Doggie seems to fear family member

by Henry
(New Mexico)

My 70+ year old mother wanted to adopt a dog, to keep her company. I spend much of the week with her, looking after basic things. We adopted a Coton from a breeder rescue.


My sister and my mother went and picked up little Bodhi, who was 11 months, and took him home. He was very shy, but bonded instantly with my sister, but wouldn't let either of us near him. My sister went home, and he has since bonded with me.

Whenever he sees my mother, he will growl, and slowly back away. She is the only person to ever have fed him, and he will get on her bed to receive treats, but only if she is looking away. He will not let her pet him. As you can imagine, she is pretty upset with the whole thing! What do we do to help them bond?

FYI: He will let me pet him, brush him etc., but only if I am in my bed. If I am anywhere else, he will follow me, but will not allow me to pet him. When I leave, he just sits on a couch, until I get back.

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Mar 10, 2013
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starstarstarstarstar 		Pat NEW
by: Vicky & Jonah (Az)

When ur pup growls does ur husband in the wheelchair reach over & TOUCH him & say "it's alright?" or even TOUCH him in any way. Because if he does that action is telling the dog it is ok to growl at u.

If he is able when the dog growls/barks at u have ur husband back the chair a foot from the dog & while he is doing it say "No bad boy." Or with his voice give a sharp "AH! AH!" Where the tone is, I do not approve of this behavior.

The minute he stops growling have ur husband count 1-2-3 & treat with a "Good Boy."

If this is not the behavior ur pup or husband does in the chair tell us how the action is that he reacts to.

The Coton is not so much barking against u but is protecting ur husband. This action by showing disapproval in ur pups action will relay that ur husband does not need protection from u. As the dog does this to other folks ur husband will again need to relay to the dog that he does not need the assistance. Good luck.
Mar 03, 2013
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starstarstarstarstar 		fear of touch NEW
by: Pat

It is going on 4 months since I got my 2 1/2 yr old male Coton. I've taken him to a behaviorist and he is now on two types of tranquilizers. He only stays near my wheelchair bound husband and still won't let anyone touch him. I'm struggling, too. I feed him and give him treats, but still no luck touching him.
Oct 07, 2012
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starstarstarstarstar 		Such great input
by: Anonymous

Wow, some great advice and inspiration here! Thank you so much for all the encouragement. Hopefully with love, patience and treats, it will all work out.
Oct 04, 2012
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starstarstarstarstar 		Puppies
by: Vicky & Jonah (Az)

Well it looks like ur going to have to get out the big guns. LOL. Boil the heck out of a hotdog to rid the salt. Cut little slices & then cut into 8-10 pieces. They only need a taste & be careful with their young stomachs only a couple slices a day. Throw them in a baggy that mom can carry around in her pocket & have her start playing the watch me game where u let the pup see the hotdog piece & have them follow it up to in front of her face & say watch me & treat. She can do it sitting down where ever she is.

Also use them when calling pups name by showing it to pup & treat. Pretty soon that pup will be by her side every time the bag make a noise. It kind of sounds that mom has had alot of activity in her house with all her visitors so puppys follow movement. Dogs r social animals it will not take long for her puppy to warm up & be by her side. Good luck it will be fine.
Oct 04, 2012
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starstarstarstarstar 		TIMID BODHI
by: sherry cotton candie

I know exactly what you mean. We adopted a 4 yr old coton from a rescue shelter in July. It was so pitiful for the first month, she was just so nervous and wanted to hide. She finally has learned to trust us but still will not roll over for tummy rubs, that is my goal for now.

Just tell your mom to keep trying.....talk to him alot and not to be discouraged. Give him all the attention she can, hand feed if possible -- do whatever she can to be with him. It may take Bodhi awhile as you really do not know why he is fearful. My mom is visiting from out of state and our rescue still has not allowed her to pet or hold her. Mom has been here almost a month.

Give him time, he will come around. It just broke my heart when ours would run from us, I had never been around an abused dog before. Cotons are very loving dogs but I think tend to bond more with just one particular person. Mine are so devoted to me although Cotton loves everyone. Its sad that he took to your sister rather than your mom.

We wish you luck and believe me it takes time but it will happen,
some days I felt so sad and hopeless. Kindness and food will work eventually. Please keep us posted and do not give up.
Oct 03, 2012
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starstarstarstarstar 		bonding with others
by: Kathy

As most of the folks here have heard, I have 3 Cotons. Daisy, my 7 yo, is fearful (but better now that I have gotten the other 2 dogs to show her how to be a friendlier dog). When I first got her (at 10 weeks), she instantly bonded with me. My daughter was at her Dad's for a month -- when she came back to my house, it took most of that month (even with a puppy) for her to bond with my daughter.

A couple of years ago, I got a roommate. Daisy would go and sit with my roommate when I was home, but not when I wasn't. When I was not home, she would go hide under my bed. What is so funny is that Daisy preferred to sit with Linda while we watched tv. When I visit my mom, she will go sit with my mom. Her favorite place to sit when she sits with me is on the back of the chair or sofa.

Right now, I live alone. In July I was gone for a week. In June, I was gone for a weekend & tried out a new housesitter. She came back in July & said that by the end of the week that Daisy came and sat with her when they watched tv, but it took a week of Daisy having no other choice.
Oct 03, 2012
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starstarstarstarstar 		Bohdi
by: Anonymous

Looks like your Bohdi has come to you with alot of baggage....who know what her past is, but with alot of patience and TLC things should work out......

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