Hi guys. I'm new to the group.I have three shepherds, and I'm in need of help with my latest addition. She is 8 mths old.I got her about 6 weeks ago from the breeder, she hadn't been previously placed in a home. She is very fearful of people, but especially men.I have been taking her every where, and she is certainly improving. The big problem is that she is still very nervous of my partner,despite all my interventions.She runs from the room when he comes in. If he walks by her crate, she tries to get as far into the corner as she can. If he tries to take her outside on a leash, she pulls desperately to get back to me.
I ignore the behaviour.It was suggested he provide all of her care, which he does when he's home. I've tried marker training with her, but there's been minimal improvement since I brought her home.She doesn't show any fear of the environment or noise phobia, and I don't believe she had any tramatic event at the breeders. Any other suggestions? Should he still provide her care, or should he ignore her completely until she starts to come around?

Susanne, read the artiticle on fear peiods in pups that I posted on the thread about puppy nerves. That may explain some of what is going on. Or there may be some issue with men in general or with your SO for some reason. I would not force the 'relationship' with your SO at this time. Just let it go for now & see if things change in the next month or so. Forcing the dog to go with him is not the answer. That will just reinforce any fears that this pup has about men. It would be best if he just ignored her. She may not have been properly socialized & left in a kennel at the breeders. Why is it that she was not placed until 7 months old?

This dog may have issues that are not fixable. Is it possible to return the pup to the breeder & get your $$ back or another younger pup?

Many dogs will shut down & not accept food when they are afraid or nervous or stressed. It is possible that this pup's behavior may not ever change. It is not a comfortable place for the dog mentally to be afraid of people. I would limit the contact with new people for a while & see if she gets a bit more comfortable over time with your SO first before introducing other men. Just some thoughts.

Others here may have some more ideas.

I just spoke to a couple that had adopted a 5 year old shepherd about a year ago. For that entire year, that dog has been in fear/avoidance of the husband.

This seems like a similar situation.

I would agree that it is a good idea to let your partner do most of the dog care. Its important that he does this is in a non-confrontational manner. Don't push the dog, but take small positive steps. I also feel like the dog needs to see you relaxed in the situation as well. Make everything a calm, no-big-deal experience. Tell your partner to be very slow and predictable, not to make eye contact, etc near her. Also, her kennel should be a safe place for her. So I think he should avoid getting too close. If you don't already have it covered, do so. Let her see that when he comes around, good things happen. The most important thing is that you don't nurture the unwanted behavior by soothing her and telling her "its ok, its ok" when she's afraid. This is just going to send the message that being afraid is the right behavior. Letting her go to HIM on her own terms seems like the best route to me.

You seem like you are doing a good job. These things take time. I think you've got a therapy-case on your hands. Not going to be a quick fix.

Anyone else have any thoughts? That's just my little opinion.

in my less than expert opinion, i found this worked for fearful dogs. When i saw my neighbors dog who was afraid of men i would get down on my knees and face sideways or away from him, and i would put a treat or two in my hand behind my back or beside me. Stay completely still until after the dog approached and took the treat. at first it took 5 min after 20 or so sessions of this he would run up and take it, and was much less afraid of me. then i would stand up and talk to his owner and ignore the dog completely, and he would sniff me up smell my dogs scent on me and go about his business

It is easy with fearful dogs to misconstrue friendliness with dominance or threatening behavior. the best way for them to feel safe is to pay them no mind and allow them to become comfortable at there own pace.

Good luck with your new addition

Rob

Thanks guys for your input. I quite appreciate the advice. At the time of breeding, there wasn't the interest in that particular litter for whatever reason, so unfortunately she had little exposure for the first 7 months. She's doing better out in public, although I don't allow anyone to approach her at this point. She even seems to be more curious about people which i take as an encouraging sign. Only baby steps inside though.I'm going to try that excercise Rob.
Thanks again. Susie

Turn all guys into treat dispensers. It might take leaving the treat on the floor and turning your back at first but every slight movement towards him results in another treat hitting the floor. I work with shy dogs a lot and good smelly treats are my secret weapon. Mini pepperoni's, Moc's tracking bait made with tuna(very smelly! best treat ever), Natural Balance food rolls(PetCo), etc. Use the highest value treats you can get your hands on. It's really important that once pup approaches him to sniff that he doesn't try to pet her.

Once she will take the treat with back turned than go to him crouched down and facing side long to her. He puts the treat down and waits for pup to take it. Then he puts his hand down near the treat. Then he puts his hand closer. Then he puts the treat in his palm with his hand completely flat. Then he gradually raises his hand(not above her shoulder) or curls his fingers so she has to touch him to get the treat. At that point I suggest him marker training the hand touch. It's a great way to get a dog who's uneasy with contact to make a positive association with it. Use a small amount of peanut butter on the target hand to get some real interest in the game if you have to.

Also any movement towards him after getting startled or shying away for a moment is rewarded with a small party. Talk with a happy kind of excited tone. No "it's okay baby" or anything like that. Pup can do no wrong with him. Good luck. You might be surprised at how fast she figures this guy out or it might take a while. Strangers can be good treat dispensers too although you need to tell them not to pet her. Let her sniff and get over it.