4 yr old adjusting to new parents

Question
I was recently given a 4 yr old toy female poodle which I have fallen in love with.  I have had her 1 1/2 weeks.  She follows me EVERYWHERE.  Was already housetrained & is the perfect "lap dog" that I wanted.  This is my first experience with a poodle.  My problem is that she still has not made up with my husband.  We are an elderly couple with no children.  We are working very hard to get her to "adopt" him.  She will let him pet her if I hold her but that is all.  She will not let him walk her or anything.  If I am out of her sight she runs around the house looking for me.  How do I get her to make up to him.  Is is to early?  I don't know how to handle this.  He really likes her & thinks she is smart & a beautiful little dog.  I want "Molly" to be close to him as she is me.  I would appreciate any advice for this problem.  Thank you.  Linda  

Answer
It is possible that Molly has been around mostly women and isn't sure what to make of a male human.  It's also possible that she has been hurt or abused by a male in the past and that tends to color a dog's reactions.  

Poodles are one of the smartest (and most manipulative) breeds around.  FYI they see in color unlike most other breeds and have HAIR, not fur. Just a little aside....useless knowledge is my specialty <grin>.

Truthfully, time and patience is the key.  You may want to try having him feed her.  The giver of food is a very important person in a dog's life, and if Molly knows it is your husband feeding her, THAT may help matters a bit.

Give it a bit more time. It may take awhile....but patience, kindness and love (along with treats) will do the trick.  You may want to have your husband be the exclusive giver of treats for awhile too.  

If you have any other questions, don't hesitate to contact me at kathrynks@cox.net.  Please put "Molly" in the subject line so I don't mistake it for spam if you do write okay?

Good luck with her!! Poodles are a joy!

Kathy