fear

[amyryan]

I've written before about my 18 month old rottie Calla. I said how she doesn't like strange men in the home. Now I am more convinced that it is fear. How do I begin to fix this? When she she's a strange man she inches forward, with her body low to the ground, head down. She also has her "hackels up" and is growling. Once she has met the person 4 or more times she will no longer do this unless there is more than one person there. She has been this way since she was a puppy. The thing I don't understand is that she doesn't act this way around females or children, just men. Does any one have any advice? Has this happened to anyone before? Thanks.

[Judi W]

Do you mean that she does not seem to fear them when she meets them outside the home?

[amyryan]

Well it kind of depends, if she is on a leash she will sometimes not be comffortable if strange men pat her. However if she is off leash she is fine, she allows anyone to pat her.

[halliebear]

I also have a rott who is not always comfortable with men. :(
What I have been doing with him is bringing treats where ever we go. If we see a person, men especially, I give him alot of treats. If they want stop and pet Hal, I ask them to give him a treat. I also ask people to pet him under the chin, as he feels threatened when people reach in to pet the top of his head. He is starting to associate men with treats. :) It is working very well. :D You might want to leash her when people come over, or put her in another room until they are seated and let her come up to them on her own. I am not an expert, but these things have worked for me.
I also make Hal work for everything, with a sit or stay, so he knows I am the boss.

Amy

[Judi W]

Again, is this only inside your home, or does it apply no matter where you are? I can offer you some suggestions if you will let me know which.