And usually shyness shouldn't be encouraged. ( in people or, at least, some pets. ) How odd. I'm certain I've met plenty of farm dogs who're much meaner though just as loyal to their masters. Which is probably the key difference there. I wouldn't say you're to blame, however. Maybe he's just naturally a gentleman.

( she shrugs a little. she doesn't have a strong opinion one way or another how people should related to their animals; her own dog was treated like a member of the family, but that was only to be expected with how few others she and her siblings had regular contact with. ) How much of what you say does he understand?