Is this normal...how to correct it?

[tayandbella]

I know that Aribella is new to the house and my husband has been gone most of the week (he usually is for his job). Lastnight when he came home she started barking at him like crazy. He tried to lay down quietly next to me and let me tell her it was OK she did calm down but would still sit up and growl every once in awhile-it was actually pretty funny She is only 3 pounds but she has a pretty impressive bark. Bill and I realize that she probably is just protecting Tay and I in her mind. The house she was born in doesn't have any men in it and so I am sure him being so big and deep voice, etc. She probably is a little scared. He has held her and talked really quitely to her and she will sit with him wth me next to them but the minute I move she is up with me. How can we get her to know him without scaring her or making her feel cornered? You can tell me too if I am being too concerned-It is just that she is so tiny I feel like I have a brandnew baby to take care of only I don't have all the correct instints (doggy ones) to make sure I am doing it right!

Oh off subject but she also goes nuts when she sees an electrical cord! Bill says maybe she thinks it is a snake

[LouieLouie]

I watch "It's Me or the Dog" on Animal Planet and it's been pretty helpful. One thing you can maybe try is have Bill give her training, treats, and praise while you are right next to them. This may help her associate Bill positively. I have heard that Yorkies (especially males, like my Louie!) will be obviously closer to one of their owners than the other. It's diffcult but my boyfriend and I try to give Louie equal attention as much as possible. Good luck!

[4doggiemama]

"bumping" this for you with a few ideas.

Would he be willing to play with her----on her level down on the floor? How about walks with just him? Little treats? Time alone when you go do some shopping? Not an expert, though. I have a 3 lb. senior girl who hates my dh unless he is on the floor at her level. Then she goes over to him for belly scratches. (Got her at 9 mo. from a puppy mill.) Joanne

[brunosmom]

Originally Posted by tayandbella

I know that Aribella is new to the house and my husband has been gone most of the week (he usually is for his job). Lastnight when he came home she started barking at him like crazy. He tried to lay down quietly next to me and let me tell her it was OK she did calm down but would still sit up and growl every once in awhile-it was actually pretty funny She is only 3 pounds but she has a pretty impressive bark. Bill and I realize that she probably is just protecting Tay and I in her mind. The house she was born in doesn't have any men in it and so I am sure him being so big and deep voice, etc. She probably is a little scared. He has held her and talked really quitely to her and she will sit with him wth me next to them but the minute I move she is up with me. How can we get her to know him without scaring her or making her feel cornered? You can tell me too if I am being too concerned-It is just that she is so tiny I feel like I have a brandnew baby to take care of only I don't have all the correct instints (doggy ones) to make sure I am doing it right!

Oh off subject but she also goes nuts when she sees an electrical cord! Bill says maybe she thinks it is a snake

I ahve the same problem with Bruno. He barks everytime my hubby comes in from work. He usually stops after a min. or so. But when my hubby is gone he will bark at every sound he hears. It's like he thinks he is the man of the house when he is gone and he need to protect me. My hubby has tried really hard to play with Bruno and get him to sit with him. He will play with my hubby if i am in the room. But as soon as I get up he is right behind me.

[tayandbella]

Thank you for the replies- I am glad to hear this sounds somewhat normal. Bill would get down at her level ,absolutely. We will try that. She has really only seen him 2x this week-the night she came home and then for a few hours on Thursday. Like I said that bark and attitude coming from this tiny body was pretty cute but I think it actually kinda hurt Bill's feelings! He kept saying Come here baby it's OK....Poor guy! Lol

[MyPeanutAbbyGra]

Awww, at least it sounds like your hubby is patient That's a very good thing. I think with time, she will overcome her fear or protectivness, at least where your hubby is concerned. I think as long as he gives her lots of positive attention, she'll grow to love him
All the best.

[tayandbella]

*Update* Bella is getting used to her human daddy Today is Bill's birthday so his mom and dad came by for cake and Bella decided that she wanted on Bill's lap over his mom or dad She has been snuggling up to him all night now. I am amazed at how fast she is a part of our family...we are all trying to get her to trade laps now!

[Jokerman]

Congrats! That's great news.