Scared of men

koatheweim · Posted: Fri Jul 11, 2008 11:20 pm Post subject: Scared of men

Hello, I am new to the site, I have a 2 year old Weim named Koa, I have had him since he was 8 weeks old, from the beginning he was very shy, always would hide behind me and shake at petsmart when people would want to pet him. People would ask me if I had rescued him and if he had been abused. I did not. When he was 6 months old he found his voice and barks, his bark is pretty intimadating. He is all bark, there was a dog park I take him from time to time and he would pace around me in a circle, and would bark at men would they would come near me. he got a little better after repeated going to this park but he still will bark at men or puff his lips. He is comfortable around my dad and one other guy who is married to my best friend who took the time to ge to know him and he loves Chris, So I guess what I am asking does anyone have advice for me to help Koa not be sooo afraid of men and strangers. And not come off as aggresive. When we are at home or just me he is awesome the best pal ever I just wish people could get to know the real Koa and not the scardy dog!!! Please help!

ZaneTheBrain · Posted: Fri Jul 11, 2008 11:24 pm Post subject:

I would correct his behavior immediately when he starts acting aggressive and socialize him as much as possible. My friend's dog was like that and they got a second dog that doesn't have this problem and walking them together helped. The scared dog began to imitate the other dog's behaviors and it also saw that there was no reason to be scared. If you coddle it the behavior can get worse and lead to biting and stronger aggression.

koatheweim · Posted: Fri Jul 11, 2008 11:42 pm Post subject:

so should i adopt another weim or borrow another dog to help him with this behavior

Asarra · Posted: Sat Jul 12, 2008 9:46 pm Post subject:

Reminds me of a common topic that the Dog Whisperer handles. Make sure that you do not give him affection when he is acting afraid or aggressive. As the other person indicated, you need to correct him when he is behaving that way.

Storm was very afraid of people and dogs. It really helped to take her to a group obedience class where she got to socialize with people and dogs. She is now great with other people. Okay with dogs. Just a suggestion.

For the last 3 months, I have been walking her in public places a few times a week. People always want to come up and meet her. I always carry treats and ask them to give them to her. Now I'm having problems with her being too friendly and jumping up on people looking for treats!

Asarra · Posted: Sat Jul 12, 2008 9:48 pm Post subject:

By the way, I'd recommend watching the Dog Whisperer on National Geographic. I don't get the National Geographic channel, so I put all of the episodes in my NetFlix queue. Just a suggestion

hoochmamas · Posted: Sun Jul 13, 2008 6:18 am Post subject:

krisnkaipo · Posted: Tue Jul 15, 2008 10:33 am Post subject:

Wilson was afraid/aggressive toward strangers, particularly men. I think 2 things really brought him around
1) obediance class. It was in a large field and was in the evening. The trainers put out a variety of treats on a cart in the center of the field. Wilson knew they were treats and he saw everyone putting treats in their pockets. The other people in the class were very helpful and would share treats with Wil (he is VERY food motivated) eventually he began to expect strangers to have treats and would sneak up to people and check their pockets Embarassed

.

2) we have a great trail in our neighborhood and I have taken him there since I adopted him. The combination of off-leash walking and dog friendly people really got him over his fears and aggression.

He is still aloof and shy around strangers (although sometimes he finds someones and leans all over them), but is learning to enjoy being petted and talked to by strangers.

I have had him for almost 2 years and it took over a year for him to really come out of his shell.

anne · Posted: Thu Jul 17, 2008 12:38 pm Post subject:

Getting another dog is not going to help. He needs exposure to nice men in a controlled enviornment. I would definitely NOT correct his behavior. If you start yelling at your dog around men, your dog is going to feel that there is a GOOD REASON to be afraid of men ("Men make mom go beserk; I guess I should also freak out") Find some guys that are good with dogs, give them treats to give to your dog and ask them to approach your dog in a friendly manner. Dog people know - approach a dog WIHTOUT their hands over the dog's head, avoid eye contact, squat down, use a higher pitched voice etc. With 2 years of negative experience, it will take time, but it can be done.