Quote:
Originally Posted by Bluesmama
Just him, according to the owners.
And to answer the other's questions...
He usually has a bushy beard (not right now), very long gray hair, and he's a big man (he plays Santa every holiday), and he has to wear sunglasses almost all the time but not inside the house.
I know nothing about the owners except that they are in their 80's, so chances are that neither one is a large person. If something physical about my husband is what scares the dog, it could be his size.
And like I mentioned, dogs are usually strangely attracted to him.
Definitely a switch from the norm, that's for sure.
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The bushy beard, dark glasses and his large size can all be intimidating.
Treats used to create a positive association can often change a dog's emotion but don't hand deliver them to this dog...that's too scary for him. Instead have your hubby toss them gently on the ground (away from him and toward the dog but off to the dog's side a bit) making sure to use extremely high value treats that visibly contrast against the ground. Eventually the dog will hopefully begin to make a positive association (body language signals...ears, eyes, lips, shoulders, tail...are loose and relaxed instead of tight and tense) and then your hubby can start gradually tossing the treats a little closer. Each toss closer should only come when the dog is looking relaxed at the previous distance. NEVER try to hand deliver the treats until the dog voluntarily comes up to your hubby. IOW, all movement should come from the dog...your hubby should NEVER move towards the dog.
Good luck!
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