Timid dogs fear of one person.

Question
My daughter has recently taken over the care of a 4 year old Labrador bitch from a couple who were parting. The dog we believe, spent most of the time in the yard with another dog and is rather timid.
The dog has happily formed a great attachment to my daughter and follows her everywhere.
The dog barks initially at strangers and will eventually take to them.
Sadly, the dog will not take to me at all. She was fine at our first meeting, but since then she hides, growls and shows fear whilst I am at my daughter's home.
I have not given the dog any reason for this worrying behaviour and constantly try to be friendly towards her.
I cannot think of anything that I have unwittingly done to frighten her.
I would be so greatful for your help to enable us to bond.

Answer
Dear Margaret,
Thanks for the question. Extremely fearful dogs are not normal.

>>>>>>>>"I have not given the dog any reason for this worrying behaviour and constantly try to be friendly towards her.">>>>>>

Your efforts to be friendly may be received by her as as threats - again - excessively fearful dogs are abnormal- her brain may not be processing information correctly. Helping these dogs requires lots of patience and bit of knowledge about animal learning and behavior.

I would suggest that you contact a local trainer that has experience working with fearful dogs. In the meantime, anytime you go over to visit, take some very tasty special treats. Place a few on the floor and walk away. Avoid addressing or talking to her. Just place them on the floor immediately after you arrive and walk back out the door or into another room. Do this several times each visit.

Stop trying to interact with the dog and ask your daughter to stop telling her "It's OK". See if your daughter can get her to play fetch or to do anything except hide and growl. Never use corrections to stop her growling.

Buy the book, THE CAUTIOUS CANINE,
by Patricia McConnell

Happy Training!
AT