getting used to people...

**cfuh** · 08-09-2004, 10:08 AM

I got my Sammie from a shelter...she was found by someone and put into the night box so no one knows her history. She was only 2mos when I got her. She's really scared of people especially tall men. She barks at everyone while hiding behind me the whole time.

So, now my brother is living with me and she barks at him constantly. Does anyone know how I can help Sammie get used to my brother and anyone else that comes into the house? Thanks!!!

**mruffruff** · 08-09-2004, 10:43 AM

If your brother would be willing, he could be the one to feed her, offer treats, take her for walks, etc.

How old is Sammie now?

Mary

**LorraineO** · 08-09-2004, 12:48 PM

Like what mruffruff said,, have your brother feed her etc,,, also,,, talking to her quietly and maybe get down on the floor with her,,, maybe not necessarily to try to coax her to him,, but to just sit quietly near her and let her come to him on her own,,, maybe if he is closer to her ,, he wont seem so imposing.,,,,,

Best of luck.... Trust is often a hard thing to earn with a dog,, but when you get it,, you got it!

**cfuh** · 08-09-2004, 01:13 PM

Originally posted by mruffruff
If your brother would be willing, he could be the one to feed her, offer treats, take her for walks, etc.

How old is Sammie now?

Mary

Sammie is 1yr 7mos.

I have definitely done the treat part, I will try the others as well. Thanks!!!

**Toller 42** · 08-09-2004, 02:42 PM

I have the same problem with Tango kinda but she is only like that with bearded people and my dads friend came from BC to visit us and of course he had to have a beard. Anyway we told him to feed her take her for walks and give her treats but it didn't work. She wouldn't take the treat from him, she wouldn't eat and normally she loves going for walks but when he tried to take her she sat at the front door and wouldn't move. When he was sitting on the couch and even moved his hand she would bark and she wouldn't stop. We tried something that no body else had told us to do and that was to let Tango sleep in the same room with him (we also put Echo in there so Tango would feel a little more confident) and she slept with him for 5 days and by the next morning she wasn't barking at him but she still didn't want him to feed her so she kept sleeping in his room and on about the 8th day she was letting him touch her and feed her, she even let him walk her

When he left to go back home she was sad and cried for the first night, but then she was back to her normal self the next morning! This doesn't work with all dogs though.

**pitc9** · 08-09-2004, 02:46 PM

I have the same problem in my house with Buddy. Buddy came to our house when he was a year old from a shelter. He was afraid of everyone, including my hubby. It's been a year and 8 months.. and he's still afriad of him. No where near as much... but still does not let his guard down, and does not let Rick get to close to him. What LorraineO said was the most often thing we were told to do, You have to be the "Bad" guy and let him be the good guy. Another thing that was great was to have your brother wear the same shirt to sleep in a few nights in row, then let your pup sleep with the shirt (someone told me to put the shirt ON Buddy... I didn't think Buddy would have liked that) This way the dog gets used to his scent.

I had Buddy on 5HTP and Herbs and whatever anyone told me to do... I did, Rescue Remedy (sp), Calm Down!...etc....and nothing worked to calm him down. They now just have learned to avoid each other as much as possible!! Sad... but I couldn't live with out my Buddy boy! I'd find my hubby a new home before Buddy!!

Good Luck!
Keep us posted!!!

**Buddy Blaze Lover** · 08-10-2004, 06:30 PM

Yea, sounds like my dog, Blaze. He isn't bad around kids and women, but he is aggressive towards men, especially tall and stocky men. I think having your brother give your dog treats, food, playtime, etc. would be a good idea. If that doesn't work, try to work with him and his aggression. He's still young, and this can be fixed.

**cfuh** · 08-10-2004, 06:47 PM

well, i just want to update you all...i've had my brother let them out their crates and out the back to potty. and today, we went for a walk around the neighborhood with him holding Maggie's leash (my other doggie) and me with Sammie. Half-way thru we traded. when we got home, my bro sat on the couch and Sammie climbed up there with him to let him pet her. it was really nice...he was feeding her some of her food as well and she wasn't as scared. i think Sammie's getting used to him and well as being closer to him.

thank you all for your suggestions!!

cathy

**LorraineO** · 08-10-2004, 06:58 PM

YAY!!! Success!!!!!!! Bet your brother feels some good too!!!!

**anna_66** · 08-11-2004, 07:59 AM

So glad to hear they are fast becoming friends

**mruffruff** · 08-11-2004, 09:23 AM

Great news!

Mary

**Rachel** · 08-12-2004, 03:44 PM

Please remember that these problems often take a long time to overcome. Be patient with your adopted ones. Take pride in small gains, and with lots of gentleness and understanding, many of the idiosyncracies will dissipate. Just don't be discouraged if it takes weeks, months, or even years. Some of these animals have been tragically mistreated. They learned well the lesson of mistrust. Understand where they are coming from and little by little, you will see improvement.

**clara4457** · 08-14-2004, 07:38 AM

Originally posted by Rachel
Please remember that these problems often take a long time to overcome. Be patient with your adopted ones. Take pride in small gains, and with lots of gentleness and understanding, many of the idiosyncracies will dissipate. Just don't be discouraged if it takes weeks, months, or even years. Some of these animals have been tragically mistreated. They learned well the lesson of mistrust. Understand where they are coming from and little by little, you will see improvement.

WELL SAID!!!!