Animal Welfare Professionals

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  • 1.  Fearful of men

    Posted 11-18-2024 07:41 AM

    Hi friends~ we have a new foster family who is struggling with their first foster dog.  

    "Lilith" is on the timid side, and is extremely fearful of men. She'll run when one enters the room. She's 3 years old and we assume she was treated poorly by men prior to joining our rescue program. 

    What tips can you provide to help boost the dog's confidence and build her trust, at least with her foster pops?  We recommended he always have high-value treats to give her.

    Any other resources we could provide to the foster family?  We hate to see them frustrated/sad because they feel like they're not doing enough to help her progress. 

    Thanks for your help!


    #Behavior,TrainingandEnrichment

    ------------------------------
    Deirdre Jack
    Lone Star Bulldog Club Rescue
    dfwbulldogrescue.org
    ------------------------------


  • 2.  RE: Fearful of men

    Posted 11-18-2024 07:49 AM
    Deidre,

    For the shy or fearful dog, men can just be scarier overall.  They are taller , have deeper voices, move differently.  I've seen many fearful dogs that were afraid of men that never had a bad experience with men. 

    I would think safety first.  Make sure the dog has a safe place to retreat to - can be a dog bed , crate, etc. The dog should never be approached when they retreat to this safe place. 

    As far as treats - yes great advice.  Just make sure they are given with NO social pressure to interact - in other words - no hand feeding. So he can toss treats or do "drive by" treats where he drops and goes.  

    Good luck.   


    Carol Sumbry  ACDBC, CPDT-KA

    Associated Certified Behavior Consultant/Certified Dog Trainer 


    Sent from iPhone 





  • 3.  RE: Fearful of men

    Posted 11-18-2024 10:35 AM

    Great info~  thanks so much, Carol!



    ------------------------------
    Deirdre Jack
    Lone Star Bulldog Club Rescue
    dfwbulldogrescue.org
    ------------------------------

    Original Message


  • 4.  RE: Fearful of men

    Posted 11-18-2024 08:07 AM

    Hi Deidre,

    This new Maddie's University course, Fostering Dogs with Behavior Concerns: Supporting People and Dogs, might have helpful info in it that you can share with your foster. Lesson 14 is about Wallflowers (fearful dogs), and the 'let's get to work' section has videos and protocols you can share with the foster.  Let me know what you think of the course!

     



    ------------------------------
    Sheila Segurson, DVM, DACVB
    Board Certified Veterinary Behaviorist
    Director of Shelter Solutions
    Maddie's Fund
    Pleasanton CA
    9258608284
    ------------------------------



  • 5.  RE: Fearful of men

    Posted 11-18-2024 10:36 AM

    Oh, very cool! Thank you for the link. I've forwarded it along to our foster family and our larger group  of volunteers. Very helpful!



    ------------------------------
    Deirdre Jack
    Lone Star Bulldog Club Rescue
    dfwbulldogrescue.org
    ------------------------------

    Original Message


  • 6.  RE: Fearful of men

    Posted 11-18-2024 10:38 AM

    You're welcome!  We just launched the course about two weeks ago so please let us know if you have any feedback!



    ------------------------------
    Sheila Segurson, DVM, DACVB
    Board Certified Veterinary Behaviorist
    Director of Shelter Solutions
    Maddie's Fund
    Pleasanton CA
    9258608284
    ------------------------------

    Original Message


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