's hard when you don't know why they are so afraid. It will work though. Dogs have an incredible sence of smell. The bacon should be enough encouragement to bring the pup out from hiding. Just don't rush it. Don't force the issue. One thing you can do to try to show your dog that you don't mean to initimidate her is to put treats out in front of her and when she takes the treats YOU retreat from the area. You hold your spot next to the treats until she decides to be brave and when she grabs them and you leave immediately. It is giving her the reward that you understand and it will allow her to be out of hiding a bit longer. Small steps. It's tough with a fearful dog, but showing them that you understand they are afraid goes a long way in builidng trust.
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Chelle and the rest of the crew including, but not limited to Kita and Taiko (the shiba inu wrestle maniacs), Adi (reserved and dignified tabby cat), and all 28 reptiles

I havea a BC girl who is 6 years old. This is part of they character. However, when she was a puppy before a year old she wanted nothing to do with my husband and son. She was fine with me and our daughter though. I had my husband and son pay no attention to her except positive. No touching just words and petting our other dog. Eventually, she did come up to them but in a very shy way.

>>I have a 4 yr old australian shepherd/border collie mix (or something like that I'm told) who I got from the shelter about 2 years ago. She is the most loving and well behaved dog around me, but she wants NOTHING to do with my boyfriend, who was the one who actually adopted her at the shelter! He has done nothing to harm her, so I'm guessing she may have had a bad experience with a man in the past. Won't come get food out of his hand, sulks and hides in a corner when he comes in the room. When she is on a leash, she's a little better, but her scared and skittish behavior continues when she's off of it. 2 years is a long time for a dog to act this way, I think. I'm wondering if she'll ever get over it - or if I'm just not thinking of the right training for her?? Any suggestions?? She is fine at a dog park and around other dogs...just not crazy about men in general, especially the one who lives with her! Please help. If there is a similar thread out there, please let me know. Thank you!
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Charlene

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Her secret is patience

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