My fiance and I just bought a little Rat Terrier from a pet shop the day after Christmas.  He was a little older, but I couldn't resist.  He was born September 10th.  He was very hesitant around everything when we brought him home.  Now our vet reassured us that this was fairly common as he's in a new enviornment and around new unknown people.  He's warmed up to me and I have no problems with him.  His toilet training is going great and we're enrolling him into puppy preschool in Feb.  The problem I have is that he still seemed absolutely terrified of my fiance.  He isn't violent with him by any means and has been trying to have him warm up to him by giving treats and trying to encourage playing.  Nothing has really worked.  I'm not sure if it's just because he's not home as often as I am or what.  But I would love some input and help.  It's very important to me that our puppy warms up to my fiance.  I don't want our puppy to live in fear and I want the two of them develop a good relationship.  Anyhow, anything would greatly appreciated.  Thanks!

He is old enough to have had a bad experience at the hands of a male.  Possibly an employee at the pet store or prior to arriving at the pet store.  If that is the case, it will just take time and patience.  You fiance needs to be calm and quiet around the pup.  Your efforts with the playing and the treats are good steps.  He should also do the feeding when possible.  Other things he can do is quietly lie on the floor and try to get the pup to come to him for some attention.  Lots of stroking and soft kind words.  It will just take time but the pup should come around.  Three weeks is not long enough to break down a fear from a bad experience.

Welcome to the site and congrats on the new little rattie!  I live in Texas with two mini females, Button and Zipper.  Jim gave you some good advice.  I would also add that if the dog has issues due to a male in his past, it's important for the pup to not perceive him as agressive.  One thing dogs see as aggressive  behavior is bending or hovering over them (something people often do to new puppies on the floor).  Be sure he either stands, sits, is on his knees erect or laying down around the pup for awhile.  No sudden movements around the puppy either might help if he's nervous around your fiance.  Have the fiance avoid staring at the puppy or making prolonged eye contact with the puppy, another thing dogs do before fighting.  Happy faces and happy voices are the rule of thumb around an insecure pup. 

You'll love this place.  Lots of great people and advice.  We love pics and videos, too. 

You are very welcome, but you have forgotten one thing.  We love pictures.  So post up some pics as soon as possible! 

UGH, I don't want to be the one to post this but puppies bought at pet stores are PUPPY MILL DOGS. Most come with issues, some serious. Do some research on puppy mills and you will find that the MAJORITY that come from there have deep rooted issues. I am not saying this is the case but it may be. I know they all need homes but when you buy from these stores you are supporting puppy mills.

http://www.stoppuppymills.org/

Hi Alice, I do know this now.  I didn't realize it until AFTER I had already got my puppy.  I do know about them now though.  I have a friend who's very educated on the matter and what happens there infuriates.  But that could be why he has the problems he has.  You never know.

Wow!  How great that must have felt when she was able to not only go out but to nursing homes!  How did you do it?  Anything you can add?

Wow!  How great that must have felt when she was able to not only go out but to nursing homes!  How did you do it?  Anything you can add?