puppy afraid of men...

Question
Hi...My family just adopted a rescue pup from out of state.  she is almost 4 months old.  She is warming up to me and the kids but not so much with my husband.  When we walk her and she sees a person coming you can see she gets nervous and the minute she hears a mans voice she gets nervous.  She doesnt shake or bark but you can tell she is not right.  How can I help my husband bond with her?  should I socialize her out in the world more so she gets used to people? I dont want to make her do do much...It has only been a week here for her....any help will be appreciated!!!

Answer
Hi Karen,

Thank you for writing to me about your sweet puppy.  In order for your husband to bond with her, certains things can be helpful.  Firstly, he should be the one that feeds her.  If he's willing to do it, hand feeding would be ideal.  If she's eating kibble, let him gently give her each pellet at a time.  If it's wet food, and he's willing, he can place some on his hand or finger or just put a little down on her plate at a time so she understands that he is her food source. Or have her up on his lap and eating from a bowl on his lap.

Next, he can give her treats on a steady basis.  Just teeny ones the size of a pinky fingernail.  Or teeny pieces of well cooked chicken.  

What you are trying to do is de-sensitize her to whatever fear she feels about men.

You can also ask men along your walk route to give her a treat. Use the command, "say hello" as the treat is given so she learns a friendly command.

None of these men should speak in a deep voice or bend over her.  It's best if they turn their heads slightly to the side, avoiding eye contact and stoop down rather than bend over her.  They should speak in almost a whisper or high octave voice but very calmly.

Men tend to want to rough house with dogs and somewhere along the line this may have happened and frightened her.  Slowly but surely her impression can change.

Another trick is to have your husband sit while watching tv or listening to music and hold her on his lap, even giving her occassional treats while doing this...stroking her gently and speaking very softly in a positive tone of voice.

Absolutely no rough housing with this dog, EVER!

In the past I had rescued two dogs, both were afraid of men and within a week they each lost their fear using my suggestions.  My current dog now adores men!

Best Regards,
Shelley Davis