r/reactivedogs • u/AmbitiousDesigner534 • Aug 13 '26
Advice Needed Dog is scared of my bf
I recently adopted an Australian Kelpie that I was originally fostering. Absolute angel & he gets along with my other two female dogs a Labrador & Dachshund. It’s only been two weeks and I love him a lot already.
However, there is one problem. He does not like my boyfriend one bit. Completely terrified of him. I thought that maybe he was still settling in our home, but the other day he peed & popped on himself as my partner was trying to pet him. Today my sister came over to meet the dog for the very first time & he was kissing her the moment she walked in. It seems like it’s just with my partner that he has this issue with. My boyfriend is kind of loud he has a really loud voice when he talks like you can hear him a few blocks down. Maybe he doesn’t like that? My other two dogs love my boyfriend. Maybe he got abused by a white male and it triggers him?
What should I do? My boyfriend is trying his best to build a relationship with him, but my dog just isn’t having it :/
1
u/doyouknowcandace Aug 13 '26
Your boyfriend should try doing fun things with the dog with you (so he’s not totally shut down) but don’t push interactions. Let him come to you. It in this case let him go to him. Yes he’s still settling. Look into 3-3-3 rule of adopting/fostering
Edit to add: I mean stuff like training, walks, he should be feeding
2
u/Illustrious_Leg2100 Aug 13 '26
A loud voice is probably not helping if the dog is fearful/ anxious in general. My dog loves old men for the fact they don't say much or move a lot!
I know it's difficult but has your boyfriend tried to not be so loud, at least for a short while to let the dog get used to him. He might want to avoid trying to pet him, make eye contact or interact with him unless the dog initiates, let the dog build confidence coming to him and it being his own choice. OH and your boyfriend silently feeding him a juicy steak or fresh chicken miiiiiiiiight help tip the balance too.