Pets > Dogs > AdviceDecember 01, 2011

Abused Dog Afraid of Men

I am currently babysitting a dog that was formally abused by a man. I am a woman and it took her a couple days to get used to me and now after three months she has total trust in me. She continues to growl at my husband and run away from him. I totally understand the dog's situation and know it takes time and patience. Any thoughts to help her accept my husband more?

By Beth P

Related: Helping an Abused Dog

Answers

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By
12/02/2011

Time & much patience. He just needs to remain calm & unthreatening. Maybe even carry treats in his pocket to entice... gently!

By
12/02/2011

Try going on this website of The Dog Whisperer, or watch his program. You can email him also, I think. His name is Cesar Millan. He is just wonderful with what he does for animals. I know he could help Good luck.

By
12/02/2011

I agree it will take some time. When we first got our Emily she didn't like men either, she was scared to death of my husband. it took a good year and even though she is definitely my dog she loves to play with my husband. And if she gets "mad" at me she goes and sits by him.

She has learned to trust and love him - we have now had her 3 years. I will never understand how people derive pleasure from making animals fear them. It breaks my heart when an animal flinches from my extended hand. Lots of love and kindness slowly fades away the abuses they have endured.
Good luck and God bless you for your kindness towards her.

By
12/02/2011

It will probably just take time. I'm dealing with a stray kitty that is so afraid of humans. I finally have him where he won't slap at me when I put down his food bowl, but we're a long way from his letting me touch him.

Maybe if your husband spoke in really low tones, didn't try to touch him...get cuddly on the couch with a blanket and some doggie treats?

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