We just got a new puppy, about a year old. She's a border collie mix that our neighbors picked up as a stray. Our kids had been wanting a dog, so we took her off their hands. She's very sweet and great with the kids. However, she is very timid and cowers whenever a man comes close to her. She's very skiddish as well. Any noise sends her jumping. We took her to the vet and she's got a clean bill of health, but we suspect that there may have been some abuse that has caused her timidness with men. Anybody have any tips on how to get her to overcome this?
Shyness can definitely lead to aggression. The thing to be careful is not to reinforce the behavior. I would check out Cesar Milan's book there is a good section on the different types of behavior.
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"He quits, not because he wants to, but because he has to. He has no choice.
" -Tom Brands 01/20/08
Cesar Milan is the best! My St. Bernard was very afraid of loud noises and would hide in a closet during thunderstorms. (Take a second and picture that!) She was also afraid of men, and we just made sure that the men around her were very gentle, and just constantly pet her, never surprised her, etc. It took some time, but she got past the man hating thing. She never did like thunderstorms, though.
If its past abuse, you can't completely get rid of it but maybe you can make it a little better. Dogs never forget if something bad happened to them in the past.
We have a border collie mix, also. They are a bit neurotic by nature, but ours is a very (I admit that I am biased) good dog. I would suggest getting it as much exercise as possible. Ours is only skiddish around loud, outdoor noised (fireworks, lightning), but sitting with her, petting her calms her down some. Luckily we don't have the same issue with men, but I do know a couple of people who do. I think that is hard to overcome, but I have noticed with some dogs with that issue that if you get down on the floor, and let them come to you, they don't see you as such a threat. Clearly that doesn't work with the average guy you run into on the street, but could help with people in you home. Good luck, keep us updated.
Take her to a puppy training class or talk to a professional dog handler.
Most Petco's have classes at their stores and for a reasonable rate you can get professional help. The classes we went to were great and they were mostly about socializing your dog to other dogs and people along with some basic commands and techniques.
I think Cesar Milan is on the National Geographic channel as The Dog Whisperer. I am convinced the man knows what he is doing and that Dogs can learn, and even old dogs. He has done things on that television show which are unreal. The dog has likely experienced abuse, and while it may take time to get over her issues she can. We have adopted many pets over the years, including some that were abused, but with time, tlc they came around.
BTW Border Collies are wonderful dogs.
Check out this link, a ton of videos and maybe one that will help with your dog.
Dog Lovers - Help! 
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