dog doesn't like anyone in our house but family Options

[mitzmand]

My husband & I rescued a mix breed dog (part doberman we think) last year. He is very friendly towards my husband and I but when somebody new comes in the house, he growls, barks and runs away. Even my son who does not live with us comes over every week and he still can't even get close enough to pet him! When the dog goes outside while my son is housesitting for us, it takes him FOREVER to get him to come back in the house. This has been going on for about a year now and the dog is still not comfortable with my son in the house. We've tried having my son offer him treats but he won't come anywhere near him. Please Help!!!

[JMM]

I would recommend getting a trainer experience in positive, motivational methods to help work through some behavior modification with you. Help in person is important because owners often do little things that increase a dog's fear and anxiety. We can't see that over the internet. Look for trainers using the search on apdt.com or www.ccpdt.org/

[LazyGRanch]

My husband & I rescued a mix breed dog (part doberman we think) last year. He is very friendly towards my husband and I but when somebody new comes in the house, he growls, barks and runs away. Even my son who does not live with us comes over every week and he still can't even get close enough to pet him! When the dog goes outside while my son is housesitting for us, it takes him FOREVER to get him to come back in the house. This has been going on for about a year now and the dog is still not comfortable with my son in the house. We've tried having my son offer him treats but he won't come anywhere near him. Please Help!!!


I agree with JMM, get someone in person who knows how to handle this problem without using force. I would tell anyone who comes into the house not to acknowledge the dog in ANY way, your dog wants to be invisible (by running away), why not let him be invisible? I'm not a huge fan of Cesar Milan, but I do like his "no touch, no talk, no eye contact" rule for dogs like yours. It sounds like you want to help your dog. When your son offers him treats, does he bend over a little at the waist, face the dog, and extend his hand towards your dog? If so, stop! That's a great way to get a dog to stop in his tracks. Tell him to walk in, ignore the dog, sit down, and resume his visit with you. IF your dog decides to investigate by sniffing him, he could silently drop the treat on the floor, no petting, no talking, no eye contact, etc. Good luck!