Need help with foster dog - question

[ernstbass]

Marley the red tick hound came to live with me 10 days age. He adjusted beautifully to my other 4 dogs. He instantly became attached to me and he listens very well. He ducked his head when I went to pat him on the head and actually snarled at my brother when he went to pat him - tried to bite him once when he extended his hand - we are thinking that Marley has been abused by some man. Well since the snarling incident my brother is fearful of Marley in addition to being hurt (he's very immature for an adult - that's a different story) Marley has started running up to brother barking rather aggressively when he eneters the room - he then wants to be petted. He also has started going up to brother and standing right beside him as if he is trying to dominate him. If I'm around I can say "Marley no bark" in a firm voice and he comes to me and stops barking. Brother is now just ignoring him. I thnk Marley is picking up on his apprehension - any suggestions? Please keep in mind that stupid brother isn't going to put out much of an effort. How does this bode for a prospective foster family? Can this dog be place in a home with men? Has anyone had experience with this?

[Systematic Chaos]

1. have you had other men around the dog?

I'm curios as to whether you've had other men around the dog. if not, then i would bring some other men in and introduce the dog to them, get men of different ages and races to come by and watch the dogs reactions. it might be that your brother may be of an age that the dog recognises as being "bad" because he might have been abused or mishandled by someone of that age? you might want to bring a woman in that's around the same age, height, general appearance of your brother as well, see if that might get the same reaction. i would also tell your brother that the dog knows he's scared, and that makes the dog scared as well. then the dog reacts to that fear and just causes a feedback loop. if you just go with your brother as the only person, you will never know. just experiment. might just be something to do with your brother. and if you are thinking of fostering the dog out, definitely have the foster family meet you at your house, a familiar space for the dog, and introduce him to the foster family there. makes it less stressful for the dog by far, and you get a feel for his feelings on the family as well. hope this info helps. :)

[ernstbass]

3. Thank you for your feedback

I have arranged for 3 male friends to come over tomorrow. Brother and Marley have come to a truce over the past 24-36 hrs and Marley is chilling as stupid brother chills. You are soo right about the fear feedback loop. Once again, many thanks.

[radfringe]

2. a dog I had years ago

was afraid of men. She was a stry picked up by some friend of my parents, I was given a sob story and ended up adopting her.

She would cower and hide in a corner when ever a man was around. What worked with her was to have the "man" give her a "special" treat. It took a bit of time, but eventually she learned not to be afraid.

don't try to push things, but have your brother or any other man toss Marley a "special" treat so Marley associates good things with men. Make the treat different than what you yourself would give him.

With my old dog, I would give her regular biscuits, but would have the "men" give her something meaty flavored or a piece of chewy-bone (her favorites)

on edit: you didn't say how old Marley was or if he was neutered or not. Dominance thing could be because he's young and just feeling his oats. Neutering would help "cool" him out. we went through this with a foster greyhound, he wasn't aggressive, just wouldn't listen to women and was a handful. After neutering he "cooled out" and was adopted by a nice couple, bonded with the man right away

[ernstbass]

4. Thanks for your suggestions

I will try the "better treats" to be given by men. Marley was neutered 2 wks ago and we think he's around 3 yrs old. Things have calmed down in the past day or so and brother seems to be more comfortable. I had a dog once who was fearful of anyone who entered the house and the treat thing really helped. My friends were most understanding in helping also! I just want Marley to be able to settle in nicely to a permanent home. I think I've been stressing too much about this and maybe expecting too much too soon - I'm not going to push things. thanks again radfringe!