I'm getting worried

[jesse_3]

When I first got Jesse, she was a little scared of my dad, and other men. It keeps getting worse over a period of 5 years, and after her leg was amputated, everything has gotten worse. The vet who amputated her leg was a man, and I believe that she somehow knows this.
Also, we brought her to the vet to get her shots, and the vet tech was the lady who took care of her after the surgery (she said that she remembers taking care of her) and we had to muzzle Jesse. If I would have not been holding her, the vet tech would have been bit.

I really do not know what to do. I have tried to have my dad give her treats, and pet her more, but he won't. He doesn't like Jesse anymore because 1. she has three legs, and 2. she is scared of him. I don't want to risk anyone being bit, and my baby being put down because of it. If she does get loose, she will bite. I know she will, because she will be scared.

Please, please, please give me suggestions! I will try ANYTHING...
Steph and Jes

[Karen]

Find another male friend, or several of them, to help you with getting Jesse used to men again. Keep her close to you, and reassure her that everything is okay when they slowly approach. Take this slowly, work on it whenever you can, remind the guy(s) to move slowly near you until she gets more used to them. You can give them treats to give her, or have them throw a ball for her if she likes fetch, let her lean on you if she wants. Just keep speaking quietly to her, letting her know everything is fine.

It is too bad your Dad doesn't like Jesse any more, but there are plenty of male people in the world who can help you with this.

[Corinna]

I sure wish you were closer my son and hubby would help . Dogs who are terrifed of men just warm up to my guys in nothing flat.
We love springers like crazy here .
If you have an artist freind who is male artists think differently than others and it seems they give off a different vibe than regular men . I know it sounds crazy but I have seen it becouse of my to guys are artists . Had a rotti who had been beaten by 3 men in the relationship with the women who would get her. Saw her cower from the kennel guy (who she knew ) she ran full force in to my hubby's lap and she became his dog.
In no time she came to be comfortable with other men but not trusting of them . It will take a lot of patience and work, when you do get your dad to try make sure he shows no fear or she'll pick up on it. Good luck.

[jesse_3]

Thank you both very much. I will try to find a couple of guys who are willing to work with her. I don't know many, my cousin is one for sure. Maybe I can try again to persude my dad to give her a chance.

Do you think that obedience classes would help? She is also very agressive towards other dogs. She has always been that way too. She finally has began to trust Sally (Rachel - rizzy's - dog).

Thank you so much again!
Steph and Jesse

[jojo]

Who are willing to help you out! And you will need to take your time, go slowly and patiently and (gradually) introduce different circumstances of introducing males (ie at walk time, in the house, at the beach etc) to your dog.

Definately find her some regular classes, she needs socialization. How old was your dog when you first got her? Could there be anything in her background which has boosted this kind of behaviour.

Reward (big time) the appropriate behavioural response (when you get them) and persevere. Because she is older this may take a long time to alter.

Good luck.

[conans_in_heaven]

I'm am sorry to hear this! some dogs just don't like men. I have know idea why but some just do. I wish you best of luck!


~amanda

[Karen]

Obedience classes would help, if only because it helps strengthen the bond between the two of you and builds her own confidence. It is worth it, and would be fun for both of you. Speak to the instructor before you sign up for a class, and explain that Jesse has certain issues you are working to overcome.

[Dixieland Dancer]

It is sad that your dad is unwilling to work with you or has this strong dislike for your dog. I can imagine the stress that puts you and Jesse under.

You are wise to realize she may bite someone. The majority of dog bites are because the dog is fearful and not because a dog is aggressive. Fearful dogs only have one source of protection and that is their teeth. To desensitize your dog to her fears you need to realize two things. 1. It takes time and committment on your part and 2. You will need to be retrained on how you react when she is fearful.

Your best plan of action would be to find a pet behaviorist in your area to work with you individually. This way is the best because they could "see" the whole picture and give instant advice. It is very hard to give specific advice when you can't see the behavior or the owners reactions to it. A lot of times the owner feeds into the fear by the way they handle it. I'm not saying you are, I'm just saying someone working one on one with you could determine the "whole" picture. This is money always worth the investment. Ask your vet for recommendations or find a local all breed training club and ask them if they can recommend someone.

I wish you the best of luck. Jesse is lucky to have you in her life.

[dab_20]

I agree with everyone above. It is a hard and sad situation your in. It really is sad your Dad won't help you. I think obedience classes may help, but I would consult a professional or ask your vet about it first.

I wish you the best of luck.

~Danielle, Molli, and Sam