I have read some of the posts re scared dogs -

My adult daughter who is back home after time away has a new pup a Boston terrier - he is super friendly with women, timid with males and extremely scared of me (the dad) he shakes,sweats from paws, refuses to take treats unless being held by someone else - I have never raised my voice, or threated him badly in any way we have two other dogs and they are great - even when I am playing with other dogs the BT will stand at a distance growl and bark ? On weekends he will jump on bed as he luvs my wife , but if I get up and return he growls and will get as far as possible away from me ??

Any ideas ??

It sounds to me like your daughter's puppy regards you as the alpha male of the house, especially since your daughter (his mommy) deems you in the same manner. But it's also important to remember that he's a puppy in a new place surrounded by new faces, he might just not know how to handle the situation and reacts irrationally (growling/backing away/ all together running).

I would also check to make sure one of your older dogs isn't instigating by bullying your daughter's new companion.

I'm sure after some time he'll warm up to you, maybe it will help if your daughter holds him and sits beside you to show that you're not a threat, maybe hold a treat to try and tempt him over but not actually actively try to lure him over.

It sounds to me like he's just a naturally nervous puppy, especially with dominant males. Not uncommon for BTs.


Good luck on the situation, sorry I can't offer anymore help.

[AuntieDale]

I agree with previous reply - it sounds like you are regarded as the alpha and you may inadvertently be intimidating him. Give him time and space - don't approach him directly, that obviously makes him back up. You could even try ignoring him, while perhaps holding a favorite treat in your hand, see if he approaches you.

My neighbor has a rescue dog that was initially afraid of everyone (barked & backed up), then just men - it took awhile, but now he's much less timid. So, have patience & don't take it personally!

Originally Posted by BostonMuzz

I have read some of the posts re scared dogs -

My adult daughter who is back home after time away has a new pup a Boston terrier - he is super friendly with women, timid with males and extremely scared of me (the dad) he shakes,sweats from paws, refuses to take treats unless being held by someone else - I have never raised my voice, or threated him badly in any way we have two other dogs and they are great - even when I am playing with other dogs the BT will stand at a distance growl and bark ? On weekends he will jump on bed as he luvs my wife , but if I get up and return he growls and will get as far as possible away from me ??

Any ideas ??

Thanks for the replys - both are along the lines of what we thought - he is really craze my wife and I took him out to the forrest with our old border collie and BT had a ball chasing me round etc etc then as soon as we finished and back in car/ home - does not want anything to do with - my wife caught him on our bed rubbing himself all over my side of bed

[animal_lover]

Just take your time and let him warm up to you. Be gentle toward him and the other female family members. Show him you're not going to hurt them, and if he comes to you, be gentle and talk to him in a smooth and calm tone. If he will allow it, try to play tug of war with him, fetch or some other activity he loves.

Hopefully in time he will come to love you.