my dog does not like my dad

[scoobydoo]

can anyone tell me why my dog is so afraid of my dad. i bring her over about 4 times a week and i have sice i got her on july 4 of 2004. she loves my 2 brothers and my boyfriend. she gets along with even the 3 boys i babysit for. i dont understand why whe is so timmed around my dad. she runs away and will pee on the floor. can someone tell me if there is anything i can do to make her like my dad?

[Karen]

You never know what's going througha dog's mind.

Sometime when your dog isn't with you, but your Dad a box of its favorite treats. Then when you go over, have your Dad each time (if he'll cooperate), crouch down and hold out a treat, so he's not so big and threatening, and is gradually seen as a source of good things. It's bribery, but I've seen it work. She may never "like" him, but you can get it to the point where she's not afraid. Tell Dad also to avoid eye contact with the fraidy-dog, and have him ignore the dog afterwards until the dog approaches him.

[Karen]

Oh, and welcome to Pet Talk! What breed is your dog, and how old is she?

[Lady's Human]

Karen,

Remember, it may be an issue that just has to be dealt with over time. Princess NEVER got comfortable with me around, even after all those years. When a dog decides they don't trust someone, sometimes there's no way around it.

[IRescue452]

What does your dad do for a living? My dog doesn't like my stepdad when he comes in from the car shop smelling like oil and car exhaust and looking like a greasy monster but when he cleans up she doesn't mind him. Just a thought

[Karen]

Yeah, poor Princess. She was a sweetie pie, but we KNEW she had "issues" when big brother brought her home - heck, that's WHY he dognapped her! Some dogs never come around, but we can always try!