fearful dog barking

Question
My daughter stays at sitters that have a great dane.  I have been taking her there for weeks, and she has no problem with my little girl, but barks incessently when I am there.  She is acting scared, head down, eyes glancing upward at me, while she barks.  My sitter says she is embarrassed by her fearful barking and wants help with her.  I thought maybe bringing her treats might help, but I wanted expert opinion first.  What do you think? Thanks!

Answer
Good idea, just what I would have suggested.  They don't need to be large or rich.  Great Danes typically are not as food motivated as some breeds, but usually do like treats. Don't make eye contact, don't show your teeth by smiling, and keep you hand away from the top of her head.   

The dog may not have been exposed to strangers when young enough.  It may also lack leadership from its owner.  The key to most behavior problems is approaching things using the dog's natural instincts.  Dogs see all the people and dogs in the household as a pack with each having their own rank in the pack and a top dog.  Life is much easier if the 2 legged pack members outrank the 4 legged ones.  You can learn to play the role of top dog by reading some books or going to a good obedience class. A good obedience class or book is about you being top dog, not about rewarding standard commands with a treat. Start at http://www.dogsbestfriend.com/  For more on being top dog, see http://www.dogbreedinfo.com./topdogrules.htm