Neon Bit My Father

[StillandSilent]

Here's what happened. My father accidentally stepped on Neon's foot yesterday. Neon, who I think was asleep, jumped up and nipped Dad on the ankle. No blood, just a pinch.
No hard feelings from Dad, he knows that it was probably a reflex. Except now, Neon is terrified of my father. He has a hard time trusting new people anyway, and every time he sees Dad, he runs behind me. Dad has tried offering high value treats, but the minute the treat is gone, so is Neon.
To futher complicate matters, we do not live with Dad, so he only sees him every other week or so. Tips for getting them back on solid ground with each other?

 

[Maura]

Have Dad take Neon for fun walks when he visits.

 

[Artfish]

Good advice! Dad should also be the one to feed Neon.

If it's bad, give Dad some of Neon's most FAVORITE treats in the world. These should now solely come from Dad. Tell dad to walk by Neon without any eye contact, any talking, just completely ignore Neon except for tossing him a treat. He should walk by, toss treat, and keep moving without acknowledging Neon. This should be done several times a day until Neon starts to perk up when Dad walks by. Then Dad can start saying Hello Neon but still no eye contact. Turning the head may be okay, but do not look at Neon. Keep this up until Neon is clearly comfortable. Introduce brief pauses, then a step toward Neon, all the while moving slowly and if Neon hesitates even a little, take a couple steps back and move slower. It's okay if Neon takes off, just make sure Dad keeps moving at first. Neon needs to know that Dad won't force himself on Neon and that Neon can stay or go as he chooses.

Ok, just went back and saw that Dad and Neon only have one day a week together. I still think you can accomplish a decent relationship following a permutation of the above. In fact, it might be good- it will give time for Neon to "sleep on it" and digest the experiences as good ones.

 

[Criosphynx]

Argon and Neon? Oh god thats cute.

I would not force anything. He may just be a bit spooked and will forget it by the next visit...I know when I step on a foot they are iffy for a while.

 

[RawFedDogs]

I'm with Criosphynx on this one. If you make a big deal of it, it becomes a big deal. I suspect it will work itself out pretty quickly.

 

[kenbig]

Try This Option It will Work !!!!!!!

Hi, i think that the reason Neon jumped on your father and nipped him wasn't that he was angry with your father but it could be that when your father steeped on his foot, he felt pain and could not control himself (reflex) .He is terrified with your father because he knows he has actually injured him and he is afraid your father is trying to lure him to attack him. My advice in this condition is your father should be coming more often and and should be allowed to be feeding him every time he comes.With this i believe they will come back to solid ground.
Good luck.