Scared

Well, this weekend at our agility trial I asked as many people as I could to speak to Lexi and give her a treat. Of course Lexi loved it and didn't seem concerned about it at all--she went right up and begged from everyone who she thought might give her something.

And...PROGRESS! She will now let my dad pet her if she is sitting on the couch---hooray! And, she took some egg from his hand this morning. He just put it in his hand and she slowly walked over and took it. If he walks around she gets nervous and hides (he does walk with a limp...not to mention he talks REALLY loudly) but if he is sitting she is okay.

Of course he is leaving tomorrow, but at least things have gotten a bit better.
 
A frustrating situation, but sounds like progress was made! In the heat of the moment, even if we don't think we are giving off disapproving/frustrated signals, I think our dogs know, and of course they are worried and confused even more, if that makes sense!

My father-in-law had a very gruff tone when talking to our girls and never could figure out why they didn't really warm to him...:rolleyes2: They would stand at a distance and very tentatively wag their tails.

Hopefully when you are settled into your new place she will be able to meet all kinds of new people and dogs and the socialization will come.

Sharon
 
I'm glad Lexi was starting to come around.

I feel your pain. Bailey is very similar to Lexi. I socialized her as a puppy and continue to socialize her, but she is still shy and reactive. I think sometimes no matter how much you try to nurture, nature will still prevail, but that doesn't mean I will stop trying. :lol:
 
Update

Well, no improvement here.

My dad came to stay for a night this past week and Lexi was absolutely petrified of him. Lexi only barks when playing, and she barked at him for minutes on end (her warning bark, which I've only heard a few times--like when we had that small earthquake!)

The past few times we've had my dad feed her and drop treats, but she would just take them and run away.

She just barked and barked and barked at him (while Bentley slept at his side). My dad really struggled as we instructed him to ignore her, but she did eventually settle down across the room from him but never kept him out of her sight. And if he moved, she was up either watching or barking at him.

Not sure what else to do as he only comes to visit a couple times a year for a night or two.
 
Is your Dad well or is he suffering from any health problems no one may be aware of? Liam had gotten really bad about barking at Dad, particularly toward the end. It was as if he knew Dad wasn't well and needed to let me know.
 
Emmasmom said:
Is your Dad well or is he suffering from any health problems no one may be aware of? Liam had gotten really bad about barking at Dad, particularly toward the end. It was as if he knew Dad wasn't well and needed to let me know.
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I think he is doing okay, but he is older (70s) and walks with a limp. He is also very loud and confrontational. He has had shelties in the past but his dogs have always been very outgoing and friendly with everyone, so it's hard for him to resist being loud and excitable with the dogs.
 
I know this sounds weird but any chance he wears a baseball cap or hat? Hartley barks like crazy if someone with a baseball cap reaches down to pet him, Chandler was the same way. :rolleyes2: I think it's the fact they can't see their eyes clearly.
 
dawns2shelties said:
I know this sounds weird but any chance he wears a baseball cap or hat? Hartley barks like crazy if someone with a baseball cap reaches down to pet him, Chandler was the same way. :rolleyes2: I think it's the fact they can't see their eyes clearly.
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Yes, he does quite often. He also had a beard for a long time, and then shaved it. So there are definitely some things that could be upsetting her.
 
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