Yes, I think I may be able to help. Most likely your husband has been experiencing self-doubt and hurt feelings rather than the loving "bond" he was hoping for. Unfortunately, social overtures made toward a hesitant dog can actually work to reinforce, rather than reduce, hesitancy. The more he tries, the more the dog retreats, and the worse his feelings of rejection may grow. One very simple approach I recommend quite often (sorry, readers, if you’ve heard me say this before, but it bears repeating) is the "umbilical approach," keeping the dog attached to your husband with a leash while in the house. At first the puppy would be too hesitant to follow him as he walked about and could develop an aversion to walking on the leash, as well as increased fear of your husband. So, be sure to hand the leashed pup over to him once he is comfortably situated somewhere, to avoid the risk of making matters worse. Your husband should completely ignore the puppy, not looking at it or speaking, allowing the dog to get used to his smells, sounds and movements without being the object of his direct focus.

As the puppy begins to settle down, your husband should begin to nonchalantly drop toys or bones for the dog, still keeping focused attention off. This allows the dog to begin to perceive your husband as a source of indirect positive reinforcement, while continuing to avoid possibly intimidating direct eye contact and focused attention. Next, your husband may begin to try using some "hard to get" tactics, by paying warm, loving attention to the other dog, or even to you! This will help the puppy perceive him as someone the rest of the family not only feels comfortable with, but also enjoys. Meanwhile, when your husband is home, you need to keep your attention entirely off of the puppy. If you play "good guy," offsetting or compensating for your husband’s seemingly "scary" demeanor, you will increase the dog’s attachment to you and avoidance of your husband. The goal is to get the puppy to develop enough confidence in your husband to begin seeking his attention. Gradually the pup may begin to nose at his dangling hand, or attempt to snuggle up, at which time slow, firm petting and speaking in a soft voice will probably take down the rest of the puppy’s guard.

In addition to spending time attached to one another every day, it would be a good idea to also have your husband take over as primary caretaker of "his" dog when he is home. Tending to needs such as walks, grooming and feeding, as the puppy’s confidence increases, will help build the relationship on both sides. If the puppy remains a bit hesitant, causing your husband to worry the puppy is frightened or even rejecting him, he may back off, reinforcing the puppy’s feelings of suspicion or hesitancy. Encourage your husband to not let his own hurt feelings or sensitivity for the puppy’s feelings interfere with his efforts to slowly win him over, and in a short time everyone will be enjoying your family’s new addition!

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