(Please, PLEASE note that fear issues can be very tricky. While these training tips may help to start a dog get over her problem, it is always best to work face to face with a trainer or behaviorist who is comfortable dealing with aggression. Remember that a dog who feels trapped may feel that her teeth are her only defense.
When dealing with a fearful dog, be sure that safety is the top priority, with setting the dog up for success coming a close second.)
It would be wonderful if everyone who got a puppy knew how to socialize it to a variety of different people and situations so that she would grow up to be a confident, well-adjusted adult dog. However, this isn’t always the case. And sometimes, even in dogs that were properly socialized, traumatic events or basic temperament may make dogs afraid of certain people. For the basis of this article I will be focusing on dogs that are afraid of men. These training techniques can be expanded and altered to fit a fear of any type or gender of person and in some cases some objects.
If a dog is afraid of men, try to decide if it is all men, or just certain kinds of men.Some dogs can't stand beards, mustaches, hats, different skin color, glasses, etc. Once you determine what triggers the dog’s fear response, you can try to work to desensitize the dog to this type of people.
If you can set things up in advance, that would be great, but if not, you can certainly work around it. Find out what treats your dog adores. In my house, cut up hot dogs work well, Natural Balance dog food rolls, and pieces of deli meat.
Whenever the dog encounters someone that scares her, ask the person to turn sideways to her, look slightly away (both of these things tell the dog that this person isn't a threat), and have him toss treats in the dog’s direction. They might have to throw treats quite a ways to begin with, but can gradually get closer as the dog feels more confident and less scared.
Don't push her to accept anyone - if she feels really threatened there is always the possibility that she'll bite. If she can work toward someone on her own level she feels much safer.Also, be sure that if you're talking to the dog that you're not scolding, which can make her think that men = scolding, and also that you're not reassuring her in a soft voice. That can sound an awful lot like praise and she may think that you're telling her that it's good to be scared of the man. As strange as this may sound, try laughing at the dog when she's scared (I usually tack on a "silly puppy!" when I laugh in these situations.) Your laughter may cue the dog that there is nothing for her to be afraid of. If that seems too weird, just be sure that if you talk to the dog when she shows fear, that you use a very matter of fact voice. Kind of a
