My dog acts like he is afraid of most men. He barks and...

Answer by Mike, trainer of dog owners
Submitted on 8/22/2004
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Your dog is acting defensively aggressive. It has probably been hurt by a male in the past, and is protecting itself from further harm. This will take a while to correct since it is acting instinctively. You'll have to have some willing male friend(s) approach the dog non-threateningly (do not cower over the dog, do not try to pat its head, do not look directly into its eyes, do not approach rapidly, do not approach with a raised hand) many times, speaking in a happy high-falsetto voice to the dog, while offering treats. At first, the friend may just be able to leave a treat on the floor for the dog, then back off. Have him do this a few times, each time narrowing the distance between him and the dog, until the dog accepts his presence as non-threatening and indeed rewarding.Patience is needed here.

Answer by marsha
Submitted on 8/24/2004
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It sounds like your dog has been mistreated by a man. Dogs have an inner sense about people. For example, dogs are very loyal to their owners. Since he is your dog, he is loyal to you. If you and a man have an argument, your dog will not only hear the aggression in your voices, but he will feel the tension in the air. Because you are upset, he will sense this and because of his loyalty to you, he will dislike the person who is upsetting you. One day, if there is a man around often enough that isn't threatening to you in any way, the dog can get to know and trust this man and he will eventually not be so agressive towards men in general. Remember, just like humans, trust is something that is earned.

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Question by pamela_sagley
Submitted on 7/5/2004
Related FAQ: N/A
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My dog acts like he is afraid of most men. He barks and growls at them, yet he backs away from them and sometimes even tries to hide. How do I fix this?

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