First you need to help the dog feel safe around\u00a0men\u00a0so distance is key. First, try rewarding with a treat for them just looking at the\u00a0man. If they can't eat a treat, the\u00a0man\u00a0is too close. The\u00a0man\u00a0may have to turn away or sit down as sometimes their height is scary. The goal here is to help the dog feel calm around\u00a0men\u00a0and to learn that good things happen around\u00a0men.<\/p>\n
As the dog gets used to being rewarded, the\u00a0man\u00a0of the house needs to have treats with them at all times so they can reward anytime. It\u2019s always the dog\u2019s choice to go up and get a treat. The goal is changing the dog\u2019s emotional response from \u201coh, no, scary\u00a0men\u201d to \u201cOh, yeah, that\u2019s the treat machine.\u201d<\/p>\n As the pup starts to relax around a\u00a0man, there can be some additional interaction \u2013 maybe a squeaky toy toss or a little tug of war.<\/p>\n It can be a long process. Don\u2019t be worried if there are relapses. Many things can cause a relapse \u2013 too sudden of a movement, a loud voice, maybe even an unexpected hat.<\/p>\n During the process, the\u00a0man\u00a0should not be associated with anything unpleasant \u2013 no nail trimming or ear cleaning!<\/p>\n Go at the dog\u2019s pace. Don\u2019t push. Celebrate the \u201cwins.\u201d<\/p>\n Other things to consider include talking to your vet about the temporary use of anti-anxiety drugs or trying DAP -- Dog Appeasing Pheromone \u2013 which has been shown to support dogs during stressful situations. (DAP needs to be airborne with a spray or plug-in diffuser.) Flower essences such as Rescue Remedy might also help.<\/p>\n For more tips on dealing with fear of\u00a0men, we recommend\u00a0www.fearfuldogs.com<\/a>\u00a0and\u00a0www.careforreactivedogs.com<\/a>\u00a0.<\/p>\n![\"Mia](\"https:\/\/sighthoundunderground.com\/http\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/01\/miawithdad-300x208.jpg\")
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