HELP NEEDED WITH A STRESSED OUT 2 YEAR OLD

[dixie1963]

Hi I have a 2 year old dog that has been with us for 11 weeks now, he loves me to bits but does not like men or strangers , I have had to buy him a crate and made it into a den with no door on in the garage as he will not come into the house when I go to work ( I work nights ) so when my hubby goes to bed the dog comes in, I have 2 other ghd`s so you would have thought he would have learnt by now, out of 14 years of having ghd`s and 7 dogs later I have never had this problem, Anybody any ideas ?

[nikki1984]

Sorry I really can't comment on how to solve this, however big hugs to you both as I know how stressful and worried these dogs can make you xxx

[twiggyandsarah]

I'm afraid I know of no quick fix. My first lurcher was terrified of strange men for the whole 7 years she was with me. She eventually came to love my boyfriend, but it took him a very long time to earn her trust. I would say that you just need to be patient. I know that doesn't really help you right now, perhaps someone else will be along with other ideas, but in the meantime just let him do what he needs to do to feel comfortable and you'll start to see improvements even if it is slow.

[sassbu]

Sounds like he's had real reason in the past not to trust men or feel comfortable in their presence and being in a house with no escape route leaves him no option but to stay out of the way for the time being. 11 weeks is not a long time at all for a dog who's got traumatic memories. I would suggest that your husband does not deliberately go seek him out for the time being but rather ignores him on the whole but still include him if that makes sense. For example to dish up one of both of their meals where practical, give out treats and do some of the walks. The more the dog understands that your husband is an important part of the pack but of no threat to him and who will cause him no harm, he will come round given more time. Lots of patience, lots of small steps, let him find his way in his time without being forced and keep things normal with the other dogs so he can keep observing that they feel safe around your husband. It will take time, I have a crossbreed here who had real fears of being in an enclosed environment with my husband and his visiting adult son. Steadily by doing the above, she is now quite happy to be sat for long periods in the same room and alone with him and after 8 months, the other day she got up out of her bed (no food at all involved) and went over to the sofa and stuck her head in his lap for some fuss.

[just jackie]

Brie had major issues when she first came to stay with us in 2008, and still isn't fully relaxed around large, tall men.

We had a large crate set up in the lounge for the best part of a year and Brie would disappear into it the moment anyone arrived at the house, or she felt threatened or uncomfortable with the situation. Even now, if she's unsure, she will head off upstairs, and it takes some persuading to get her to say hello, although she is now reasonably OK once visitors are sitting down.

It took quite some time for her to relax around people, and I found the best way was simply to let her do it in her own time. She's still not great at dog shows or M&G's so tends to get left at home with OH as the alternative is for her to want to spend all day in the back of the car, or tucked into a corner where nobody can get round behind her. She's obviously suffered some trauma at the hands of a large male in the past, what we will never know of course, but I would like five minutes with whoever scared her so badly. All we can do is care for her, show her affection, give her space, and hope that she never has cause to fear anyone again.

Be patient and I am sure your lad will learn to trust your hubby in time, just don't try to rush things.

[dixie1963]

Thanx Jackie we are starting to see some improvement with him, Hubby even gave him a few treats out on walk yesterday, but in the house I have to let dog upstairs so he feels safe. Concidering I have only had him 3 months he is off the lead and as good as gold, so carn`t as for miracles lol

wendy how do I put pictures on here ?

[sharonhigh45]

Hi we have got Moss who is very nervous of men,proper mum's boy but he is starting to go and sit with OH so feel that time will make all the difference, patience is the key word and lots love.

[greybeard]

Patience,patience and more patience.Our Saluki x diva had so many issues(and still has). Not trying to be off putting but even after 8 years she still has her demons - especially with strange men and anything that looks like a stick.BUT we've took that on board,let her do it on her terms.Thanks to all the support on here,she goes to fundraisers etc - everybody is protective of her and explains what she's like if we're distracted.If you have time trawl through past fundraising threads - mainly round Sheffield( but have been to Whitby and Leek). Then you can see what love and patience does.At 12(possibly older)I don't know how much farther we can go - but she's happy - and no doubt will be ectastic when she realises she's going walking with Jet later today.1 step at a time - it's still early days.Good luck - Cath.