Dogs And Men
Question: Why do some dogs react differently to men versus women? Our family dog loves to play with my husband and seems to obey him better than me. Yet my friend's dog is afraid of her husband. How can they help their dog be more comfortable with men?
Answer: There are quite a few dogs who act differently with men than with women. Some dogs become more excited and playful because the male is the dog's best buddy, her pal. Others fall into line when the authority figure returns home. In this case, many women become frustrated because the dog will listen to their husbands, but not to them. On the other hand, some reactions may be very negative and could include not only fear but also aggression. This can be due to a lack of socialization and exposure, or to abuse and/or neglect, past or present.
The greatest asset of a male is also his potential downfall: his presence. This includes his body language, vocal tones, posture and method of communication. One man may be seen by a secure dog as his leader, while a fearful dog sees only a threat. Dogs read body language in every situation, regardless of whether or not we are conscious of our movements. Men tend to move a bit more stiffly, stand straighter and sometimes make a direct frontal approach, which a dog can interpret as threatening.
We must therefore consider how dogs (especially nervous, shy or aggressive ones) view body language. Since a fearful dog sees a threat where none exists, we must make sure to remove any confusion. The best tool to help us accomplish this is something that is clearly positive like a treat or a favorite toy. The dog must associate a potentially stressful situation with a positive outcome in order to overcome past associations.
Have the man in question hold the treat or toy when near the fearful dog. We want to make this man special, someone who brings goodies. The dog should be handled by someone he trusts. DO NOT coddle the dog like a child. All the dog hears is, "Yes, I like your behavior, do it more." This will only encourage the fearful or aggressive behavior. It is also best to not over-correct and thereby escalate the dog's stress level. Instead simply say, "You're Fine" in a matter-of-fact, flat tone.
Start by bringing the dog within about six feet of the man (this could be closer or farther away depending on the dog's reaction). The man should then stand sideways so that his shoulder is facing the dog; this removes the threat of a frontal approach. Next he should move slowly and toss the treat to the dog's feet. We are showing the dog that this man is great and has treats. The man should then take a few steps away allowing the dog to take the treat and move forward. It is important that the dog slowly gains confidence by taking steps in the direction of the man. As this progresses, we want more and more interaction between the dog and his new male friend. Build toward having the dog take treats from his hand, a walk together, being fed by the man. Slowly add simple commands like "sit" for a treat. The man should not correct the dog at any time. That task is for the handler to perform. It is important to move at the pace of the dog. Moving too fast will backfire as it will create more stress and anxiety for the dog. It may take days, weeks, or even months. But with time and patience, the dog and man will become friends.
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Canine Techniques
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