[tamm147]

We have 2 dogs. Max, who is a lab / sheppard cross age 7 and Asia who is a lab/sheppard, rotti, husky cross age 3. We've had both pups since they we 8 to 10 weeks old. Lately, Asia has been acting very strange around men and runs and cowers wherever she can literally howling. She always been a bit timid around men since we adopted her from a foster home which we're now wondering if she was abused. It has been getting worse as the days go on and we have no idea what has brought this on. She acts terrified around my husband just out of nowhere. One minute she's playing with him, next minute, she's running up to me (if I'm home) howling and crying. And I will make this clear to everyone who reads this, my husband has NOT abused her in any ways at all which is why we are so dumb-founded!! It honestly hurts his feeling if anything and doesn't know how he can be around her now since this has been going on.

Does anyone have any ideas of what this can be caused from or what we can do to help her get over this and find out what caused this?????

My husband was thought it might be something neurological which worries me even more

If anyone has any ideas, I'd would appreciate ANYTHING right now!!

[Lara's mom]

That is odd. Could it be that your husband is inadvertently making some sound or gesture that reminds the dog of something unpleasant? What is he doing/saying at the point when the dog becomes frightened?

[Ozzy29]

Tell your husband not to lose heart or feel hurt. Work slowly and do not react when the dog displays this behavior. Do not coddle the animal, just act normal. Get your husband to keep extra treats with him and spend some extra time doing training.
If the dog runs to you ignore it. See if your husband can call the dog back.

[Yogi]

though I have generally found that female dogs bond more so with men than women and the opposite with male dogs, I have noted over the years that with larger men or men with deep voices, this can often cause a reaction in dogs especially in females. Many times female dogs are more comfortable with a woman's voice. Also, the way a dog is played with can trigger memories that can be frightening if at one point in play the dog recalls and incident where it may have been disciplined and in this case by a man. Somethings to consider.
Good luck.

[Todd]

I agree with Yogi. It could potentially be the deep voice which is similar to a scolding or growl to a dog. Could it potentially be what your husband wears at times? When does your dog act like this? As I said, could it be when your husband wears certain clothes or even a hat? My dog used to get frightened when she was a little pup if one of us would wear hoods and she couldn't see much of out faces. Could she be fearful of your husband when he yells or make a lot of noise?

There is always the possibility that this could be a result of something neurological being that the dog is afraid of your husband one moment and fine the next. I'd talk with your vet to see if he or she would recommend neurological evaluation, but no need to test until you make sure it's not something else. If you can't find a trigger then further testing may be neccessary.

[tamm147]

Thank you all for your replies!!
My husband hasn't been doing anything different than he normally did prior to all of this. He's tried the treats thing but she won't even come close enough to him when I'm not around for her to take it from him.
She was completely fine with him when we had my family over on the weekend for a get together but after they left, it was back to all this strange behavior.
He started just giving her quick spurts of attention like a quick pet on the head or a bit of praise her and there so I guess we'll see how that goes over the next little while. But I will definately start ignoring her when she comes running for me as she's done in the past and see how all of this works.

I appreciate all tips! Thank you again :-)

[GSDS4Life]

To me this does not sound like Asia was abused. Trust me, you would have known then if she was abused. Especially at 8-10 weeks of age.

With timid dogs, at times it can be because of lack of confidence and self esteem and socialization. If a dog is timid, many owners don't work properly to desensitize the dog,which is building up the confidence. No different then if a dog hates thunder storms. You can slowly desensitize to the point where they are fine with it. It takes time and patience.

My suggestion would be to talk to a certified behaviorist. They can asses Asia and work with you and your husband.

Does your husband take Asia for walks? Does he feed her? How much time does he spend with her alone?