I have a toy poodle that I got from the SPCA a few years ago and he was previously mistreated He is very healthy and friendly but he is still nervous around men. He will take food from my hand and let me pet him if he's lying down but won't let me pick him up. I've heard that many toy poodles are the same way. Do they ever get over their fear of men?

I know a woman who breeds toy poodles and her top stud male is still timid around men. I think maybe sitting with him and bonding might be the only thing right now that would help. I had a german shepard who had been locked in a room with a man who had passed away for two whole days. She didn't like men at all and no males would come to the house, we had to get rid of her when she attacked my boyfriend for no reason at all, he was just laying on my bed talking to me. We gave her to a cop couple and after 6 months of straight bonding but not doing anything else with her seemed to help her out a lot

In part, it depends on how severe the problem is, but in these kinds of situations I've heard it recommended for the male to be the one doing all of the feeding, walking with it, etc.. If the dog is dangerous towards men, it would be a bit different. I think you have to give it time and patience. He will have to gain your trust gradually. However, this is most definitely a resolvable issue. If you have any doubts, I would have a behaviorist come to help you out and tell you what you need to be doing in your particular situation.