- 1). Teach your dog basic commands, such as "Sit" and "Stay." This makes it easier for your dog to keep focused on you when encountering a fearful situation.
- 2). Write a list detailing the possible reasons and extent of your dog's fear. Notice if the dog is fearful of all men or only tall men with beards. Consider whether the dog is fearful of men in all circumstances or only in some circumstances. If possible, determine whether a man abused your dog in the past.
- 3). Coach men before they interact with your dog. Tell them to move slowly, sit or squat when possible (this posture is less threatening to a dog), make little or no eye contact and keep their hands by their sides.
- 4). Control your dog's interaction with the feared object--the man. If possible, schedule time for a male friend to come to your home, where the dog will feel most secure, and have him gradually approach the dog in a non-threatening manner. Ask the dog to sit, and give the dog treats as the man moves closer.
- 5). Stop the session when the dog shows signs of anxiety. Begin the next session with the man approaching the dog at a distance that elicits no anxiety.
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