Science Diet's breakthrough nutrition supports ultimate digestive well-being & healthy microbiome for dogs age 7+
Supports energy level and beautiful coat in mature dogs
This weight management and mobility support dog food was created with Hill’s unique understanding of the biology of overweight dogs.
Science Diet's breakthrough nutrition supports ultimate digestive well-being & healthy microbiome
Precisely balanced nutrition with the delicious taste of savory minced chicken to help fuel the energy needs of cats during the prime of their life
Over 70% of cats lost weight within 10 weeks when fed this nutrition
Discover how and where to store your dry, as well as canned, dog and cat food. Learn how to find the "best before" dates on all Hill's pet food packaging.
Discover why water is the most important nutrient for your dog or cat to live a healthy life. Find out how much water your pet should consume each day.
Learn what a pet's microbiome is, how it contributes to your pet's gut & overall health, and why nutrition is important in maintaining healthy microbiomes.
Jean Marie Bauhaus
|February 13, 2020
If your dog shakes or cowers when men are around, take heart. This behavior is more common than you might think. But why do so many dogs seem to find men intimidating? Here are the likely reasons your might dog fear men and tips on what to do if you find yourself thinking that they hate men.
Though it's not clear why, many dogs have a fear of men. The following are some of the more likely reasons your dog might feel uncomfortable around men.
It's possible that your dog distrusts men because of past abuse. However, this is likely not the case for most dogs, says The Spruce Pets. Simply being startled by a man once before might be enough cause for a dog to develop a fear of all men.
Some dogs may not have been properly socialized to the presence of men as puppies. The ages of 7 weeks to 4 months is a critical time for puppies, says I Heart Dogs. It's not unusual for grown dogs to develop a phobia of something they weren't exposed to during this period. Even a puppy with a male pet parent might develop a fear of other men if they aren't exposed to a wide enough variety of men.
With their larger size and deeper voice, men may simply seem more intimidating to dogs than women or children. Men also tend to be louder and sometimes use more exaggerated gestures that some dogs might find scary.
The scent of men's hormones might also have something to do with it. Dogs have a powerful sense of smell and may find a man's smell to be threatening. Women, on the other hand, may smell similar to a dog's nursing mother, which dogs generally associate with comfort and safety.
While you may think, "My dog is scared of men," it's possible that your pooch isn't frightened of men in general, but of men with certain characteristics. Maybe your dog is actually scared of men with beards, men of a certain height, men in uniforms, men in hats or any other number of traits more common among men.
It's not uncommon for dogs to be territorial of certain individuals, especially if you are the only person in the house. After all, they see you as "their" human and can be very protective of you. Additionally, dogs can exhibit jealous tendencies; a dog like this might act unfavorable toward a man earning your attention or affection.
If your dog responds to men with aggression, it's best to seek the help of a professional trainer or dog behaviorist who can help you safely navigate these behavioral issues. To prevent biting, it's always a good idea to keep your dog on leash when going in public. Even if your dog has never bitten someone, once a dog escalates to fear-based aggression, training becomes that much more difficult.
If your dog isn't aggressive, you can desensitize them yourself with the help of male friends by following these steps:
Go slowly. If your dog seems scared, don't push it; stop and try again later. If possible, repeat this process with several different men until your dog becomes more comfortable with men in general.
If you're one of the many pet parents who thinks that your dog hates or is scared of men, try not to worry too much. Phobias can be difficult to help your dog overcome, but with time and patience, most dogs can be taught that they have nothing to fear.
Jean Marie Bauhaus is a pet parent, pet blogger, and novelist from Tulsa, Oklahoma, where she usually writes under the supervision of a lapful of fur babies.
Delicious braised beef paired with tender vegetables in a succulent stew
Science Diet's breakthrough nutrition supports ultimate digestive well-being & healthy microbiome for dogs age 7+
This weight management and mobility support dog food was created with Hill’s unique understanding of the biology of overweight dogs.
Supports energy level and beautiful coat in mature dogs
Learn about Hill's puppy food and the nutritional benefit & high quality ingredients that it contains for your pup.
Proper nutrition for your pregnant or nursing dog is vital to her and her puppy's health. Learn what you should do provide her with the proper nutrients.
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Our low calorie formula helps you control your dog's weight. It's packed with high-quality protein for building lean muscles, and made with purposeful ingredients for a flavorful, nutritious meal. Clinically proven antioxidants, Vitamin C+E, help promote a healthy immune system.
Our low calorie formula helps you control your dog's weight. It's packed with high-quality protein for building lean muscles, and made with purposeful ingredients for a flavorful, nutritious meal. Clinically proven antioxidants, Vitamin C+E, help promote a healthy immune system.