ORIGINAL: farmchick
I have owned a lot a labs. We always had people on the farm, so never had one cower down to anyone. I have a lab now, had her for 11 years. My husband is very "hard handed"...so anytime my lab even here's his voice she cowers up and "tries" to bunch up as small as she can, but still goes up to him. I't actually pretty awful to watch. She is desparate for his approval. He beat her pretty bad one time...and it's stuck with her. She will go up to any else without any hesitation at all. She still keeps the meek attitude, but very gentle. Sounds like she needs to build up some trust.
when 1 of my dogs bit me,i lost it and broke a stick over his back..
i was wrong for doing that but most would have put dog to sleep..
i refused to kill that dog..
he has gotten a lot better and not bit anyone..some dogs are born with this..
your husband needs to just lower his voice, is all..this dog curls up in ball if he hears me fighting with family..
so, i have learned to not RAISE my voice no matter how bad a day i have had ..