When my brother in law first met our dog Brodie(border collie mix)He(my brother-in-law) had just been to a friends house who had goats....Brodie has been afraid of him ever since! Every time he visits, Brodie shakes and hides in our room. He also pees if he sees him. Brodie is a rescued dog and we believe he was abused by his previous owners. We are thinking that maybe he lived where there were goats....now he is relating that smell with my brother in law. Any advice on the steps to take to make him more comfortable???
2006-12-19 15:11:53 · 11 answers · asked by Shannyshields 1 in Pets ➔ Dogs
My puppy was afraid of random people when we first got her, so I asked my obedience trainer. She suggested that we ask people other than family to offer her a treat. Might be worth a try. Ask your brother in law to offer him a high-value treat, something he rarely turns down. It should build trust. But, take it slow. If he tries too hard, it will make Brodie more nervous. Hope this helps!
2006-12-19 15:17:08 · answer #1 · answered by Belle75 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
There is nothing that will change brodies fear, if you know your brother inlaw is coming put the dog in a room furthest away from the living area don't comfort your dog or he will accept this as good behaviour, make sure that if your brother in law goes near that room to be quiet. When your brother in law leaves open the door but make no fuss about his mess, let Brodie sniff around.
I hope you and Brodie have a good Christmas
2006-12-19 15:24:44 · answer #2 · answered by Fiona A 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It may have nothing to do with the goats. It may be your brother-in-law's size that bothers him. Your in-law may be the same size as whoever abused Brodie. It may be that your in-law is uncomfortable around Brodie and the dog might sense his nerves. It could be a smell, a common gesture, a noise that occurs when your in-law is around that might remind Brodie of what he went through. You may want to discuss this with your vet. Your in-law can begin to win him over by getting down on Brodie's level, giving him a treat when he comes near. Pet him. Be extra sweet to him. Dogs can also sense when someone isn't nice. I am sure you know your in-law well enough to know that isn't the reason. But if he is new to the family, you may want to take that into consideration. Dogs can sense things.
2006-12-19 15:19:24 · answer #3 · answered by sfs18 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I'm so sorry that you are dealing with this, the poor thing. He could have also been abused by someone that has similar looks to your Brother-in-Law.
I would suggest using possitive reinforcement such at treats. Every time your BIL comes over make sure he has one of Brodie's favorite treats in hand. Let the Brodie approach him, if that's not possible have your BIL sit on the floor near Brodie so that he's not towering over him in any way...tell him to relax and hold the treat out ...once again let Brodie approach him. Eventually he will realize that your BIL is not going to hurt him.
Thank you for helping Brodie :)
2006-12-19 15:17:32 · answer #4 · answered by ~Elyse~ 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Brodie has been deeply traumatized and it sounds like you can see this.
So l agree with your suggestion that Brodie has associated this monster of his past with your brother-in-law. SO honour your pet and hold and cuddle Brodie whenever your brother-in-law is around, and put Brodie in a comfortable room.
Then introduce a sweatie t-shirt of your B.i.L. you will quickly be clued in to Brodies fears, is it scent based, or is it his size, or perhaps it is that his boots are reminding Brodie of someone who kicked him. Find out exactly what it is and then honor the animal since he has been horribly traumatized.
Let him leave the room and let him know it is okay with you. THE b.i.l. can try to give him cookies and reassure Brodie, if possible. Good Luck!
2006-12-19 15:38:26 · answer #5 · answered by northstar 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
When a dog is visibly afraid of something, the last thing you want to do is scoop it up in your arms, comfort it, or protect it. This only shows the dog that there is something to be afraid of, and that he has good reason to worry. Don't make over his fear, but instead play off the situation like it's no big deal. If he sees that you're ok with the situation, and that you are ok with you brother-in-law, maybe he'll start to see for himself that there's nothing to be afraid of. It might take more than this if he's previously had bad experiences, but at least this way you won't be feeding into his fear.
2006-12-19 15:28:21 · answer #6 · answered by Sam-I-Am 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Maybe its not the goat smell. It could be several things. Maybe your brother in law favors the owners that abused him. Does he wear a hat--sunglasses? Could be his looks, a hat or color of a hat, a lot of things, dogs usually remember the look more than they would the smell.
2006-12-19 15:16:39 · answer #7 · answered by Sherry 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Dogs can see and sense things on a level that people cannot. He is probably detecting heavy drug use or extreme alcohol abuse on him. Or he is seeing the aura of an abuser or killer. If someone ever kills a dog, all dogs know that automatically.
Whatever it is, trust in your dog first and ask your brother in law what's going on.
2006-12-19 15:16:38 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 1⤋
I'm sorry, but after reading all the responses, I have to ask, what did your brother in law do when you were not looking?
2006-12-19 15:33:31 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Maybe you should comfort your doggie by hugging it when he shakes. Or keep it away on your bro-in-law! Or should I say... to goats!!!! Well gud luck to your doggie. Have a nice day=)
2006-12-19 15:18:32 · answer #10 · answered by Ashlyn_47 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋