My dog won't stop barking and growling at my dad-- help?

Question

Recently my family adopted a dog from an animal shelter. She's eight months old and a beagle-terrier mix, and is the sweetest dog you could find. There is, of course, an exception: she is terrified of my dad. She barks and growls and runs away from him. Not just him, but most males. (Of course, her having this reaction to my dad is the main problem.) We've tried so many things-- he'll give her treats, pet her, let her out of her crate in the morning, and has even tried to take her for her walks. (She wouldn't go with him on the walk-- she sat on the lawn and stubbornly refused to go.) When we adopted her from the shelter, she was perfectly fine with the guys there. It's been two, going on three, weeks, that we've had her, and my parents even went down the shore with just themselves and the dog. Nothing's changed. What can we do?

Answer 1

whenever your dogs around give him a lil chicken or turkey to get your dad associated with treats.[if you like my answer can u make it best answer?]

Answer 2

This is actually not an uncommon problem for many shy dogs.

This group for shy dogs has many files and list members with similar problems and can be of tremendous help to you and your family:

http://pets.groups.yahoo.com/group/shy-k...

Changing your new dog's association to your father can be accomplished but it will likely take time and patience and the effort of all family members working together.

The first thing for him to do is to stop pressuring the dog (for now). The harder he tries, the more upset the dog becomes and the more your dog gets to practice her fearful behavior with him, the harder it will be to re-train.

good luck.

Answer 3

She was probably abused by males. This is the most logical explanation I can give you. I've had dogs and horses that have done this. We have an Arabian horse right now who will have nothing to do with any males.

More than likely she'll have to learn on her own to accept and/or trust males.

Answer 4

prbably has something to do with her past owners

Answer 5

Have your dad start giving him treats... (ONLY him)

and praising him... pretty soon he will just wag his tail at your dad.

TREATS ARE ALWAYS THE ANS.  

Answer 6

I would recommend that you read a book by Cesar Millan.

He has good advice on how to deal with problems like this. This is not something that will correct itself or be corrected overnight. You may want to consult a dog trainer, the dog trainer will meet your dog and give you advice on how to deal with your specific dog and problems.

    Good Luck! You can also find advice on the 'Dog Whisperer" website. Just google 'Dog Whisperer'.