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Hey guys, first time dog owner here. Just adopted a rescue and she's super skittish around men. Didn't really notice it at the shelter but now it's pretty clear. She won't even come near me without shaking. Anyone dealt with something like this before? I wanna make sure I'm doing what's best for her.
Submitted 12 months ago by DoggoDaddy
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First of all, thanx for adopting and not shopping! It’s awesome that you want to help her. I had a dog that was the same, shaking around my husband. He sat on the floor, reading out loud softly to her and after a while, she came over to sniff him and eventually sat in his lap. It was about taking it at her pace. No rush, just gentle encouragement.
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Rescue dogs often have histories we can't fully understand. It's all about consistency and showing you're trustworthy. Establish routines and be predictable in your actions. Let her come to you on her own terms. She's likely had negative experiences with men before, so it’s going to take time for her to unlearn that fear. Maybe try wearing a piece of clothing with the scent of someone she trusts. Patience, positive associations, and gentle behavior modification are key.
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This sounds like fear-based behavior. It's crucial not to take it personally and to work at her pace. Start by making your presence a positive thing. Try sitting on the floor and gently tossing treats to her without looking directly at her. If she only approaches women, have a woman help with the treat tossing at first. Build up this positive association slowly and over time. Consider hiring a pro behaviorist if you can afford it. And always, ALWAYS, use positive reinforcement.
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Skittish dogs can take a while to warm up, especially if they've had bad experiences. Just be patient, sit on the floor sometimes so you're not towering over her, and maybe toss her some treats without making eye contact. She'll come around with time and patience.