As Rachel said, some dogs are just "born" shy. The Sheltie where I work does NOT like anyone reaching over his head, will turn his head, back up - do anything to avoid it. He's never been abused, came straight from his breeder into a loving home, just DOESN'T like a hand near his head. If you reach from the side, you can pet his head all you want, just not if you reach over his face. He is also afraid of a lot of things. Never abused, just born a scaredy-dog!

Perhaps Zeke is just that way, or perhaps he was abused, we'll never know. Is the broom usually out where he can see it? Miss Hoppy attacks the broom if I leave it out, but it IS made of straw - aka HAY!