New Dog is Leery of Adult Male Humans

[micro202]

Delia, 14 month old female was adopted about a week ago from the Humane Society.

She has been fine with any female and male children but she is very cautious around adult males aside from myself -who she bonded to very quickly with no problems.

Sometimes she is tolerant of guys but sometimes she will mildly growl when they are semi-close.

This has occured in her territory, neutral ground (on walks) or on other's territory. I've been taking her to my brother's house and she is great with his girlfriend, but growls at him if he gets close or he is in the way of where she wants to go.

What is the best way to try to assimilate her to new men?

I have been having my brother hold her leash when we go for walks and to give her treats and had him pour her dog food. This seems to help a little, granted though I've only had the chance to do it twice.

Is this appropriate or should I be trying something else?

She will be starting obedience training in about 2 1/2 weeks, but I'd like to work on this in the meantime. Thanks.

 

[jess2416]

You can maybe take her to a park or Petsmart where there are a lot of men and just go for a walk and try to desensitize her

 

[micro202]

You can maybe take her to a park or Petsmart where there are a lot of men and just go for a walk and try to desensitize her

Yeah, there's a park 2 blocks away from my house so we go up there every day and we've been trying to get her around as many people as possible.

She does fine walking past men. It seems to be mostly when they start paying attention to her and wanting to pet her that she gets nervous.

 

[jess2416]

Chloe was (and still is like that sometimes) are small children, and I have found that not making her go up to them, but just letting her go to them in her own time as worked really well for me ... We are still working on it though...

 

[dr2little]

You didn't say what breed/mix she is or may be. Its a great idea to take her to places where you have an opportunity to desentize her to men with the safety of a leash. It sounds like she's not ready to have men pay attention to her so you may want to have men not make eye contact with her or try to get to close just yet. Also, I would make sure that you never correct a growl, at least she's letting you know at what point she becomes uncomfortable...this makes it much easier to work on slowly shortening that distance without the risk of having her go for a bite without warning. I would make sure that every treat or food bowl that your brother gives her comes only after a command (sit, watch me) has been complied with, always with a confident but kind delivery. You can change her thoughts about men by pairing the presence of men with things she loves. Take lots of treats (or a favorite toy) with you and only deliver when men are around and Delia shows no reaction. Be careful not to comfort her verbally or physically or to deliver goodies when men walk away. I'd be very cautious about including strangers in the delivery of goodies until you're sure she is comfortable enough not to react. Make sure again that the process is done slowly and that treats aren't given without asking for a behavior first. Good Luck and congratulations on your new "daughter".

 

[Doberluv]

Such wonderful advice. I can't add anything, but I wanted to say kudos to you for taking this dog and being so dedicated to help her overcome her fears. It just makes you wonder what went on with that baby in her past. Good luck!

 

[dr2little]

Doberluv, I've read a few of your posts.....are you a fellow trainer? You really are "dog savy"...

 

[tessa_s212]

Perhaps you could find a male friend to help with some training?

I'd suggest getting that friend. Prepare to have a fun training session with plenty of treats. If your dog is not ready to be petted by men, that is fine. You will get there eventually!

Get your dogs favorite treats. Make it be something yummy and soft! I would first have your male friend start at a distance. Walk towards eachother, with that distance between you(distance meaning from your shoulder to his, not distance from your fronts). If your male friend can walk pretty close by without any growling or your dog getting upset, get the male friend to drop some treats just as he is passing close by. BUT, he must not make eye contact. Once your puppy is comfortable with that, I'd have the male stop, drop the treats, and then continue. Eventualll you can work up to the point where the male can stop(don't make eye contact), bend slightly, give your dog a treat, and continue walking.

I'd try getting several different men with different appearances to do this, if you can.

This may or may not take alot of time. Remember, patience! Training is fun, and always should be.

 

[dr2little]

kUDO'S to you Tessa. For someone so young, you're so on the right track!

 

[tessa_s212]

kUDO'S to you Tessa. For someone so young, you're so on the right track!

My advice is only the echoes of many many wonderful trainers from all over the internet from who I have learned so much from. They deserve all the credit for any training advice that comes out of my mouth.

 

[micro202]

Thanks for the replies everyone. Some good stuff here to think about and try.

Her breed is in question. At the humane society the orginal owners said she was a chow mix but aside from her color there is nothing that jumps out at me, as a novice, as "chow". Most people think she has some Shepherd in her and I've been given a lot of other guesses.

Here's a picture if anybody else cares to weigh in on the $64,000 question:

http://static.flickr.com/1/130145432_8381bd85c4.jpg?v=0

It's going to take me some work to make sure I'm rewarding her or comforting her at the right time. It's been instictive for me to pet her when she growls. I'm going to have to work on that.

We'll definitely be taking it slowly. She's getting used to so much in a short period of time right now, I don't want to push it.

Thank again!