Scared of my husband
 

So, my 10 month old yorkie, Jax, is absolutely terrified of my husband. when my husband comes home, he is extremely submissive, and will only come to him sometimes, very reluctantly, with his tail between his legs and his belly on the floor in an army crawl position. After the initial excitement of my husband getting home wears off, he either cowers behind my legs, or if he has a clear path (ie. my husband isn't in the way) he will make a break for his bed and cower there. There are times when it's better, but it always gets worse on the weekend when my husband is home more (as in more cowering, refusing to eat and potty until after my husband is in bed, etc). He obviously feels submissive, nervous and insecure around my husband. Aside from a few scoldings when Jax was 3 and 4 months old, my husband hasn't gotten after him. In fact, for the last 4 or 5 months, my husband has done nothing but give treats, speak gently, give soft quiet loves and affection, and always lays down flat on the ground to be less intimidating. My husband is a fairly calm guy, rarely even raises his voice, and pretty much never yells. He really isn't overly dominate or intimidating. Jax is nervous around other dogs, and nervous around other men, but not like he is with my husband. He literally becomes a different dog when my husband is in the house. He's very well behaved otherwise. Any suggestions???

Aw, poor Jax...he sounds like such a sweetie. Do you recall how your husband scolded Jax, when he did? Knowing that may help lead to a the solution. I think your husband is doing everything right, right now - in terms of trying to not be intimidating etcetera....so I would continue with that. I would also encourage him to foster a lot of goofy play when down on the floor with him...has he done that?

Originally, my husband scolded him for pooping on the carpet. He is my husbands first dog, and is still learning. It was nothing physical, just a stomp and raised voice. I think he stuck his nose close to it once and then took it outside with Jax. It has been over 5 months since he has scolded or gotten after Jax for anything. Jax is house trained now. I think he does better with my husband when I'm not around. He is such a sweet, obedient little dog, and really well behaved otherwise. My husband would love to play with jax, but most often jax is too scared when he's around to be interested in toys. I think it makes my husband really sad because he's trying so so hard and really wants jax to be happy around him.

Walks are also good. Maybe go out the two of you together with Jax? Going to fun places together?

Soft petting of course, and maybe yummy yummy high value treats offered?

Playing with toys as well is good.

I think your husband needs to get down on the ground and do everything he's already doing. It's intimidating to have someone standing over you. Even if they are offering treats.

I agree, and no more scoldings, no matter how innocuous you think they may be. Yorkies are sensitive and respond best to positive reinforcement.

Aw, I'm sorry. My Jackson was scared of my step-dad for a while. At that age, I believe is their "fear period" too (10 months). My step-dad has a deep voice and is fairly tall, and he's not really a 'dog person' so even though he's NEVER scolded or yelled at Jackson, he used to be scared to be touched by him. I would say it took until he was about a year old. Now he loves him, mostly because he will share some food with him, but he still gets nervous if he's yelling at the TV during a sports game, etc. Jackson tends to be a sensitive dog though, and is very noise sensitive as well.

I have had the same problem with my Stitch who is nearing 9 months. He is so afraid of my son. We have tried everything but I have realized it may just be the age. He seems to be cautious of new people and situations. I have been taking him out more so I hope it helps. Keep me post on your progress ... good luck.

Yeah, it may be a fear thing. Unfortunately dogs and birds don't forget a negative encounter. It make take time and a lot of reassurance on Papa's part.