Angie, it almost sounds like Buddy and Tasha's issue might be similar. Donnie is so bent on winning her over that he is almost pushy about it. Last time he was here, he even asked me if I could leash her so he could pet her without her being able to run away. I told him I didn't think that would be a good idea. I've tried to explain to him that he can't force it, that I think that is a big part of her problem with him, but I think he just feels like if only he could pet her she'd learn he wasn't a bad guy. The thing is she doesn't WANT him to pet her and I think she feels threatened because she senses his determination.

When she was 6-7 months old and first started showing signs of skittishness around him, he reached and took hold of her collar when she was sniffing his hand cautiously.... Wrong wrong wrong thing to do... she panicked and felt trapped. She didn't growl or bite but she was obviously frightened and he let go, and that was it, she never trusted him again. I wonder if Rick has that same sort of determination and Buddy senses it and that is what makes him feel threatened. He might even be perceiving it as Rick being determined to dominate him. If that's the case Rick trapping him in the room with him isn't a very good idea.. but I know how hard it is to explain these things. Donnie just doesn't understand either.

Maybe if the animal communicator can tell him he needs to just totally ignore Buddy and let the trust develop on its own.. I really think that could be the issue if it is anything like Tasha and Donnie's issue.