Animal Welfare Professionals

2 months ago we rescued a 5 year old pit bull black lab mix, 70 lbs from New Mexico.  She (Daisy) was anxious/nervous, very shy and stayed in the corners of any room she went into.  Never heard a bark or wimper out of her for over a month.   She has progressed quite a bit, now going out to do her business without too much prodding, we used to have to carry her out of the house.  Within the last 3 weeks she has found her voice barking at pretty much everything.  From the doorbell and people coming to the house to doorbells and car horns on the TV.  She has always shied away from my husband and all other men, seemingly very afraid of them.  She has not been aggressive toward me or any of our girls.  She has been stubborn but not to the point of snapping or biting until today.  Once she found her voice, she began to bark directly at my husband, if he came into the room or simply crossed the room, she would stand up and bark aggressively.  She barked at him today several times and snipped at his thigh.  My daughter calmed her down, but my husband insisted she go into her crate for a while.  She sleeps in her crate every night.  

How do I help Daisy accept my husband?

Patty

I think it is important to get the help you need.  I would research a dog trainer with IAABC creditials.   You may want to consider muzzle training.  Please do not use any force based training or scare tactics on this dog.  

Your husband needs to be the prime caregiver, i.e. Feeding, treating constantly(use training treats or very small treats), walking, etcetera. He needs to build trust with her by having positive experiences with him.

Above all, keep your family safe.  It sounds as if the behavior is escalating (snip to thigh) and dogs can easily redirect.  If at some point you do not feel it is safe to keep this dog, there is a more appropriate fit out there and you should not feel guilty returning the dog.